Do You Defile and Hinder Your Energy, or Purify and Cultivate It? We all are individuals who for the most part seek out the same things, be it pleasure, ego – gratification, interesting and enlightening experiences, money, fame or any number of other things that our mind, our country and culture and the world say and tell us are important. In the sometimes mindful or sometimes ignorant pursuit of these things we engage in a number of mental, verbal, physical and behavioral actions and activities each day and many times the only person who can guide us on the right path is ourselves and our own knowledge. If we are lost, have been exposed to negative conditioning, abuse and hardship or lack guidance from friendly and wise people, we are more likely to proceed down a path that brings continuing or greater pain and discomfort then one where we can shine as a light both to ourselves and to others. It is sometimes interesting but also sad and frustrating to see that even though we live in a world with so many comforts and opportunities, there is so much pain, confusion and misery among so many people, be they in Darfor or Detroit, Iraq or Indianapolis, Bosnia or Boston, or Afghanastan or Albany. Though in many circumstances and situations there are outside forces not of our own design and making that are creating problems and suffering for us, many times it is our own mind and ignorance that is the greatest threat to our health and happiness. In fact, both Yoga and Buddhist teachings tell us that it is the state and quality of our mind that is the thing that is most important in leading a skillful, wholesome, happy, healthy and productive life. In addition, Yoga and Buddhist teachings and disciplines teach us what those things are that we can do and should not do so that instead of defiling and hindering the energy of our mind and consciousness, we are engaged in an ongoing process of purifying and cultivating it. We sometimes hear these two words, purify and cultivate, and think that they are just words or not possible. Some cynical and pessimistic people will even say that who and how we are is the way it is and that it can not be changed or changed for the better and we, caught up in our own doubtful and confused thoughts and feelings will listen to them and not believe, or make any attempt to change ourselves. It is up to each one of us as individuals to strive for and come to a place in life where we can see who and how we are and ask ourselves if what we are thinking, feeling, saying and doing is really for the best. Some of us come to that point, while others are around people, situations and ways of thinking, feeling, speaking and acting that will keep them from seeing outside of the box, or prison that they are in. What Yoga and Buddhism will teach and tell us is that we purify and cultivate our energy when we have right intentions, we engage in right speech and non – violence in thought, word and actions to both ourselves and others, or practice Yoga postures and sit for meditation each day, among other things. They will also tell us that it is up to us to have the discipline and make the ongoing effort to learn and do these things and that it is through our experience of change that we will see the wisdom and usefulness in their teachings and disciplines and carry on with their practice throughout our life. ©2006 John C. Kimbrough (Bangkok, Thailand)
Posted on: Tue, 30 Jul 2013 09:38:06 +0000
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