One who cooperates receives cooperation. The method to give cooperation is to use the energy of the mind to create vibrations of good wishes and pure feelings for others and for the task. By remaining detached, objective and influenced by innermost values and not external circumstances, subtle cooperation in the form of wisdom emerges.

uman achievement is like a mountain range with cliffs, crags, slopes and valleys. To aim for excellence in collective achievement is to aspire to climb to the crowning point. The endeavor requires each climber to be equipped with essential skills and knowledge and good amounts of determination and will power. However, no climb should ever be undertaken without the most indispensable piece of equipment: the safety rope of cooperation. Cooperation ensures equanimity, empowerment, easiness and enthusiasm. Cooperation provides the means for each climber to take a step, no matter how small, and for those steps collectively to reach the pinnacle.

Cooperation is not a bargaining game in which one person's success is achieved at the expense or exclusion of the success of others. The constant aim of cooperation is mutual benefit in human interactions; it is governed by the principle of mutual respect. Courage, consideration, caring and sharing provide a foundation from which cooperation as a process can be developed.

If the power of discrimination is sharp at the time a person, group or nation needs cooperation and the accurate method is applied, there will be success in human interactions and relations. The method can be as simple as providing an explanation, giving love or support, or listening. However, if there is lack of power to discern the type of cooperation needed and the correct method to give that, success in the form of agreement and contentment will not be experienced. That can be likened to a doctor not accurately diagnosing the illness. Instead of getting well, the patient would experience complications created by the treatment.

Cooperation is possible when there is easiness, not heaviness. Easiness means being sincere and generous of spirit. Such liberality makes one worthy of receiving cooperation from everyone. If one has faith and confidence in others, that in turn, builds faith and confidence in others. Such feelings produce a comfortable environment of empowerment, respect, support and togetherness.

Cooperation is everyone's responsibility, yet it takes courage and inner strength to facilitate the process. Sometimes those who take on the responsibility become the target for insult and criticism. Fundamental preparations are required to create an internal support mechanism through which such individuals are able to protect themselves hand maintain equanimity and poise. The necessary attitude is one of detachment, in which nothing is taken personally. By remaining detached, objective, and influenced by innermost values and not external circumstances, subtle cooperation in the form of wisdom emerges. To look at another with an attitude of love and cooperation - even after being "defamed" by that person - is known as having MERCIFUL VISION. The outlook is infused with understanding, forgiveness, tolerance, patience and empathy. One with such a nature more easily facilitates the removal of any "grid-locks of non-cooperation" which may have been stalling progress.

Cooperation requires recognising the unique role of every individual while maintaining a sincere and positive attitude . Positive thoughts within the self automatically and easily creates the feeling of cooperation within the minds of others. The method to give cooperation is to use the energy of the mind to create vibrations of good wishes and pure feelings for the others and for the task. That effects the atmosphere in a positive and subtle way. The collective vibrations of such pure and subtle effort prepare the ground for open and profound deliberations and a successful round of cooperation.

Cooperation with time and with the natural order of events brings patience. Time is valuable because it always offers unique opportunities to achieve what is best and what is necessary at the moment it is meant to be. Time cooperates with each person if one chooses to recognize its importance.

In the process of world transformation, the time is now for each person to lend a finger of cooperation - if not with mind, then with body, then with wealth; if not wealth, then with encouraging or urging others to cooperate. If each were to lend one finger, together the mountain would be lifted! And when the subtle ties which join us together in universal brotherhood are recognized as unbreakable, then cooperation will become inevitable, and together we will reach new and greater heights!

"However, it is here, in this hall, that we have all come together- that we must all come together - to make known our differences, examine our motivations and, if possible, find solutions. For there are, beyond all that can divide us, common purposes, common objectives, to which we have all promised to adhere and which our charter proclaims in Article 1 in an order which it is worth recalling on this thirtieth anniversary. We have in fact solemnly undertaken to 'Maintain international peace and security,' to 'Develop friendly relations among nations,' and to 'Achieve international cooperation.'"

Mr. Gaston Thorn,
President of the thirtieth session of the UN General Assembly,
September, 1975