some late thoughts on perseverence

[Guest guest]

not a right/wrong, or sucess/fail approach ... more like some kind

of toy that rights itself whenever it is knocked over.

 

it is not static either; when you right yourself, it is always

really in a new position, based on how you were 'leaning' before. in

other words, the intent appears repetitive, and it is, but when we

adjust after a tipping-over experiences, this is actually

strengthening you. each circumsance and devotee is unique.

 

there is no one-size-fits-all sadhana. there are just some great

principles and guidelines like the 8/8/8 equation [8 hrs meditation-

recitation/8 hrs sleep and self care/8 hrs work.] these should be

positive goals, not reasons to flay oneself!

 

mundance, mean mind is not the boss of your sadhana. no, it is the

deepening principle that is pulling you within.

 

a spiritual person is a marathon runner. that is, she is in this for

her lifetime. that is the kind of process this is, a lifelong

endeavor.

 

we cannot see yet, the scope of the challenges we are 'inside.' so

we can be kind to oneself and patient. this means keeping eyes on

the goal, keep good company, love god, think about swamiji's 'do and

get' principle. this is the essence of persistence -- returning

again and again to one's own altar, one's own istha deva, one's own

spiritual scriptures, one's own spiritual mother, one's own

spiritual thoughts, love gestures, prayer, meditation and practices.

 

love god and selfishness falls by the wayside. loving god is the

ultimate selfishness ... think of the experience of unity, and the

getting of that; the gathering of mind and heart in one place; hold

your hands before your heart; imagine her within the temple of your

own self.

 

we don't know how we are helped or how we are advancing yet. just to

hear a story of ramakrishna or someone like that, takes us out of

the mundance principles towards the divine principle.

 

one last thought: if you want something, you can pray. this gathers

one's mind and heart together, and enlists help from god knows

who!!!!

 

s