What is here?

Absolute mystery is what is here. We try through concepts to arrive at some conclusions about life, to make it seem tame, or to find some sort of fixed truth about ourselves or the world. We do this habitually to cover our fundamental insecurity and the fact that we have so very little control. But defending ourselves with ideas never works, does it?

But when we notice, through our direct experience, what presents itself right here right now, we are flung into That which cannot be described in any way whatsoever. We are smack in the middle of the Mystery that is beyond thought but is effortlessly experienced.

Meditation is just noticing what is here right now without expectations. In that sense meditation is identical to enlightenment.

see?

bob

wisdom

There is an excellent little spiritual book titled "The Wisdom of Insecurity" (by Alan Watts). As with most spiritual books the title says it all. In reality we can rarely predict or know what is going to happen next ... life is full of surprises in each and every moment. Notice, for example, that you cannot even predict the next thought that is going to appear in your awareness.

When we live out of the wisdom of insecurity, we are automatically detached from how we think things ought to be and therefore free to respond freshly to whatever life serves up in the present moment.

When we are detached suffering cannot be found. So wisdom can also be said to be identical to detachment. Are you wise?

love,

bob

silence

We become like that with which we associate. Just take a look at teen behavior to see the truth of this statement.

When we associate with silence, or stillness if you prefer, we become like silence: non-judgmental, forgiving, vast, and peaceful.

In my view the highest form of spiritual practice is to sit in silence without expectation. When we sit regularly in silence and take what we get from each session we become like silence. We, without effort, lose our fears, guilt, and loneliness. This is because silence knows nothing of these dreams.

Regular silent meditation will teach you that nothing can trouble you but your own imagination, and that, at the root, you are silence itself.

bob

reality?

Life (as it really is) is beyond thought and beyond anything that can be imagined. Thoughts divide and separate Life into seemingly broken pieces. Life is whole, radiant, and peaceful.

The trick, if I might put it that way, is to become still. When you are still, seeking drops away and Life is seen as it really is: without a 'me'.

To find that stillness you must realize that ALL your thoughts (however ugly or beautiful) are lies.

So ... during your meditation periods, just treat ALL thoughts as lies ... just let them pass ... until they stop ... then you will see.

Understanding is the booby prize.