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An introspective consideration of one’s own thoughts or emotions is hard work. There is subterfuge in play when not recognizing that we have ingrained habits causing us dissatisfaction and frustration. In response, we lash out–the nearest person is self. Self-hate is often engendered. With that attitude, it is not hard to realize how we lash out even further–to those who are near us, to our friends, to society, and even to a God.
Our basic fault is often grounded in loss of freedom and this loss gives rise to anger. It is sometimes beset by pride, jealousy, and envy. At their core is fear because we are not happy. Yet, we are beings of the light or light beings, according to quantum physicists.
Can we recognize our “pathology” (very small “p”) in order to side step not just once but often so that a new groove can be wedged into our consciousness that we all suffer and that we can only survive in the light by recognizing that we have inner compassion to forgive and forget ourselves and others….to cast as little a shadow because our view has become light and because that view is based on creative choices that resonate with what is beneficial to us–as per our experiences by employing useful and skillful means. Can we identify them? At what point do we begin to identify and question our patterns of belief, cognition, affect, and activity that bring about grief to you and to others? Below are some ideas to start employing skillful means.t point do we
The idea that Prince Siddhartha Gautama, founder of Buddhism, was a skeptic may surprise many. To attest to this, after being addressed as the Awakened One, i.e., Buddha, he said the following:
Do not go upon what has been acquired by repeated hearing; nor upon tradition; nor upon rumor; nor upon what is in a scripture; nor upon an axiom; nor upon specious reasoning; nor upon a bias towards a notion that has been pondered over; nor upon another’s seeming ability; nor upon the consideration, “The monk is our teacher.”…When you yourselves know: “These things are good; these things are not blameable; these things are praised by the wise; undertaken and observed, these things lead to benefit and happiness,” enter on and abide in them.
The path of least resistance and least trouble is a mental rut already made. It requires troublesome work to undertake the alternation of old beliefs. Self-conceit often regards it as a sign of weakness to admit that a belief to which we have once committed ourselves is wrong. We get so identified with an idea that it is literally a “pet” notion and we rise to its defense and stop our eyes and ears to anything different. John Dewey
Apostle Paul’s advice to the Philippians:
Fill your minds with everything that is true, everything that is noble, everything that is good and pure, everything that we love and honour, and everything that can be thought virtuous or worthy of praise. Keep doing all the things. (The Jerusalem Bible)
Whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things. (New Scofield Bible)
In other words, examine all things. If it is beneficial to self and others, keep. If it is not beneficial to self and others, drop it.
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Thought | 4 Thought 