Psychosynthesis

Browsing through the library rather aimlessly awhile back, I chanced upon a short little volume titled, "The Elements of Psychosynthesis," by Will Parfitt. I first heard about Psychosynthesis more than 30 years ago, but have never looked very deeply into it, so I thought maybe it was time I had. Chapter 1 opens with this definition: "Psychosynthesis is a comprehensive approach to self-realization and the development of human potential." Well, that's just fine, I thought: that's exactly what my life is about, or at least aims to be about. Several pages later we find the following notion:

"We can know what we want, and have an idea of where we are going in life, but once we start moving in that direction we find there are all kinds of blocks that stop us. Psychosynthesis says these blocks are our helpers. Through looking at them and dealing with them, we can move more effectively in the direction in which we desire to go. The blocks are the very energy of our being, so the more we deal with the blocks the more we are moving towards our true being, rather than cutting off from ourselves and not allowing our potential to grow and blossom."

So the next time we confront those infernal blocks, perhaps we will remember this and, instead of cursing them, we will celebrate their very existence. Ya think so?

Where is the Person?

John Wheeler, whose website, http://www.thenaturalstate.org/, I have referenced before, asks a few very pointed questions in the following missive:

"Where is the person? Is it real? Did you ever find it? For example, in any given moment there may be a few thoughts, feelings or sensations appearing. Do any of those constitute a person, a separate self ? They are simply momentary objects appearing and disappearing in present awareness. How could they be a substantial self or independent person? If you set those aside and continue to investigate, you will find that there is nothing else present at all to investigate! All there is, is wide open, clear, obvious presence-awareness itself. And that is not a limited person or entity."

I am reminded of Osho's recommendation that we ask not so much "Who am I?" but "Where am I?" Where indeed is the person we take ourselves to be? Nasargadatta says simply, "You are not a person." And of course Buddha 2,500 years ago denied the reality of a self. The Buddhist tradition also teaches us that "There is suffering, but no one who suffers." Again, no self. Hmmm.

Look to This Day

Look to this day:
For it is life, the very life of life.
In its brief course
Lie all the verities and realities of existence.
The bliss of growth,
The glory of action,
The splendour of achievement
Are but experiences of time.

For yesterday is but a dream
And tomorrow is only a vision.
But today, well-lived, makes
Yesterday a dream of happiness
And tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well, therefore, to this day.

-- Kalidasa

Awareness

TheNaturalState.org currently has this juicy little tidbit on its homepage:

It is not that "you" can be or become aware. That divides something that can not be divided. You are awareness. You are constantly that. That is the necessary ground from which all arises. What can there be without awareness? Everything arises and sets in awareness and has no independent existence apart from it. That is the substance of which everything is made, including you. It is you. That awareness is pure peace and happiness because in it there is no separation, no isolation, no fear, no past, no future, nothing to obtain and nothing to lose.

Nonduality

Just tonight I happened upon a wonderful book while surfing the web -- One: Essential Writings on Nonduality, by Jerry Katz. The few pages I read of this book (at Amazon.com) indicate that it is a real gem. The essential truth of nonduality is that all is one; there is no separation or duality; our true nature (the Self) is one with all that is. To realize this is liberation, enlightenment, nirvana, the end of suffering. We fail to realize the nondual nature of reality because

"Ignorance supervenes and draws a veil over the pure Self which is bliss. Attempts are directed only to remove this veil of ignorance, which is merely wrong knowledge. The wrong knowledge is the false identification of the Self with the body, mind, etc. This false identification must go, and then the Self alone remains."

One explores the nondual dimensions of Hinduism, Sufism, Jainism, Taoism, Native American Tradition, Christianity, and Buddhism. This is my kind of book: an exploration of the essential truth within the various religious traditions.

The book enjoys a number of strong endorsements, including this one from A. Walker:

"Jerry Katz has ceased to become an editor and has transformed into an inspired guide into the world of nondualism and the search for truth. Any reader interested in finding the enlightenment that links us all together would greatly enjoy this book. It is a fascinating read from beginning to end and every step along the way."

The Silent Question

Toni Packer is yet another of our blessed female, spiritual teachers, who speaks as one who knows. Her latest book, "The Silent Question," is an anthology of talks and dialogues she has had with various seekers on retreat with her. The following excerpt from her book presents a "radical perception," of which I have long been enamored.

"It is a radical perception that there is absolutely nothing to gain, nothing to get, nothing to be, nothing to hold on to. As I say this, do you already notice a subtle resistance to it? Or is there simply thinking, "Yes, it's OK." Nothing to get. Nothing to be. Nothing to understand, for that matter. Being here is totally sufficient. It doesn't need to be understood."

Action!

Being the born contemplative that I am, who loves nothing more than a beautiful idea, but am not particularly inclined to do anything about it, I have slowly come to realize that ideas are fine, but we must act in the end. Nevertheless, I continue to struggle with that action part. Then, as fate would have it, I stumbled upon a book at the library not long ago, titled, Action! Nothing Happens Until Something Moves, by Robert Ringer. Hmmm, I thought, catchy title, maybe there is something in there I would do well to consider. (You can see my predilection for the thinking part.) And indeed there was something in there of significant value for me to ponder: the inestimable value of "Action!" The inside jacket cover sums it up nicely:

"Action! Nothing Happens Until Something Moves acknowledges that ideas can be precious commodities that can change the world, sound preparation is invaluable, and knowledge and wisdom are essential when it comes to giving one an edge in the pursuit of great achievements. But ideas, preparation, knowledge, and wisdom are all but useless without action, because action is the starting point of all progress."

So, with that, I must leave this fascinating world of ideas and go take some "Action!" After all, "nothing happens until something moves." Lights, camera, . . .

Compassionate Self-Discipline

A friend of mine recently told me about a new book by Cheri Huber, Making a Change for Good: A Guide to Compassionate Self-Discipline. Cheri Huber had been for some years a favorite author of mine, so naturally I traipsed off to the bookstore to look at her new book. I was particularly drawn to the title of the book, as self-discipline, or rather the lack of it, has long been a real stumbling block for me. Leafing through the book, it was not long before I realized she had another winner. Early on Cheri describes compassionate self-discipline:

"Compassionate self-discipline is nothing other than being present rather than engaged in distracted, unfocused, addictive behaviors."

What a marvelous concept! Just think: if I could manage to be more present -- something I aspire to anyway -- then maybe I could naturally develop more self-discipline. I am thrilled with the promise this holds out. She continues her description:

"Compassionate self-discipline is simply allowing the innate intelligence and generosity that is your authentic nature to guide you in every moment."

Who wouldn't want to be guided by their innate intelligence? She goes on to describe the fruits of following this guidance:

"With this guidance you will be not only disciplined, you will be spontaneous, clear, awake, aware, efficient, appropriate, respectful, grateful, kind, honest, sincere, expressive, steady, dependable, responsible, peaceful, joyful, and satisfied."

What a fantastic path! By simply following our inner guidance, not only will we be self-disciplined (which would be reward enough), but our lives will be marked by great virtue. And we'll be happy as clams. Sign me up.