THE QUESTION
Another day in paradise…. or perhaps we are in hell. It depends on the state of mind. We do live in our minds, do we not? My present challenge is to live according to the highest teachings I know; its my intention, to be sure. There is intent and there is will.
So what is my intention? Yes of course I would prefer to live a long and satisfying life, free from the vaious ills that beset us so often in declining years. But, as Socrates observed, one should define one’s terms. What does ‘satisfying’ mean? It involves happiness, but is not limited to happiness. I have had the feeling of satisfaction in moments of athletic achievement, enjoyment of the beauty of nature on a sunny day, sharing of laughter with friends, time spent with children and grandchildren. I have found joy in coming across new and foreign places, learning with awe about the echoes of the past, connecting across the walls of misunderstanding by improving my knowledge of a foreign language. These have all been very satisfying. The problem is that the joy is fleeting… can be experienced in a moment, then soon passes away. All mountains give way to valleys, day becomes night and the breath once drawn in must be exhaled. No matter how much we get, we still yearn for more. Something within me has intimations of something that can be recognized but not adequately described. How is this experience to be integrated in the context of – Peace of Mind?
THE TEACHING
There is a peace which passes understanding. All the major traditions such as Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Sufism, Taoism, Hinduism, mysticism, shamanism and even modern self-help gurus emarge from a deep experience that cannot be adequately communicated in words. Music, dance, painting and other art forms can point to it; however, they are like reading about a delicious banquet without ever actually eating the food.
Having studied quite widely about the teachings that come from these traditions I have sought to identify practices that appear to enjoy wide approval in pursuing what appears to be….the path (the pathless path – camino sin sendero – the way that cannot be spoken – The God whose name can not be known).
HELPFUL ADVICE
- Follow guidelines of behaviour that do not harm others.
Benevolence in intention is key. Generosity instead of greed.
Kindness instead of cruelty
Calm instead of anger.
Understanding instead of judgement.
Hope instead of fear
2) Create and maintain a daily practice
Self discipline can be developed
Some foods are better than others
Live a life with order and regularity
Meditate (or pray) as much as is practical
Pay attention – all the time – to what you are doing
Observation of the breath helps with all of the above
3) Develop an attitude of awe, gratitude and even worship
Towards the natural world
Towards all living creatures
Towards everyone you know.
4) Seek and appreciate those individuals who shine like a beacon, pointing the way
They include many (but not all) religious leaders.
Surround yourself with kindred spirits, no matter where they come from.
Pursue activities that enhance the above
Avoid associating with those whose behaviour you do not wish to emulate.
Do not waste your time criticizing others.
Be gentle with yourself…. like the Prodigal Son you will tend to stray
SO WHAT?
All of the above should be considered as a blueprint of intentions. Taken together they comprise a series of sign posts that can be kept in mind.
A Higher Teaching
This seems right to me: that there is a deeper reality than what we normally perceive as reality, that something within us strives to develop as the green plants reach towards the Sun, that each of us needs to integrate the challenges of our lives as best we can, that in an seemingly hostile world we are not alone. That there is a way for all of us, but what it is … only you can find it.
THE WILL
It’s good to have an intention, but good intentions do not necessarily pave the way to heaven. We do posess will power. It is totally needed to succeed in heeding all those good intentions. No one else can do it for us. In fact, many forces will conspire to throw us. What I can do is to try, try again… every day… and not become discouraged. It may be helpful to write a reprt every day in the evening in order to record progress. Bring back the thought police! I can be my own confessor. Good luck.
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