There is a story about Naropa, an 11th century Indian yogi who one day was approached by an old hag. Knowing him to be one of India's greatest Buddhist teachers, she boldly asked him if he understood all the words in the large holy book he was reading. He answered smugly in the affirmative, and the old woman danced and laughed with glee. Then she asked if he understood every instruction in the book, and again, Naropa answered affirmatively. This time, however, the old woman's face darkened with a scowl, and she flew into an immediate rage, pointing a finger at him and accusing him of being a liar and a hypocrite.
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It is said Naropa was forever changed by that strange encounter with that old hag. Naropa knew inwardly that he had been caught in the act. He did know the words, this was true, and from this knowledge, he could teach, and brilliantly so. But he had not yet wholly experienced the teachings in his heart, and therefore, could not fully understand that which he taught.
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There may be many of us, who like Naropa, will for a time, fool ourselves into believing that we know and understand the concept of blessing our world fully. That we also have loving unconditionally down to a suitable science.
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"Ah, yes," we will say, "this habit of blessing, accepting and loving everyone and everything is wonderful. It has truly changed my heart, spirit and life." But there will come the time when none of what we have learned will seem relevant. We will have an argument with our spouse, or the commode will overflow just as company arrives. The car will break down in the middle of a busy freeway, other drivers yelling obscenities as they drive past, or a co-worker or in-law will say something hurtful at a time when we feel most vulnerable. How can we push past all the frustration and discomfort we feel and love, forgive or bless anyway? How can we suspend judgment when what we are judging is so up close and personal? How can we bless our world when our world suddenly seems so intent on cursing us?
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The answer is not simple...
It is not enough to just read or study bibles, books and more books...
Listen to wise sages who teach and expound upon words of explicit and profound wisdom...It is not enough to subscribe to Philosophies or religions that ring true to our intellects and spirits...We must live out these spiritual concepts, religious beliefs, philosophies and credos in our own personal everyday lives...Until it all becomes our second nature to love unconditionally, bless others when possible and forgive those who hurt and betray us always...
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There is much to be said about
the phrase, "Count Your Blessings." Try not to fall into the trap of entitlement or deadly apathy...Be always mindful of the goodness that surrounds you. Be thankful for the blessings you can attribute to God and the love you receive from enlightened and nurturing others....
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In reality no earthly man or woman fully arrives. We all carry seeds of dissension and denial so deep within our souls...At times we are fully convinced those seeds of debrivity do not exist.
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In truth NO man is an island!
We all need people in our lives that we are accountable to, can trust to tell us truth under any circumstances, and will care enough about us to lift us up when we fall. They will not or rather must not take pleasure in our failures, calamities, seemingly our demise or a fall from grace...They will have enough strength, love, truth and compassion within themselves to be magnanimous and grace giving to us as well as others.
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Where do you find these people?
As simplistic as it sounds...
Be the person you would like to attract into your own life and they will come....
"HONESTLY they will!"
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This week...
I wish all who read this blog all that I wish for myself...
Inner Peace...
Serenity...
Hope...
Good Health...
A big dose of Faith...
Strength to overcome...
Be a light...
Be a survivor....
See difficulties as a chance to learn...Grow...
Be eternally Blessed...
Bless Others...
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Ti Amo!!!!
Je t'aime !!!
