In the imaginary gap between what we think ought to be and what is arising in the present moment lies the grand expanse of human suffering.
This explains why we suffer so needlessly ... we have taken our conditioning to be ourselves ... living out of the past projected into the Now as the idea that things should be different than they are ... and that we are those ideas.
The good news here is that suffering is a gift. Whenever we are experiencing suffering (anger, resentment, loneliness and so forth), we are reminded that we are not seeing reality (the reality about who we are right now) but that we are sleepwalking in a dream about the past.
So, suffering points to immutable freedom ... all we need do is notice. Awareness itself gently washes away untruth and leads us home. We need do nothing.
bob
It is very easy for myself to slip into a "suffering mode". Years of Catholicism and the beliefs ingrained at such an early age of being a "sinner", and the guilt associated with that label, made me wonder what could I do to change my actions, my thoughts, etc. so that I could be looked upon favorably in my God's eyes.
ReplyDeleteThe freedom that I experience now has shed those thoughts for the most part. Being aware that right here, right now, I am as one with my God, is all that I need...any other story that my mind makes up,is just that...a story.
I much prefer being the narrator of this "story" than trying to play the "lead character"...and remain free.
Bob, You explained it so beautifully! Thanks!!! On a different note, why did you say we suffer needlessly? When suffering can point us to the reality of the present moment. Doesn't that make suffering necessary and indispensible?
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I'm new here. But I live in Austin and I go to the meditation group on Wednesday evenings at Castle Hill Fitness Center.
ReplyDeleteI have a question. Let's say that indeed suffering comes from our perception of what ought to be versus what is...What if we don't like the reality that we live in. We don't like what is happening in the present moment. How can you avoid suffering in that case? How can you convince yourself that the reality that you are experiencing now is the right thing? That it's right for you to be in this moment. What if you hate your reality and desire a different reality...? What then?
Hello Lilac,
ReplyDeleteYes, you are right suffering is necessary and indispensable in that it is a gift from the Divine that points to Her. Without suffering we might seem 'lost' for a longer time.
Your great question "How can you convince yourself that the reality that you are experiencing now is the right thing?" is key. We all know Reality when we see it because its hallmark is deep and abiding peace.
You do not need to convince yourself of anything ... that has been our problem ... trying to convince ourselves that we can find the truth by seeking it outside of ourselves and outside of the now. I think Jesus pointed to what we need to do in many of his statements and parables including Matthew 18:3 where He said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven". So, when we empty ourselves of everything we are convinced of, we become innocent and non-judgemental like children; and then we become whole (not fighting what is presently happening); and then we know peace. So simple! What I'm pointing to is beyond thought (the 'mind').
Thanks again for your fine questions and comments Lilac,
bob
Hey Now!
ReplyDeleteI have thought about suffering alot, as it is one of the main issues that take people off any spiritual path.
I have come to view suffering as a totally body(for lack of a better word) phenomenon. I don't believe there is any conceptual suffering associated with spirit. This is simply a concept that we as humans have derived to explain pain, dissapointment, etc.
From my work I have dealt with pain-suffering alot. We know that pain thresholds vary for different people, based in part on their own perception of pain and how much they think about pain. This is more true for chronic pain.
I would pose that if ANY amount of pain can be controlled by the mind, then all can probably be controlled. Obviously all pain originates in the brain, but I mean on a perception basis. Maybe our human brain and the spirit that inhabits it just hasn't learned or unlocked that facet yet. Evolution means evolution.
I only pose this example because it helps me internalize the concept of suffering being a perceived issue, not a natent one.
Hi Rex,
ReplyDeleteThanks for jumping into the deep end on this one.
When I talk about suffering I'm not talking about pain. Pain is natural and as you pointed out cannot be controlled by trying to wiggle out of it through mental gymnastics (at least in my experience). So, suffering is, in my experience, caused by the denial of what is happening right here right now which may include the intense physical sensation we call pain.
I think we are on the same page ... suffering is a perceptual issue ... I always come back to the question that can be asked anytime no matter what energy is arising ... who am I? The mere asking of this question shows the illusory nature of the one who might be 'suffering'.
Thanks Rex,
bob
I have been mulling over this concept of suffering. I agree what Bob is saying about suffering. But it just all seem so metaphorical. So general and all inclusive. Which is what suffering is I suppose. It just takes over the mind, body and spirit. It is all invasive. I think the cause of suffering is different for everyone. I know for me, the majority of my suffering and unhappiness come from me giving into the fear of losing someone's approval for whatever reason. I start to feel anxious and tightness in my neck and shoulders. As if my spirit is trying to protect me from this threat. It prevents me from being in tune with the reality of the present moment b/c all my energy is focused on protecting myself from this invasive threat on a subconsious level that plays out on the conscious level. The subconscious mind doesn't know any better. As long as it is perceived as a threat, then it will do everything it can to protect me from the harm. Does anyone know how I can convince myself that not getting the approval of others is not a threat to my well-being? So I stop being afraid of it.
ReplyDeleteBob says that "suffering points to immutable freedom ... all we need do is notice. Awareness itself gently washes away untruth and leads us home. We need do nothing."
ReplyDeleteI would like to put my spin on it. I think suffering has a lot to do with what we perceive to be a threat to our safety. Two ppl could be faced with the same situation. One person suffers as a result of it, while the other person may not. Both of those people have the same reality at hand. They both notice and are aware of the situation. But one person is able to feel freedom and "do nothing". While the other person cannot feel freedom nor let her spirit be still and do nothing. So why does one person suffers while the other one doesn't when both ppl are faced with the same reality? For example, Two ladies are told they have cancer. One lady starts to panic and scared to death about the situation at hand. She doesn't want to die. She is suffering from this situation. This disease is a threat to her safety. On the other hand, the other lady remains calm and relaxed and maybe relieved about the whole situation. B/c maybe she's been thinking about ending her own life in the first place. Now this cancer might be doing her a favor. She is obviously not suffering in this situation. This disease is not a perceived threat to her safety. So the conclusion I draw from this scenerio and about suffering is this...suffering is based on our perceived threats. If the conscious mind can persuade the subconscious mind that the particular thing or situation is not a threat, then there will be no suffering for that person. I think our subconscious mind or whatever you call it will always do everything it can to protect us from threats it perceives to be harmful to our safety (or what is important to us) on all levels. It is just so primitive and instinctive. So I agree what Bob is saying about suffering. But one cannot get to that level without first dealing with the perceived threats. So how do we tackle this force of imminent perceived threats?
Hello Lilac,
ReplyDeleteGreat comments and questions! Yes, you have gotten to the core of it ... dealing with threats.
A threat is always a threat to something. A flying baseball can threaten a bay window, a lion can threaten a lamb, and so forth. Notice that in each of these cases the thing being threatened is an object (or thing if you will).
As we sit in silent meditation, we find ourselves mysteriously losing definition ... the things we imagine ourselves to be (our thoughts, feelings, and body sensations) lose their hold on us as we discover the vastness of being that we are. Ultimately we find that we are life itself (all of it) and not some particular body that can be threatened by anything.
So, as always, I encourage daily silent meditation as the only lasting solution to threats. It has worked for 'me'.
practice, practice, practice,
bob