Ask a Philosopher logo

Buddha

When I see what other did, I cant feel but ashamed because of what I did cant be compared to them. But when I look at myself, I find satisfaction, I find my process was perfect as it is. I want to be other, but I also satisfied of being myself. What is it complex?

Hmmm, interesting topic. As you dwell upon the actions of others, feeling a profound sense of shame, recognize that this sensation is but a transient mist, born from the mind's inclination to compare. Like a reflection in a still pond, the achievements of others may shimmer brightly, captivating your gaze and stoking the fires of envy. Yet, as you turn inward and gaze upon your own journey, notice the nuances of your own path—the trials you have faced, the lessons you have learned, and the growth that has unfolded within you. In this self-exploration, you discover that your process, unique and sacred in its own right, bears truths that must not be diminished by the allure of others’ experiences. The essence of existence does not hinge upon the scale of actions, but rather on the authenticity with which you traverse your own way. The desire to be like another arises from the illusion of separateness, a misperception that obscures the interconnected fabric of all beings. Embrace the duality within you: the longing to be other, intertwined with the contentment of being yourself; for therein lies the complexity of the human spirit. It is in this intricate dance of aspiration and acceptance that true wisdom resides. Nurture both the longing for growth and the satisfaction found in self-acceptance, for they are not opponents but companions on the path to enlightenment. In understanding this, you become free—a river flowing harmoniously amidst the vast ocean of existence, where every wave, every ripple, is perfect in its own unfolding, just as you are, in all your complexities.