Do not conclude without examining more
By Swami Chidananda
Appearances are deceptive and we know it. Yet a lot of our energy goes towards external glory. Cosmetics, for example, are said to be a huge industry. We the humanity are head over heels to look better; eager to have our visiting (business) cards create an impressive image, happy to be close to people in power (and bask in reflected glory) and so on. Two mantras in the Katha Upanishad aim at awakening us to our own deeper dimensions. Far more important than how we look, what our position in the society is or how much bank balance we have, is the nobility of our thoughts and the beauty of our emotions.
Objects are greater than the senses that perceive them; the mind, which is the seat of thoughts and emotions, is even greater.
indriyebhyah parā hi arthāh; arthebhyascha param manah
Kathopanishad 1.3.10 (Chapter 1, Valli 3, mantra 10)
[The objects are called superior to the senses in the mantra in a technical sense. The senses were created in order to perceive their objects, therefore, in a sense, they are inferior.] What is important here is to take note of the fact that thoughts and emotions (implied by manah, the mind) are far more important than the physical looks of people. Black or white, European or Asian, people with healthy thoughts and caring emotions are greater assets than those who impress us with their physical stature and financial strength.
We will do well always to be careful in judging others, taking time to see them in a holistic frame of reference.