Thought provoker

"Words of encouragement motivated by the wish for someone’s happiness can function as a source of revitalising light, rousing courage and strength." - Daisaku Ikeda

I contemplated the practice of the Component of Encouragement when I read this quote from Daisaku Ikeda.  The practice of the Components, as a thinking partner, is silent – not made present for the person who is thinking in any particular words from the person listening to them, but rather as an expression of a way of being.  Being encouraging is manifested by ceasing competition whilst listening, and replacing any judgement, assessment, comparison or analysis with a genuine desire for the thinker to experience having the courage to move into the as yet unexplored territory of their thinking in order to make progress for themselves.  Whether it is towards happiness, or clarity, or understanding or acceptance, or the courage to act, the offering of encouragement in a thinking environment is, I believe, motivated by wanting the best possible outcome for the thinker, and therefore does indeed act as a 'revitalising light'.