I turned to the “Open Page” with trepidation wondering whether my article where I had agonised over every word and line had found a place. The editor’s scalpel is really sharp and, often, I am disappointed. This week too, I was disappointed but before I could move on I saw a particular name. My sense of disappointment blew away when I saw the name of my good friend and colleague over the years. Lakshmi is articulate with her fine repertoire of words, and a great reader on the sidelines of her busy schedule. I could not have been happier had my own article appeared in the columns of the “Open Page”.
How does one differentiate the pride one feels for a friend’s accomplishment, something one is slightly envious of, and the undiluted joy one feels for someone for whom one is completely happy?
The subtle difference is expressed in the Hebrew word firgun, which can be roughly translated as unselfish delight. There are times we feel happy about things totally unrelated to us, where there is no sense of the self. I see the child of neighbours, who have recently moved in, giving me the brightest smile of camaraderie from the balcony and my heart is moved. There is similar joy at the sight of a red hibiscus in the garden, looking askance at me.
