Not written anything for a while so I’m probably rusty. There’s been something on my mind, something we don’t hear talked about that often when people discuss a ‘spiritual inquiry’ or ‘seeking truth’. I suppose the simplest way to say it is that it has to be about more than that. It has to be […]
Tag Archives: freedom
I wouldn’t say I have a lot of certainty in my life. In fact I’m not sure I have any (no pun intended). This isn’t because my life is wild and unpredictable; it’s more of an inner attitude that recognises that change is present in every moment. When I look back on it this […]
Preamble: Rather than qualify every individual statement in this post, let me say that nothing written here should be taken as an assertion. These are just invitations to look and consider and if they are helpful please feel free to make use of them; if not then equally, feel free to set them aside. One […]
There’s something to say about flexibility. Flexibility of body, something I slowly seem to be losing, is important, but I’m talking here about a flexibility in our nature. The suppleness to bend and sway as we move along the windy and sometimes obstacle-strewn path that is life. The first time I came across the notion […]
There are a million and one ways in which we can offer resistance to what we find happening in the moment. And this can be seen as the cause of our suffering can’t it? That’s not to confuse suffering with pain. Pain happens. It’s a label for part of this human experience; an inevitable part. […]
One question every ‘seeker’ needs to ask themselves is what their motivation is for finding truth, awakening or whatever label we prefer. Truth is simply the way it is. How could it be anything else? If we’re trying to escape suffering, avoid unpleasant mind states or find some blissed out mode of being, then we’re […]
One thing each of us can relate to in life is its constantly changing nature. Whether this is a comfort or a source of fear we all have to live with this reality; the wheel turns, life moves on and all changes. Occasionally we’re reminded that within this ever changing landscape, this path we tread […]
Within each faith tradition we don’t have to look far before we come across rules. Within Buddhism there are five precepts for the lay community, and 227 for the monastic sangha. A question can arise for us around some of these these rules – are they really of any value? At times it may not […]
One of the aspects of searching for truth that contains any number of potential stumbling blocks is our expectations. Thoughts can arise such as, ‘If I see there’s no separate self, will I become like a Buddha? Will I be enlightenened? Will all suffering cease? Will I get rid of all my hang-ups? Will I […]
The realisation of no-self leads inexorably to the realisation of no selves. Empty boats, as Chuang Tzu called them. So all around we see patterns of behaviour, forms through which these arise, no selves. All is arising supported by its causes. There is no purpose in this, no higher Self directing it. To search for […]
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