Guest guest Posted December 21, 2009 Report Share Posted December 21, 2009 hi.. thought this was nice.. love Bruce We are like a person holding on to a piece of rope. He holds on for dear life, knowing that if he were to let go he would fall to his death. His parents, his teachers, and many others have told him this is so; and when he looks around he can see everyone else doing the same. Nothing would induce him to let go. Along comes a wise person. She knows that holding on is unnecessary, that the security it offers is illusory, and only holds you where you are. So she looks for a way to dispel his illusions and help him to be free. She talks of real security, of deeper joy, of true happiness, of peace of mind. She tells him that he can taste this if he will just release one finger from the rope. " One finger, " thinks the man; " that " s not too much to risk for a taste of bliss. " So he agrees to take this first initiation. And he does taste greater joy, happiness, and peace of mind. But not enough to bring lasting fulfillment. " Even greater joy, happiness and peace can be yours, " she tells him, " if you will just release a second finger. " " This, " he tells himself, " is going to be more difficult. Can I do it? Will it be safe? Do I have the courage? " He hesitates, then, flexing his finger, feels how it would be to let go a little more . . . and takes the risk. He is relieved to find he does not fall; instead he discovers greater happiness and inner peace. But could more be possible? " Trust me, " she says. " Have I failed you so far? I know your fears, I know what your mind is telling you -- that this is crazy, that it goes against everything you have ever learnt -- but please, trust me. Look at me, am I not free? I promise you will be safe, and you will know even greater happiness and contentment. " " Do I really want happiness and inner peace so much, " he wonders, " that I am prepared to risk all that I hold dear? In principle, yes; but can I be sure that I will be safe, that I will not fall? " With a little coaxing he begins to look at his fears, to consider their basis, and to explore what it is he really wants. Slowly he feels his fingers soften and relax. He knows he can do it. And he knows he must do it. It is only a matter of time until he releases his grip. And as he does an even greater sense of peace flows through him. He is now hanging by one finger. Reason tells him he should have fallen a finger or two ago, but he hasn " t. " Is there something wrong with holding on itself? " he asks himself. " Have I been wrong all the time? " " This one is up to you, " she says. " I can help you no further. Just remember that all your fears are groundless. " Trusting his quiet inner voice, he gradually releases the last finger. And nothing happens. He stays exactly where he is. Then he realizes why. He has been standing on the ground all along. And as he looks at the ground, knowing he need never hold on again, he finds true peace of mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2009 Report Share Posted December 21, 2009 Love stories like this, they make so much sense without any effort or argument! Although, what I love most about them most is that you can talk and think 'around' them, if your mind works like that. For instance, after reading that parable it made me think of the people who have the rope yanked straight out of their hands without the guidance of a teacher to explain it to them...(those that are awakened without their knowledge). Or those that without explanation, realise that they can let go on their own! (chrism...) Or even those that know they can start to let go, but see their loved ones around them still holding on and it presents them with a fear of separation (me I guess?). Its possible I read too much into these things... =) Blessings Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2009 Report Share Posted December 21, 2009 thanks for sharing this bruce, I feel the truth of this but a question has repeatedly come into my mind for a couple weeks now and has periodically for a while, how does one actually let go? Wise sages talk about how it's as easy as letting go of a pencil, but it doesnt feel like that. Im wondering if it's because I just don't know what exactly it is that Im holding onto??? craig , " BruceO " <bruce_oom wrote: > > hi.. thought this was nice.. > > love > Bruce > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2009 Report Share Posted December 21, 2009 Oh that's interesting, for as I was reading it, I pictured him on the ground holding a rope like a tug-of-war. I was wondering if he was teathered to the others and if he lets go it's not just himself who could fall; but too that's the illusion as each person finds balance within and of self. I pictured him falling forward or backwards but not falling as if no ground were beneath him. It was interesting to discover how it was meant to be read, and the teachings it holds. Thank you. -Danielle , " BruceO " <bruce_oom wrote: > > hi.. thought this was nice.. > > love > Bruce > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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