NEGOTIATIONS OFTEN LEAD TO A MUCH BETTER WAY OF LIFE

Don’t argue, and don’t fight.

That is what the Dalai Lama says with a rejoinder that one must try, as far as possible, to negotiate whenever there is a crisis that has the potential to spoil one’s own and others’ peace of mind.

What does it really mean?

It means that you should not be argumentative, for that would lead you, more often than not, into a fight. It also means that arguments usually have a kind of rough and uncivilised tone, and, at times, they get into ‘street language’.

But it does not mean that you should not get into ‘reasonable’ arguments that have the bearings of a positive and intellectual tone and have the potential of making things easier and better. Argue, by any means, but don’t give it the tone of a bitter fight.

The other day I was witness to a TV channel debate in which arguments broke into a sort of fight. So much so that the channel’s anchor had to shout: “Mr X, don’t shout, I can do it much better!” The result was that the show was a complete disaster, instead of a lovely talk show.

What that means is that, in the journey of life, we, as human beings, who are endowed with the sharpest of intelligence, need to rein our temper and make use of the best of our qualities in order to make life’s strides smooth and enjoyable. Inner Voice comprises contributions from our readers. The views expressed are personal