Meditation fills the self with qualities that are needed in every relationship.

By: B.K Chirya Risely
Source: The Daily Guardian https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/10/30/e-paper-today-delhi-31-october-2026/
Dated: October 31st, 2026

Relationships are meant to be deep and beautiful, so that we can support and encourage one another on our journeys through life. Yet, we can see that relationships are now the cause of a great deal of stress. They are no longer as meaningful as they used to be. Early divorces, sudden break-ups, and loss of friendships are a testament to the lack of nourishment we are finding in our relationships. Anger and ego, jealousy and possessiveness are the toxic elements that cause the breakdown of ever more relationships. One of the main elements of a collapse of a relationship is inner emptiness, low self-respect, lack of respect for others, and the inability to communicate honestly and openly with others.

Each person has their own mindset and perspective, and these very often differ from our own. Personal goals may not be the same within a relationship, and compromises are difficult to sustain. However, each one has the right to their own pursuit of fulfilment in life. Our life’s purpose is ours alone and the determination to attain that purpose must come from within us.

For our own journey, it is important not to heed the negative thoughts and opinions of others, not give them space in our mind or let them distract us from our purpose. Permitting negative comments of others to control our thinking weakens our confidence and self-belief. In the same way, we must not allow any negative judgement or criticism to obstruct the path of another.

We should cause no hurt, and no one should be able to hurt our feelings. It is we who allow ourselves to feel hurt as we carry on an internal dialogue about the behaviour and words of another. It is we who cause the hurt because of our thoughts and attitude. Far better to connect with others with sweetness and humility, forgiveness and compassion, and maintain a healthy, loving detachment.

Attachment in relationships brings expectation and desire, leading to fear, worry, stress, and ultimately sorrow. Appreciate others, respect their path and purpose, but let them be free from our expectations. Expectations are the seeds of most problems in relationships, and exist because the qualities of love, peace, and joy are not sufficiently strong within the self.

Meditation is the way to fill the self with the qualities that are needed in every relationship. Love and peace, joy and wisdom are deepened and strengthened through meditation. In this way our relationships are not formed or sustained because of neediness, but are enjoyed in respectful freedom, full of spiritual love and good wishes.

Chirya Risely is a Rajyoga meditation teacher based at the Brahma Kumaris Peace Village Retreat Center, USA.