I see vividly – in my own mind – how painful emotions are so often preceded by a thought*.
That thought – along with all the others – is just a story I create about my experience. It doesn’t really exist. Like a rainbow, a dream, or mirage, the thought appears and, sooner or later, it disappears.
Knowing this – truly knowing this – is an essential aspect of securing true freedom and putting an end to suffering. Do you believe you can put an end to suffering?
If we truly understood how much damage negative emotions cause – for ourselves and others – we wouldn’t indulge in them for a moment. This Zen parable perfectly illustrates the potential dangers that occur when we fall prey to negative emotions.
A belligerent samurai, an old Japanese tale goes, once challenged a Zen master to explain the concept of heaven and hell. But the monk replied with scorn, “You’re nothing but a lout—I can’t waste my time with the likes of you!”
Are your thoughts drifting towards summer as this luminous season approaches in the Northern Hemisphere?
Do you have aspirations or dreams? Will you capture them or let them float by? The secret is to catch them, set an intention, and gently nourish them to be.
Hi, I'm Sandra Pawula, freelance editor, writer and inner explorer. I'm here to help you tap into your inner spring of true happiness and freedom.Curious? Read On!