Question: I find it very difficult and painful to watch the news and video clips on war, bombings, damage to cities, human suffering, etc. How do I handle this without becoming judgmental?
Reply: As a person, it is very hard to watch without feeling upset and judgmental. That is because such a stance indicates a persisting identification with the mind. It is the mind which experiences such feelings, in fact all types of feelings, negative and positive.
As Vedanta states, I am not my mind. I am Consciousness, the Witness, Observer of the mind and body and of what arises in either. As Consciousness, my nature is Peace and Happiness, whatever the circumstances in life, even painful ones. Events, experiences, situations affect the body and mind but do not affect me, Consciousness.
Thus, I can stop identifying with the body-mind by recognising and being Consciousness, my true nature. In any situation, pleasant or unpleasant, I remain established as pure Consciousness. There will be peace in the mind because Peace is my nature as Consciousness.
If there is something I can do about a situation or event, I will act by using my body-mind structure as an instrument of service and peace. If I cannot do anything about it, I can pray and let God or Ishvara take care of it. In either case, I am at peace.
