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As I read the quote by the Buddha that follows, I was struck by the combination of rigor, straight talk and compassion found in his words. He does not soften his words with a pseudo-spiritual timidity, as if concerned that we would disapprove, or that we would shatter if we were to shine the light of Awareness on the truth about ourselves that we have ignored or avoided.
He speaks to us from across the ages with a no-nonsense approach that he invites us to apply to ourselves. His speaks not to the Victim mentality so prevalent today. He speaks not to pacify or justify the conditioned patterns of blaming, pleasing, wanting approval and wanting control that keep our authentic Self asleep, and guarantee the perpetuation of inner suffering, disconnection and lack. He speaks instead to our true, infinite, loving, creative nature---that Self which is the true source and master of the way we respond to life moment by moment. His words resonate with the approach of another Master who said, "Know the Truth, and the truth shall set you free."
The Buddha begins by asking us to do two things that the majority of human beings do not do: "Love yourself and watch."
If we act on his simple, yet mighty words, our lives will be transformed. All suffering dissolves in that Light of Awareness. We would find ourselves living from our true nature, from our Core Wisdom. That is the Buddha's invitation.
He says to "establish yourself in the way, then teach." By teaching, he does not mean merely talking. Our greatest teaching takes place when we are living the principles of "the Way." How we BE is what teaches others of the possibility of an Awakened life in action. Anything we say that does not resonate with who we are is merely a pale, imitation. Don't merely talk about Compassion. BE Compassionate. Don't merely talk about loving. BE Love.
The Buddha invites us to know that we are the master of our lives, that it is time to give up "waiting for Godet" to arrive and save us. If "The Kingdom of Heaven is within You," then who and what are you waiting for? What you are looking for abides within you, and is closer to you then your breath!
We are invited to put aside the explanations and reasons we use to justify our life-suppressing behavior; to cut short the urge to blame others or our history for the way we are ---as if we had no power in the matter to create our life. Instead, we are urged to recognize, embrace and be responsible for our own "mischief and folly." It is in the light of this Awareness that our problems dissolve.
When the Buddha points out the temptation to neglect our commitment to walking the true path (our work), because of the perceived needs of another, he speaks of one of the key testing grounds for being authentic. Can we continue to be true to ourselves whatever the circumstances? It is not an either/or proposition. When we are true to ourselves, rather reacting to whether others approve of us or not, we can see what loving and compassionate actions to take in any situation in a way that supports another's true nature (rather than merely appeasing their and our conditioned fears, desires, or wants).
Finally, the Buddha invites us to wholeheartedly give ourselves to our true work---the full expression of our Self in action.
Enjoy the Wisdom of his words!
-- Hal Isen
A Core Wisdom Quote
You are your only master.
Willfully you have fed
By your own folly
How hard it is to serve yourself,
Mischief is yours.
You are the source
No one purifies another.
Your work is to discover your work 541-488-7687 |
