Uneasy Goodness

The greatest act of kindness is the one that is done in secret. Asking for nothing in return.

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All religions tell us to do unto others as we wish others to do unto us. In Buddhism, they talk about Equanimity. It is encouraged to cultivate thoughts of loving kindness for all beings in one’s meditation. May all beings be well and happy – whether we even know these beings or not!

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The Bible also encourages one to do the same. In Matthew (6:1-4), "Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly."

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More than one year back, I did a secret act of kindness. This helped prevent a colleague of mine from losing his job. His wife was pregnant and due to deliver in a few months. I knew that he could not afford to lose his job. By the way, the decision to remove him from my department was entirely due to company restructuring. He was completely competent in his job in my department. I did all that I could to get him a place in another department. I fought hard (without him knowing), and the management finally approved.

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It was beyond my expectation that this colleague of mine could somehow develop a slight hostility towards me after the transfer. I did not expect him to be grateful to me for helping him not lose the job. But it was hard for me to swallow his adverse reaction.

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As I analyzed the inner chemistry that has happened inside me, I came to a conclusion. It is easy to talk about Spirituality and Goodness as a theory. Something that we can easily talk about and list down in point form to follow. But putting spirituality into practice is a totally different thing altogether. I do know that I should help my fellow colleague without expecting gratitude and anything in return. But I can’t seem to quiet the voice inside me crying, "Foul Play!! Not Fair!!" .. for getting so misunderstood.

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"Blessed are those who can give without remembering, and take without forgetting."

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I guess on the chapter of genuine and unconditional kindness - I would still have to work harder.

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Any tips for me?