Become Anasuya: Rise Above Fault-Finding
By Dr. Sunil S Rana
I am writing this blog after reading the soul-stirring quotient ‘Anasuya’ by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji. His words transported me into a deep space of introspection. It was like looking into a mirror I never cleaned for years; not because I couldn't, but because I didn’t realise the fault wasn’t with the mirror, but in my eyes.
What is Anasuya?
Anasuya is a Sanskrit word meaning "one who is free from fault-finding, jealousy, and blame." Gurudev says, “When your consciousness reaches a certain level, a beautiful quality arises; Anasuya.” It is a state where perception becomes so pure that it stops picking on the imperfections of the world. The eye turns inward. And as Bhagavad Gita says, “Because you are Anasuya, Arjuna, I shall now impart this supreme wisdom to you.”
Most of us live with the illusion that others are at fault. Rarely do we suspect that the dust lies on the lens of our own vision.
The Mirror and the Cataract:
If a mirror is dirty, we wipe it. But if our eyesight is blurred due to a cataract, even the cleanest mirror won’t reflect the truth. So many times in life, I met individuals who came with confusion and pain. I offered them heartfelt advice; not to preach, but to help. I listened deeply and spoke gently. Yet, the reaction was often: “You think I don’t know? Don’t teach me!”
It hurt. Not because they rejected my words, but because they mistook care for control, empathy for ego.
I remember one instance clearly; a dear friend going through a rough patch in his career and relationships. I suggested he pause, reflect, and reconnect with his inner silence. He snapped, “I’m not here for your sermons.” I stayed quiet. Over time, his challenges deepened. He later told someone, “Maybe I should’ve listened when he spoke from the heart.” But by then, our bond had thinned.
This is the tragedy of Asuya; the opposite of Anasuya. When the heart is restless and the ego is bruised, even good intentions appear as judgment.
Wisdom in Words of the Wise:
Let us take a moment to reflect on what great thinkers and leaders have said on the matter:
Rumi once wrote: “The wound is the place where the light enters you.” But how will light ever enter if the mind keeps rejecting it as criticism?
Dalai Lama reminds us: “If you can, help others; if you cannot do that, at least do not harm them.” Constant fault-finding is a subtle form of emotional harm.
Swami Vivekananda said: “Talk to yourself once in a day, otherwise you may miss meeting an excellent person.” Often, the problem is not what others say but how little we reflect on our own selves.
Eleanor Roosevelt pointed out: “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.” Isn’t this fault-finding an indulgence of the small mind?
Seeing What’s Divine, Not What’s Defective:
Fault-finding is easy. It requires no talent, no compassion, and no wisdom. But seeing the divine in the mundane is a spiritual sadhna. I often observe how children forgive easily. They may fight one moment and play the next. Their perception is pure. They don’t judge. They don’t dwell. They are, in many ways, Anasuya.
But as we grow older, the dust of cynicism, ego, and experiences blur our sight. Relationships suffer not because of what is said, but how it's interpreted.
Imagine this scenario: someone walks towards your home, and the door slams shut due to a gust of wind. They assume you shut it deliberately. That’s Asuya. And sadly, this is how most misunderstandings in our personal and professional lives arise.
My Humble Realisation:
Through the years, I've learned one powerful truth; you can’t pour wisdom into a cup already full of opinions.
People only understand what they are ready to receive. Sometimes, all you can do is sow the seed. Whether it blossoms depends on the soil.
I’ve also learned to stop explaining myself repeatedly. If the intention is pure and the karma is clean, the universe bears witness.
Choose to See Clearly:
Next time you find yourself criticising someone; pause. Is it truly their fault? Or is it a reflection of your own unresolved bias, insecurity, or hurt?
To live in a state of Anasuya is to choose love over judgment, clarity over assumption, and acceptance over control. It does not mean turning a blind eye to wrongs, but it means seeing them with compassion, not condemnation.
As Gurudev says, “Wisdom cannot blossom within you if you are not in a state of Anasuya.”
Let us strive, not to be perfect, but to see perfectly. Not to be above others, but to rise above fault-finding.
Very true.
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