Aaron Posted January 4, 2013 Why must you control me? What is it that makes you want me to be like you? What is wrong with me and right with you? What right do you have to decide what is right for me? If what I do does not harm you, then why do you choose to harm me? Do my words harm your body? Do my words harm your soul? Let go of my words. Have faith in what is here and now and you can let everything else go. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vanir Thunder Dojo Tan Posted January 4, 2013 I want to like this post more, but it will only let me click it once Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vmarco Posted January 4, 2013 Peter Russell articulate:  Years of personal experience, combined with centuries of cultural learning, have taught us the importance of holding on.  We hold on to our desires We hold on to what we think we need. We hold on to what promises us happiness.  We hold on to our possessions. We hold on to our image of who we are We hold on to our ideas of what is right.  We hold on to our theories. We hold on to our beliefs. We hold on to our attitudes. We hold on to our judgements.  We hold on to the past We hold on to the future.  We hold on to our grievances. We hold on to our fears. We hold on to our loves We hold on to our lovers.  We hold on to money.  We hold on to our thoughts. We hold on to our illusions.  We hold on to our gods. We hold on to our bodies. We hold on to our lives  So why do we hold on?  Maybe we believe that our safety lies in holding on, That losing our grip could spell disaster, Or we may believe that holding on is the way to salvation.  But do we really know it is safer to hold on? Would letting go really be so bad? Do we really gain from holding on?  It is the role of the teacher to show us that such security is illusory. That holding on only holds us back. That our salvation lies in letting go.  Our holding on is a constraint we've placed upon ourselves. It is an attitude, a way of thinking. And our thinking - unlike the weather or the movements of the planets - is one thing we have complete control over.  The task of the teacher is to show us that we can change our minds, and that it is safe to do so.  We are like a person holding on to a piece of rope.  He holds on for dear life, knowing that if he were to let go he would fall to his death. His parents, his teachers, and many others have told him this is so; and when he looks around he can see everyone else doing the same.  Nothing would induce him to let go.  Along comes a wise person. She knows that holding on is unnecessary, that the security it offers is illusory, and only holds you where you are. So she looks for a way to dispel his illusions and help him to be free.  She talks of real security, of deeper joy, of true happiness, of peace of mind. She tells him that he can taste this if he will just release one finger from the rope.  "One finger," thinks the man; "that"s not too much to risk for a taste of bliss." So he agrees to take this first initiation.  And he does taste greater joy, happiness, and peace of mind.  But not enough to bring lasting fulfillment.  "Even greater joy, happiness and peace can be yours," she tells him, "if you will just release a second finger."  "This," he tells himself, "is going to be more difficult. Can I do it? Will it be safe? Do I have the courage?" He hesitates, then, flexing his finger, feels how it would be to let go a little more . . . and takes the risk.  He is relieved to find he does not fall; instead he discovers greater happiness and inner peace.  But could more be possible?  "Trust me," she says. "Have I failed you so far? I know your fears, I know what your mind is telling you -- that this is crazy, that it goes against everything you have ever learnt -- but please, trust me. Look at me, am I not free? I promise you will be safe, and you will know even greater happiness and contentment."  "Do I really want happiness and inner peace so much," he wonders, "that I am prepared to risk all that I hold dear? In principle, yes; but can I be sure that I will be safe, that I will not fall?" With a little coaxing he begins to look at his fears, to consider their basis, and to explore what it is he really wants. Slowly he feels his fingers soften and relax. He knows he can do it. And he knows he must do it. It is only a matter of time until he releases his grip.  And as he does an even greater sense of peace flows through him.  He is now hanging by one finger. Reason tells him he should have fallen a finger or two ago, but he hasn"t. "Is there something wrong with holding on itself?" he asks himself. "Have I been wrong all the time?"  "This one is up to you," she says. "I can help you no further. Just remember that all your fears are groundless."  Trusting his quiet inner voice, he gradually releases the last finger.  And nothing happens.  He stays exactly where he is.  Then he realizes why. He has been standing on the ground all along.  And as he looks at the ground, knowing he need never hold on again, he finds true peace of mind. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Marblehead Posted January 4, 2013 We are like a person holding on to a piece of rope. Don't forget to grab that strawberry and eat it on your way down should you decide to let go of the rope. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dwai Posted January 4, 2013 Difference anxiety We see it everywhere. Humans, despite our loud proclamations about diversity are in fact afraid of things that are different. We want everyone to conform to the "accepted" norms and uniformity in all our surroundings. After creating a boring and lack-luster life and environments we step out once in a while to seek the "other" for a momentary thrill, knowing well that we will slink back into the "security" of our conformist lives... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GrandmasterP Posted January 4, 2013 Yep, you can't beat the old pipe and slippers. ;-) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aaron Posted January 5, 2013 (edited) I am constantly amazed at how many people feel attacked because I encourage others to think for themselves, rather than blindly follow dogma. It seems that the notion of free-thinking is a dangerous notion indeed. I would encourage people to read my signature if they have questions as to how one can keep lies alive. Â Aaron Edited January 5, 2013 by Aaron Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aaron Posted January 5, 2013 I want to like this post more, but it will only let me click it once  I'm glad you liked it. Thanks. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vanir Thunder Dojo Tan Posted January 5, 2013 there, I liked that one too, but it *REALLY* belongs to the first one HAW! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
