The way we live is key to describing what we are, which can be quite different from our lofty ideals of what we are. And if we consider what we should be, what the loftiest ideal for a human being would be, perhaps what Thomas Kelly suggests (as off the wall as it appears) is the answer:
"The life that intends to be wholly obedient, wholly submissive, wholly listening, is astonishing in its completeness. Its joys are ravishing, its peace profound, its humility the deepest, its power world-shaking, its love enveloping, its simplicity that of a child."
But perhaps the idea of obedience to many smacks of weakness. We prefer to see ourselves strong and independent. In addition, what relevance can a word such as submission have in an aggressive and ambitious world? Or silent listening, that always succumbs to our deafening internal noise and rhetoric?
Could it be that we cripple ourselves spiritually because of an ingrained and daunting work ethic; an attitude that overrides all other considerations and creates a goal for us to be the best in the world? Best in what? We might be best militarily, which usually equates to being best economically, but what about being best as a people; being best as human beings, having the best minds regarding both intelligence and virtue? Being best intelligently and virtuously is so much broader and deeper than simply being secure and wealthy.
If we look at our aspirations, we find that; security, wealth, success, family, happiness, friends, respect, health, religious beliefs, and satisfying work usually top the list, a list that seldom includes personal transformation because we think that we are the best, with no further improvement necessary. But what if for a moment; money, security, and all the things on the list were no longer necessary? What would we be left with? We would be left with what remains after our last breath is taken; after we leave this world.
Picture yourself in heaven seated at the right hand of God. No worries, no concerns, no need for money or security or any of those other silly things that seemed so important at one time, and no need to even cling to beliefs or spiritual ideals any longer. You've made it! Would you be able to relax into God's arms, or would you be bored to death? This is the crux of the matter, and this is why we can't make that personal transformation while we are still here on earth. We are too restless.
If we simply follow our desires and seek pleasure as our primary drive in life, how could we ever be peaceful in God's arms after life? Maybe that's not possible. Maybe our afterlife will have to correspond somewhat with our comfort zones here on earth, in which case, it might be asking too much, too much of a quantum leap to consider anything different from this.
Many religions, particularly Eastern ones, prescribe to the formula that one cannot go beyond their karma, which is their habit patterns. If this is true, then one might say that if one is happy seeking pleasure, that's' what one would like to do after this lifetime is over. And since wealth is the key to experiencing pleasure, there is no surrender here!
Therefore, money is king, and the pursuit of money takes up our entire existence, even as we mouth platitudes of spirituality. Our everyday life, our everyday ambitions, and our bank accounts give us away. Any suggestion that we sit quietly and communicate directly with God is ludicrous when we are having so much fun. So who has time to sit quietly!
However, as we get older, the fun isn't as much fun anymore. Parents become ill and dependent, children have their ups and downs, and eventually we ourselves succumb to the vicissitudes of old age. We lose our spouses, our friends and we eventually lose our own lives - many times after extended illnesses and suffering.
But by this time our habit patterns have been irrevocably established, and with energy levels falling, it is almost impossible to strike out on a new path in order to establish a different relationship with God, and a different experience other than this one we have just gone through on earth.
According to the law of karma, we will end up in the same situation that we are in now, which is going through lifetime after lifetime of being born, having fun while we are young, then losing our loved ones, becoming ill, and eventually dying. It just doesn't make sense that magically we will change after we die and become a saint without our past desires dogging us.
You just can't take your money with you, only your understanding and virtue. But who works on understanding and virtue? Those don't seem like fun things to do at all. The interesting point, however, is that money will never make you happy.
Another interesting point is; that virtue is the only true freedom.
E. Raymond Rock of Fort Myers, Florida is cofounder and principal teacher at the Southwest Florida Insight Center, http://www.SouthwestFloridaInsightCenter.com His twenty-nine years of meditation experience has taken him across four continents, including two stopovers in Thailand where he practiced in the remote northeast forests as an ordained Theravada Buddhist monk. His book, A Year to Enlightenment (Career Press/New Page Books) is now available at major bookstores and online retailers. Visit http://www.AYearToEnlightenment.com
» left by David Tanguay(5,777) David Tanguay (50 days 21 hours ago.)
Some people believe "Idealism" is the only reality. Similar to what you are saying here, don't you think?
Hi Dave, good to hear from you. Idealism is caught within existence and consists of thoughts and imaginations, and therefore is not real. In the absence of thought is true virtue.
Hi e. I am learning to redefine submission and obedience. You make very good points about that. I am also learning that as long as the ego reigns and a person thinks that they are their thoughts (mind), true change will not happen.
Also, no matter how many times you tell someone that "you can't take it with you," I think they will still believe that doesn't apply to them and never really get the point...if they don't want to.
You've said before that you see changes happening in how people perceive themselves and the world and I believe that is true. I just hope that enough of that happens to keep us from destroying ourselves and our world.
Everyone should read this article. But would they take it in? I am giving it my best shot.
So true. Wonderful article, Raymond. I know I can't take it with me, but I surely would like to leave a little something for the grandkids. Of, course, I'm still in that spoiling stage---my grandkids are all very young---and my priorities will change again before I have to make my exit (hopefully to the right hand of God---boredom and all!)
» left by sue thom from nj (48 days 19 hours ago.)
hi E,
this was another well written, interesting article.
if we could all just get the idea that if we treat others the way we would want to be treated, this world would run on a much better positive energy until we reach the real Light.
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