Verse SixteenMost of the world's religions serve only to strengthen attachments to false concepts such as self and other, life and death, heaven and earth, and so on. Those who become entangled in these false ideas are prevented from perceiving the Integral Oneness. The highest virtue one can exercise is to accept the responsibility of discovering and transmitting the whole truth. Some help others in order to receive blessings and admiration. This is simply meaningless. Some cultivate themselves in part to serve others, in part to serve their own pride. They will understand, at best, half of the truth. But those who improve themselves for the sake of the world--to these, the whole truth of the universe will be revealed. So seek this whole truth, practice it in your daily life, and humbly share it with others. You will enter the realm of the divine.~ Translated by Brian Walker ~
What motivates you to try to lead a loving and virtuous life? Are you trying to emulate someone who came before you? Are you trying to honor someone or something you worship? Do you do it in the hope you will receive prime seating in the afterlife or to avoid being sent to the fiery basement?
Too often, the answer to each of these questions is derived from our sense of self. Whether we acknowledge it or not, what motivates each of us the most is what we believe will serve our needs and interests the best. In a manner of speaking, this constant self-interest negates our supposed aim. While our actions may be pointed outward, the impetus is pointed inward.
It is only when we selflessly work for the betterment of others -- with no expectation for fame, recognition and fortune -- that this impetus of self-interest melts away. We no longer worry about saving ourselves; we focus on saving the entire world and, in focusing on the cosmos, we discover the sacredness and natural divinity of our own.
This post is part of a "miniseries". For an introduction, go here.
Too often, the answer to each of these questions is derived from our sense of self. Whether we acknowledge it or not, what motivates each of us the most is what we believe will serve our needs and interests the best. In a manner of speaking, this constant self-interest negates our supposed aim. While our actions may be pointed outward, the impetus is pointed inward.
It is only when we selflessly work for the betterment of others -- with no expectation for fame, recognition and fortune -- that this impetus of self-interest melts away. We no longer worry about saving ourselves; we focus on saving the entire world and, in focusing on the cosmos, we discover the sacredness and natural divinity of our own.
This post is part of a "miniseries". For an introduction, go here.
I was reading the writing you posted..the translated material, and for some reason totally misunderstood it until the end and then BAM! I got it. Beautiful!
ReplyDeletei suppose i live a loving and virtuous life (well, depends on who you talk to) because it gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment. honestly, without those feelings i would probably not care as much. it's a selfish reason but that's the truth of it.
ReplyDeleteMy wife said "I do not ever dream of happiness and riches for myself - I wish for a comfortable happy life for all".
ReplyDeleteHey RT, you were a wise man before the HHC ministries (being wise, you'd deny it) but is it only me who noticed you seem to have climbed a notch on the hamster wheel of wisdom during the past couple of weeks? - that was a great little post :D
Green Monk,
ReplyDeleteOf course, maybe I misunderstood it. :D
Iktomi,
Ya know, I think you might embody what I was writing about without realizing it. As a new mother, your focus is on your child's well being more than your own. I bet you would sacrifice your life to protect and save your baby boy. By focusing on him, you are enriching yourself.
Tao,
If not for you, I may never have come across the HHC. So pat yourself on the back as you ride the horse. : )