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There is no denying the fact that we still live in a frenetic world and in times of unrelenting stress, anxiety and worry. On top of this mankind is still plagued by violence and war as witnessed in such places as Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, the Congo and Sudan. The recent mass shootings in the USA by sociopaths who were open to the influx of gross evil is also cause for great worry and concern.
It seems to as if man has inherited the strife filled racial consciousness of our forebears. Even if people are aware of their being prey to this strife and fear they still do from time to time lash out either verbally, mentally or physically when their defenses are down and weak. There is an ancient evil still hanging over mankind like the sword of Damocles and the more men give in to war an violence the more strength they give to this evil force.
This scenario has been pondered over by many over the years and I have come to the conclusion that looking to external sources for a way out is not the way to the attaining of freedom from this ancient negative force.
After years of looking to other people whom I considered 'wise', after reading countless books and articles and studying countless methods of 'salvation', of running to various groups and organizations, a light suddenly dawned in my mind when I had reached it seemed a blank wall.
The phrase 'within you is the power', the title of a little book I read previously, flashed into my mind and it was this which suddenly brought the enlightenment I desperately needed. Upon looking back I see that in my studies and talks with others of like mind this very theme of 'turning within' was on many occasions alluded to but for some unknown reason did not truly register. When it did, what a revelation./ Also I realized that all my outer searching was really a prelude to this forthcoming realization, that there was great value and benefit in this seeking in that I was growing mentally and spiritually step by step even though it appeared otherwise.
This journey as it were is beautifully portrayed in the symbol of the circle. One begins at the bottom and slowly over the years one ascends eventually returning to the starting point but more wiser, then again ascending but this time through more rarified levels of learning and growing.
'Man know thyself'. The ancient Greeks hit the nail on the head with this statement of truth and one of the greatest importance. Those who have lived by its meaning through the centuries since its proclamation have proved its power to liberate, to bring a freedom from anxiety, strife and depression which no external means can provide. No doubt the average person would exclaim on reading these words; 'well I can know others by taking account of their opinions, emotions and actions even as I have and know my own feelings, surely this is knowing myself'? In a sense it is but only on a superficial level, with the intellect. The ancient savants were referring to something far deeper, a meaning which encompasses the whole man as a spiritual entity and a dynamic part of the Cosmos. People today on the whole rely heavily on others, family, friends, relatives, colleague's and counsellers for emotional support, for guidance and advise when in some dire need or when faced with some great problem. As a modern 21st century humanity man has long forgotten how to turn to his own inner resources of strength, coping skills, of a trust in themselves and in a universal power which breathe life into and brought everything that is into being. It has sadly been far easier to often turn to drugs, alcohol and tranquillisers as a means of escape from that which cannot be faced in the light of day. Vast numbers have forgotten the art of getting and keeping in touch with the core of their own true spirit selves and from that constant contact living a fulfilling and harmonious life which naturally means being free from worry and fear. Of course it takes time and constant effort but persistence is the key.
The subject of purpose as related to suffering and pain has to be considered absolutely from a spiritual aspect in order to really understand it. As humans we are subject to the laws of time, space and change. Suffering, pain, anxiety, etc, viewed within the framework of these laws does not then seem so fearful, so unnatural but is rather seen to be part of the evolutionary process and it is not necessary to that we bury our heads in the sand and hope that it will pass away leaving us not so badly scarred. It has to be boldly faced when it comes accepting it fully and then it will be found that you can then enter into a freedom never before known. This implies the vital aspect of inner growth, that one can grow spiritually. This should not be confused with the outer trappings of orthodox religion where everything is centred around ritual, dogma and readings from prayer books. With true inner contact with your soul life is seen to be not a battlefield where survival of the fittest is the norm but rather a vast school of learning where reactions and attitudes determine ones peace or conflict of mind and heart. Its then seen that when one gives in to anger, bitterness, irritation, hatred and the will to cause harm of whatever form we just perpetuate this dismal cycle so our experiences will be those of stones and not the living bread. We cannot escape the effects of our actions in this vast school of life. if we cause harm to another or even to the animal kingdom we bring harm to the whole vast web of life and as a result we will reap the effect. So it is vitally important to live a blameless life, to do and to think only good and to be kind and open hearted and of course to love unstintingly./ It has been said the suffering is the footstool of our divinity. We may stumble over it and fall back dismayed and feeling down or we can step onto it, dam the stream of our tears and raise our faces to the inner light with courage and persistence.
The great Lebanese poet and philosopher, Kahlil Gibran, captured this beautifully in the following words-: 'Mush of your pain is self chosen. It is the potion by which the physician within you heals your sick self. Therefore trust the physician and drink his remedy in silence and tranquility. Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding."
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