It is unavoidable. Whether we like it or not, there is no way we can isolate ourself from others. Every moment, we have to deal with someone or the other, whether they are our relatives, friends, enemies, coworkers or business associates. Thus, we do keep worldly relationships, whether good or bad,  with everyone around us.

These worldly relationships or dealings, consume a lot of our time, energy, and  money. In so doing we tend to forget our real duty and we become weak, insecure, and dependent on others. We also make others weak and dependent. When we are weak, we become stubborn, temperamental, egoistic and selfish. Thus, we neither do good to ourselves  nor to others around us.

Gita teaches us how to live in harmony with everyone and everything and fulfill our duties without depriving others of freedom. Let us not assume that the world will come to an end without us. Let us learn to live pleasantly and in harmony with nature as well as our inner self.

We may not impose our ideas or our culture on others or suppress or scare anyone due to our physical strength. We should never try to take advantage of someone's poor circumstances, or else it will be the beginning of our downfall. Man is a beggar when full of lust and greed. We should not waste our time expecting anything from such a creature. Being a begger himself, he can not give us anything. Let us learn to give that which will bring us closer to God. Never be an obstacle in anyone's path, not even in your own spiritual path.

All of us need to learn about our true Self and teach others through our lives rather than empty words. God alone can help us all. If we cannot uplift ourselves then how can we uplift others?  A wise man is the one who helps others in order to uplift him self.

--Swami Radhanadaji