Knowing in Order to Discern

In life, for the sake of our spiritual evolution, we have the duty to carefully observe what happens, to understand it, and to form a conscious opinion. By analyzing events, we can recognize mistakes—our own or those of others—and draw valuable lessons from them, without losing trust in ourselves or diminishing our gratitude toward others.

Within ourselves, as within every human being, there is neither only light nor only shadow. Intelligence is given to us precisely so that we may discern between the two, learning how to correct what needs correction and to cultivate what deserves to grow. Observation, analysis, and evaluation are therefore essential duties for anyone who truly wishes to evolve. Yet such evaluation must never turn into stigmatizing judgment, much less into condemnation.

In the Gospel according to Matthew (7:1–2) we read:
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Our behavior should always be guided by respect and genuine humility—not superficial, but authentic. Only in this way can we offer our contribution to others with ethical rigor and sensitivity: without imposing ourselves, without expectations or demands, without the presumption of holding truth in our hands. Truth, in fact, cannot be reduced to a single viewpoint; it embraces countless nuances, which the wise and truly evolved person knows how to harmonize and elevate toward the highest summit.

To be aware of the importance of not judging or condemning does not mean to abstain from evaluation. On the contrary, as conscious beings, we have the responsibility to exercise discernment—tattva-viveka, in Sanskrit—which is one of the noblest signs of an evolved human being.

Marco Ferrini (Matsya Avatar das)