Alan Steinfeld sent:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7AWnfFRc7g
Doesn’t it seem very, very obvious? —
in order for peace to prevail on earth we have to come together.
Yet when we look at the state of the planet it seems impossible – doesn’t it?
Don’t we seem to be a divided species? Religions, politics, science, corporations, countries,
families, partners. And not only are the different fractions against each other, but each
fraction is divided within itself!
The source of this division? Us. We are divided within ourselves. So how can we bring
about harmony on the outside when we are divided within?
Every single thing we think we are seeing on what we call the outside, is just a reflection
of what is on the inside of each one of us. Every single thing. There is nothing on the
outside that is not on the inside. Nothing. The cruelty, deception, fighting, greed
– everything – including love and caring.
So what can we do to assist in bringing about peace of earth? – Look at how we can bring
it to our own little piece of earth – us.
When we have observed it ourselves, and are at peace with it, and ourselves, then we are
no longer controlled by it, and in place of the anger and judgement we had of others,
there will be love and caring. When we have gone beyond judgement and are at peace in
and with ourselves, it is like living on a different planet. The conflict is still
‘out there’ – but we are no longer at conflict with the conflict.
Over the past forty years, I know I have said the same thing – millions of times, and
only a very, very few are practising what I am suggesting. The few that have are now
living a very different life. “The peace that passeth all understanding.”
Suggestion. If you are not going to make every single moment your unconditional
priority, don’t lie to yourself, and others, that you are. If you say you are going to,and
don’t, you maybe you never will – because, as you are just lying to yourself that you are,
and nothing changes, you may feel it is not possible. If you do not feel like making it
your priority, just say so. No blame. Then, maybe, some time/lifetime or other, when it
feels more important/compelling to you, you can have a clean start.
Until then (and there will be a ‘then’) just realise there is no justification for any
complaint that, ‘nothing ain’t changin.’
And no need to put pressure on yourself – you have enough already.
Take it easy.
SUFI STORY
…about the mystic woman Rabia al-Adabiya.
It was evening in Basrah in the seventh century. An old woman was searching for something
in the street outside her hut. Her name was Rabia and she was a great Sufi teacher though
she looked ordinary. People offered to help, feeling sorry for the “poor old woman.” They
asked her what was she searching for?
“I’ve lost my needle,” Rabia wailed.
So they began to help her, searching up and down the street in the dwindling light of dusk.
It seemed hopeless, so somebody asked: “Rabia, it is getting dark and the street is big.
Soon there will be no light and a needle is such a tiny thing. Can you tell us where,
exactly, the needle fell?”
“The needle fell inside my house,” she replied.
The people were astonished: “Inside your house! Are you crazy? Why are you searching on
the street if the needle fell inside your house?”
“Because the light is out here. There is no light inside the house,” Rabia answered.
Someone challenged her, saying: “Ok, so the light is here but how can we find the needle
outside the house if it was lost inside? The best way forward is bring light inside the
house so we can find the needle in the right place.”
Rabia laughed, for she had deliberately lost her needle to illustrate a point.
“How intelligent you people are when it comes to small things,” she smiled. “When are you
going to use your intelligence for your inner life? I’ve watched you all searching here
and there, outside, and I know directly, from my own experience, that the bliss you are
seeking can be found within. Wake up and use your intelligence. Why are you searching for
your soul in the outside world? Have you lost it there?”
Rabia went into her hut and left them dumbfounded