Sølvregel nr. 2

Mitt samvittighetsfulle selv;
Vær taktfull i alle situasjoner.

Pir Zias kommentar:

Tact is not deception. Tact is consideration. Murshid says: “Truth that hits like the blow of a hammer is not the truth.” What is right, what is natural, what rings true depends on the circumstances. It is a matter of harmonizing with the moment. And yet tact need not always be meek and mild; it can be bold and courageous. But it always involves consideration.

Tact, sensitivity to the feelings of others, is the opposite of inattentive, reckless heedlessness, which is self-absorption. Tact means seeing and recognizing the need of another; understanding and harmonizing with the surrounding music of life. It means flowing like water rather than unnecessarily provoking opposition. Antagonism is easily provoked when we are heedless, when we neglect the practice of simple courtesy, simple observances that acknowledge the existence of those around us, and their rights. How many arguments, conflicts, and even wars are the result of unnecessary provocations. How much understanding results when we make an effort to speak and act with tact.

Turning within, can you recall the last time you did not exercise sufficient tact? What were the outer and inner circumstances that gave rise to that misstep? What was the effect on the one who saw or heard it? And what was the effect on you?

Contemplate this experience and a lesson is learned. Our ideal is strengthened by seeing clearly the cause and effect. But let us remember, too, the last occasion on which you did exercise tact effectively, thoughtfully and with consideration. What outer and inner circumstances allowed you to do so? What effect did it have on you?

Let us take strength from this recollection and aim always to increase our capacity to practice tact on all occasions, favorable and unfavorable.

My conscientious self, use tact on all occasions.