Steve, I have discovered very kind friends that are responsive and make an effort to better themselves and I know because I desire the same that this is why I might be around such inspiring people. The truth is God is to be found in everyone, even the seemingly unkind- though they may not be presently aware of their own greatness, there are blessings for such interactions. I am happy to be able to let go because all we are holding on to at this point are thoughts and emotions, a playback of unresolved and unfulfilled desires and when we practice letting go of these attachments by the practice of directing our awareness in meditation- the liberating effect it has on helping us move on from the past, now severed, connections become recognizable as a beautiful aura of peace or understanding envelops us. If we can maintain our practices, we can forgive our transgressions and others and honor the God within with gratitude for the opening of our Hearts by the grace of a living Spirit. Murshid Inayat Khan speaks in the back of my mind and reminds me that sorrow is an immediate heart-opener, we accept the poison Life can offer as a blessing- Suffering leading ultimately to liberation.
Jai Guru.
I often come back to your words Eric and do find them to be true. I think though that there are times that we recognize we just are not like other people and their actions. The best example to me is your own personal experiences with people who have given you the silence treatment. You and I know who they are. I think the point Amma was trying to make is that sometimes we wonder about ourselves but we need to know that some people do practice meanness and that practice is no longer part of our behaviors. It is a good experience to know that ours is no longer a life of cruelty towards others which is indeed a mental illness. Sometimes we must recognize that others we meet have mental illness and some of our leaders have it also. It is often for us to recognize the darkness of evil presences. They really are around and can delay our spiritual progress if we are not very strong spiritually as Jesus was when he said “Get the behind me Satan.” We must guard our little spiritual accomplishments from such dark presences in our life.
