Individual or dividual?
You have a clear cut choice. Awaken to the total sense of who you are, or remain in slumber.
Be an individual or a dividual. Divided into your social self, your work self, your family self, your friend self, your lover self, etc. Playing a role depending on the environment. Your life energy channelled in different directions to support various predictable and socially acceptable responses.
Being careful to fit in and properly play your expected role, giving up genuineness in the process. Willfully choosing to give up the uniqueness that is your birthright.
The choice is yours. With continued meditation, you will become increasingly aware. Whenever you are pulled away from your true self in order to take on some expected social role, you will begin to observe the mechanics involved.
In that moment of truth, you can choose to simply be. Aided by that simplicity, the correct response to any situation will emerge. It will be the correct response in that it will be naturally flowing and intuitive.
The Tao refers to wu-wei (non-doing) as action that is effortless and natural. Appropriate responses to any situation when we just flow moment by moment without purpose. Relying on our inner voice and intuition to respond without purpose or motivation. Simply responding. Simply being response-able.
Refuse habitual role playing in favor of expressing yourself honestly from moment to moment, regardless of social pressures. Any reward for "playing the game" will pale in comparison to the freedom gained when one is not being somebody, but simply being.
Friday, August 24, 2007
If you dreamt the same dream night after night
If you dreamt the same dream night after night, returning to the same cast of characters, surroundings and situations AND you awoke to the same life day after day, returning to the same cast of characters, surrounding and situations...which would be the dream and which would be real?
And how would you distinguish the two?
And would you realize that both are but a dream, and THAT which witnesses both states and is itself changeless is the only reality?
Can you realize that now?
Can you BE THAT now?
And how would you distinguish the two?
And would you realize that both are but a dream, and THAT which witnesses both states and is itself changeless is the only reality?
Can you realize that now?
Can you BE THAT now?
Don't just say it - always be grateful.
Be grateful for the fact that you exist.
Be grateful for the health that you have.
Be grateful for the food that you eat.
Be grateful for the wonders of nature.
Be grateful for the senses that allow you to experience both pain and pleasure.
Be grateful for your innate ability to ultimately find creative solutions.
Be grateful for all the people in your life.
Be grateful for the kindness that some have shown you.
Be grateful for the ability to to forgive those who have not treated you well.
Be grateful to learn from both.
Be grateful that there are no insignificant moments.
Be grateful that you able to experience all of them.
Be grateful for your ability to learn from your mistakes.
Be grateful for your ability to focus on whatever you choose to focus on.
Be grateful that you have that choice every moment.
Be grateful for your ability to find inner peace.
Gratefulness is magical; in that the more you are grateful for today, the more that you will find you are grateful for tomorrow.
Be grateful for the health that you have.
Be grateful for the food that you eat.
Be grateful for the wonders of nature.
Be grateful for the senses that allow you to experience both pain and pleasure.
Be grateful for your innate ability to ultimately find creative solutions.
Be grateful for all the people in your life.
Be grateful for the kindness that some have shown you.
Be grateful for the ability to to forgive those who have not treated you well.
Be grateful to learn from both.
Be grateful that there are no insignificant moments.
Be grateful that you able to experience all of them.
Be grateful for your ability to learn from your mistakes.
Be grateful for your ability to focus on whatever you choose to focus on.
Be grateful that you have that choice every moment.
Be grateful for your ability to find inner peace.
Gratefulness is magical; in that the more you are grateful for today, the more that you will find you are grateful for tomorrow.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Get it now...Katha Upanishad and all...
Get it now...
Katha Upanishad (circa 1400 BC)
"To many it is not given to hear of the Self. Many, though they hear it, do not understand it. Wonderful is he who speaks of it. Intelligent is he who learns of it. Blessed is he, who taught by a good teacher is able to understand it"
Buddha (circa 530 BC)
"I have taught the truth which is excellent in the beginning, excellent in the middle, and excellent in the end; it is glorious in its spirit and glorious in its letter. But simple as it is, the people cannot understand it. I must speak to them in their own language. I must adapt my thoughts to their thoughts. They are like unto children, and love to hear tales. Therefore, I will tell them stories to explain the glory of the Dharma. If they cannot grasp the truth in the abstract arguments by which I have reached it, they may nevertheless come to understand it, if it is illustrated in parables."
Tao Te Ching (circa 440 BC)
The Tao that can be followed is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be named is not the eternal name. The nameless is the origin of heaven and earth While naming is the origin of the myriad things. Therefore, always desireless, you see the mystery Ever desiring, you see the manifestations. These two are the same-- When they appear they are named differently.
This sameness is the mystery, Mystery within mystery;
The door to all marvels.
The Gospel According to St. Matthew - Chapter 13 (circa 70 AD)
10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? 11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. 13 Therefore speak I to them in parables; because seeing they see not, and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14 And unto them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall in no wise understand; And seeing ye shall see, and shall in no wise perceive: 15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, And their ears are dull of hearing, And their eyes they have closed; Lest haply they should perceive with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart, And should turn again, And I should heal them. 16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear.
4-8 year olds when posed question "What is love?"(circa 2000 AD)
"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love." -- Rebecca, age 8
"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You know that your name is safe in their mouth." -- Billy, age 4
"Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs." -- Chrissy, age 6
"Love is what makes you smile when you're tired." -- Terri, age 4
"Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK." -- Danny, age 7
"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate." -- Nikka, age 6
"When you tell someone something bad about yourself and you're scared they won't love you anymore. But then you get surprised because not only do they still love you, they love you even more." -- Matthew, age 7
"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well." -- Tommy, age 6
"During my piano recital, I was on a stage and scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore." -- Cindy, age 8
"Love is when mommy gives daddy the best piece of chicken." -- Elaine, age 5
"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day." -- Mary Ann, age 4
"When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you." -- Karen, age 7
Katha Upanishad (circa 1400 BC)
"To many it is not given to hear of the Self. Many, though they hear it, do not understand it. Wonderful is he who speaks of it. Intelligent is he who learns of it. Blessed is he, who taught by a good teacher is able to understand it"
Buddha (circa 530 BC)
"I have taught the truth which is excellent in the beginning, excellent in the middle, and excellent in the end; it is glorious in its spirit and glorious in its letter. But simple as it is, the people cannot understand it. I must speak to them in their own language. I must adapt my thoughts to their thoughts. They are like unto children, and love to hear tales. Therefore, I will tell them stories to explain the glory of the Dharma. If they cannot grasp the truth in the abstract arguments by which I have reached it, they may nevertheless come to understand it, if it is illustrated in parables."
Tao Te Ching (circa 440 BC)
The Tao that can be followed is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be named is not the eternal name. The nameless is the origin of heaven and earth While naming is the origin of the myriad things. Therefore, always desireless, you see the mystery Ever desiring, you see the manifestations. These two are the same-- When they appear they are named differently.
This sameness is the mystery, Mystery within mystery;
The door to all marvels.
The Gospel According to St. Matthew - Chapter 13 (circa 70 AD)
10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? 11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. 13 Therefore speak I to them in parables; because seeing they see not, and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14 And unto them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall in no wise understand; And seeing ye shall see, and shall in no wise perceive: 15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, And their ears are dull of hearing, And their eyes they have closed; Lest haply they should perceive with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart, And should turn again, And I should heal them. 16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear.
4-8 year olds when posed question "What is love?"(circa 2000 AD)
"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love." -- Rebecca, age 8
"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You know that your name is safe in their mouth." -- Billy, age 4
"Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs." -- Chrissy, age 6
"Love is what makes you smile when you're tired." -- Terri, age 4
"Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK." -- Danny, age 7
"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate." -- Nikka, age 6
"When you tell someone something bad about yourself and you're scared they won't love you anymore. But then you get surprised because not only do they still love you, they love you even more." -- Matthew, age 7
"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well." -- Tommy, age 6
"During my piano recital, I was on a stage and scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore." -- Cindy, age 8
"Love is when mommy gives daddy the best piece of chicken." -- Elaine, age 5
"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day." -- Mary Ann, age 4
"When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you." -- Karen, age 7
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Freedom is always here and now and available to us
Freedom is always here and now and available to us. We need only realize it. When locked into our thoughts and perceptions, freedom appears as but a dream. Separate and unattached from the mind and ego, freedom is found. Give up your strong attachments to desires and that is when you will find they will begin to be fulfilled.
Seeking more knowledge and information upon information only burdens the mind by its sheer weight. Beyond your mind and ego and fixed in the present moment, you will find everything you need to know. Wordless and intuitive. Your inner self will be your greatest teacher if you only remain still enough to hear it!
When you eliminate all the false ideas and notions you have about yourself through regular and earnest meditation, then what remains is the true Self. That is where freedom dwells as well.
Seeking more knowledge and information upon information only burdens the mind by its sheer weight. Beyond your mind and ego and fixed in the present moment, you will find everything you need to know. Wordless and intuitive. Your inner self will be your greatest teacher if you only remain still enough to hear it!
When you eliminate all the false ideas and notions you have about yourself through regular and earnest meditation, then what remains is the true Self. That is where freedom dwells as well.
Forcing change
Forcing change
As you practice present moment awareness there is no doubt that you will see changes, but demanding immediate profound results is evidence of immaturity. Awareness will trigger change in due time. Don't force change. Forcing and manipulating have actually served to stunt real growth.
Here is the dynamic:
You are unaware of the resentment you have towards a co-worker. Carrying this resentment into a stressful situation, you lash out at this individual with an inappropriate response. You now add feelings of guilt to the mix. You get labelled a "hothead" who is incapable of dealing with stress and as a result, are continually passed over for promotion. This causes further resentment which carries over into your personal relationships.
You lash out again, but this time perhaps your partner is the recipient which causes more personal chaos. More guilt and resentment piled upon guilt and resentment. This in turn takes a toll on your body, resulting in sleeplessness. You are now even less prepared to deal with daily stresses. The situation becomes more volatile and this downward spiral continues.
Let's return to the scene of the crime. While in the present moment and in conversation with this co-worker, you become aware that you indeed harbor some resentment towards them. Simply because you are choosing to be aware in the present moment, you find you are able to remain objective towards this resentment. You observe it, keep separate from it and do not allow it to cause you to react emotionally.
When the stressful situation does arise, you do not lash out. The lashing incident never happens but instead true growth has occurred. A small portion of wisdom has been acquired. Positive developments ensue, all indirectly resulting from that one moment of awareness.
Make that choice to be aware this and every succeeding moment! There is no forcing or straining required. Just simply notice. Witness in the here and now. This is all that needs to be done. Why do you think we call it "the present" anyway?
As you practice present moment awareness there is no doubt that you will see changes, but demanding immediate profound results is evidence of immaturity. Awareness will trigger change in due time. Don't force change. Forcing and manipulating have actually served to stunt real growth.
Here is the dynamic:
You are unaware of the resentment you have towards a co-worker. Carrying this resentment into a stressful situation, you lash out at this individual with an inappropriate response. You now add feelings of guilt to the mix. You get labelled a "hothead" who is incapable of dealing with stress and as a result, are continually passed over for promotion. This causes further resentment which carries over into your personal relationships.
You lash out again, but this time perhaps your partner is the recipient which causes more personal chaos. More guilt and resentment piled upon guilt and resentment. This in turn takes a toll on your body, resulting in sleeplessness. You are now even less prepared to deal with daily stresses. The situation becomes more volatile and this downward spiral continues.
Let's return to the scene of the crime. While in the present moment and in conversation with this co-worker, you become aware that you indeed harbor some resentment towards them. Simply because you are choosing to be aware in the present moment, you find you are able to remain objective towards this resentment. You observe it, keep separate from it and do not allow it to cause you to react emotionally.
When the stressful situation does arise, you do not lash out. The lashing incident never happens but instead true growth has occurred. A small portion of wisdom has been acquired. Positive developments ensue, all indirectly resulting from that one moment of awareness.
Make that choice to be aware this and every succeeding moment! There is no forcing or straining required. Just simply notice. Witness in the here and now. This is all that needs to be done. Why do you think we call it "the present" anyway?
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