RAM LEARNS ABOUT JUDGING OTHERS

NIRAV: I have a new friend who just moved in our neighborhood. His name is Suketu. He has a new ten speed bike, and he lets me ride it. I want you to meet him. Come on.

RAM: What color is his hair, black?

NIRAV: Yes, do you know him?

RAM: I bet his eyes are brown, aren’t they?

NIRAV: You must know him, do you?

RAM: No, I don’t think that I want to be a friend with someone like that.

NIRAV: How can you say that about someone you don’t even know?

RAM: I can tell already that he is a sneaky, creepy, terrible thief, and we should not be friends with him.

NIRAV: That is a terrible way to judge someone, Ram.

RAM: Oh, I’m not judging. I saw him downtown last week in one of the stores. I saw him take some candy from behind the counter. I am not judging, these are true facts.

NIRAV: How do you know he was stealing the candy?

RAM: You could see that he was stealing the candy. People just don’t go behind the counter.

NIRAV: I know why he was behind the counter. Ram, his daddy told him to go behind the counter.

RAM: You mean his daddy wanted him to steal the candy?

NIRAV: Not really Ram. Suketu’s daddy owns the store. Suketu helps his daddy by working in the store.

RAM: You mean he has a job?

NIRAV: Yes. See you weren’t being fair when you judged him.

RAM: Well, that’s how things looked to me. I really didn’t mean to be unfair.

NIRAV: You shouldn’t judge people. Just keep your thoughts about other people to yourself. Remember the other day we learned that only Arihant Bhagwan knows everything. I hope you didn’t mention that you thought Suketu was a thief to anyone else.

RAM: No, you are the only one I told.

NIRAV: Well, I am glad Ram. People shouldn’t talk about others. People gossip and start to think bad of others.

RAM: I am really sorry Nirav. I promise I won’t do it again. Suketu is a nice guy. Will you take me to meet him?

NIRAV: O.K., he is at the candy store. Let’s go over there, and I will buy you some candy.

RAM: That’s so nice of you Nirav. Let’s race to see who can get to the candy store first.