As there are just too many understandings from this reading, I am going to focus on a few of the selections that really spoke to me.
-------------
"How can one real-ize or make real that which alone is real? All we need to do is to give up our habit of regarding as real that which is unreal." Then, "When we stop regarding the unreal as real, then reality alone will remain, and there will be that."
Sounds similar to the Upanishad "Perfect comes from perfect. Take perfect from perfect and the remainder is perfect." Only in the letting go of Maya is Atman free of identification with what is seen, and instead is identified as nothing more nor less than a part of wholeness, or, "the pristine state."
To place it more modern terms, Ramana Maharshi states, "Reality is simply the loss of the ego. Destroy the ego by seeking its identity."
"We keep seeking reality though in fact we are reality." As I have come to understand, the ego is my defense mechanism, brought about as my interpretive filters developed. As the world rose in front of me, and others exerted their will over me, my vulnerability prompted the forging of a shield wall, a protective cocoon, devised of separation, superiority, and loathing.
As I was not met with the type of love I felt I deserved or was entitled to, the ego was given room to blossom. The more I continue to think that I am any different (better or worse, than anyone else, the more I fan the flames of an egoic wildfire. The point is this: regardless of any view I may take of myself, I am still a part of all things, and thus connected to God-consciousness.
I am reminded of a fellow who once told me, "I have known many men who have told me their stories. Many of them say they have found a distance growing between themselves and God and I always ask them, 'Which of you moved?'"
Ultimately, I believe, it comes down to one choice: do I have the desire to find peace and "break free from life's sorrow?" Am I willing to grow along spiritual lines, to "long for the supreme spiritual bliss?" Am I willing to be the student?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
I think I enjoyed reading your blog almost as much as I like reading from the book itself. I find that I connect to a lot of things you said, regarding your reactions to the reading and thoughts on religion. I often times find myself at a distance with whatever higher power there may be, and I wonder if it's my doing, of the sake of something else.
I myself have a defense mechanism, though it's not ego, it's more of a shield to other people, whether they're being genuine or not, I've always tried to find a motive in someone's actions that could undo them, not believing that people are inherently bad but just to protect myself. But, I realize the more I do that to other people, the more I may get a similar response in return.
And I'm sure this comment has gotten off track and in a direction it shouldn't go, so I'll wrap it up. I agree with a lot of your points of view, and I believe that anyone can try to change themselves if they're patient and they understand that it's not going to be instantaneous. Baby steps, that's the way to go.
I really do like what you have to say. Your very intelligent and take all these readings in a personal way. Trying to relate to how you feel about it. I agree with what you have to say and really enjoy your thoughts. I really like and agree with what you think about ego. If we try and figure out if we are better or worse than other people it will only make us worse.
Woody, I think you nailed it in your last paragraph.
I think opening oneself up to spiritual growth and willing to be the student, as we all are in some way by taking this class, can ultimately lead to freedom.
Freedom and learning are two principles which guide the way I live my life.
On the matter of ego: I think that ego is just insecurity shown outwardly. So if one can overcome their insecurities they will be free, ie they will let go of their ego. And that is a great reality!
To some of our youngest classmates I would say, some freedom from ego/insecurity comes with age - it's one of the truly nice things about getting older! It's a kind of peaceful feeling. It happens when you stop worrying what other people think about you, and start worrying what you think about yourself. :)
Post a Comment