The process of life’s work planning can be defined, in a general sense, as creating a picture of the world you want to live in and the organizing of your energies into building it. It takes being part dreamer, part builder. If we are not dreamers, our aspirations will be too low, and we will sink into emptiness, leaving nothing of lasting value to those who follow. Yet, if we are not builders, if our dreams are not given the shape, form, and substance of living reality, then they are nothing more than phantoms and platitudes, the mirages we chase to escape a world we are unwilling to confront and love. The true idealist is not dewy-eyed dreamer but a committed foot solider in the cause of his vision.
No book can tell you how to find your way; it can at best catalyze and awaken the way within you. You can paint by numbers, but you’ll never produce a masterpiece like that. A masterpiece requires the soul and inspiration of an artist. To paint the masterpieces of your life, you need more than forms and systems. You need a heroic commitment to your best self. Born in your heart, tempered by your head, shaped with your hands, and walked with your own two feet, your life’s work is your special gift for mankind.
You must find your own way. It is not even a way, per se. It is simply a description of some of the important scenery along the way, the road to your Self and its expression in the world. This process should be approached with a spirit of introspection, adventure, and fun. You must rely upon yourself over any form, system, or structure.
Laurence G Boldt “Zen and the Art of Making a Living”, Preface xxvi
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Creation & Elimination
CREATION: What am I creating, producing, expanding, refining, expressing and bringing forth into this world?
ELIMINATION: What am I eliminating, cleaning up, detoxifying, letting go of, removing, dissolving and bringing to its end (from this world)??
How do the life forces of creation and death forces of elimination serve each other in the highest sense? How do they keep the flow going uninterrupted, without discursive thinking, temptations and distractions, blocking progress?
Elimination aids creation by removing all toxic and undermining elements... Creation, by its very action is the very negation of what was, the past reality view. Both processes need to remain as active and effective, with alternating emphasis where one is sometimes more dominant than the other.
Where the mind and its cognitive behavioral patterns are concerned, often the creation elimination process must remain free from judgments of right versus wrong action, good and evil. In short, "what you resist persists", so rather than be dualistic about what it is that one likes and dislikes, there is an acceptance that both (pleasure and pain, attraction and repulsion) exist and at the given moment either I am given a choice to CREATE by affirming and focusing on the positive OR I am just to be still and silent, choicelessly aware, and by clear observation and understanding see what needs to be negated, dissolved or eliminated... not by any means of judgment, condemnation or justification, but simply to "let whatever it is BE so that through detachment I learn to let it go".
JDZ
ELIMINATION: What am I eliminating, cleaning up, detoxifying, letting go of, removing, dissolving and bringing to its end (from this world)??
How do the life forces of creation and death forces of elimination serve each other in the highest sense? How do they keep the flow going uninterrupted, without discursive thinking, temptations and distractions, blocking progress?
Elimination aids creation by removing all toxic and undermining elements... Creation, by its very action is the very negation of what was, the past reality view. Both processes need to remain as active and effective, with alternating emphasis where one is sometimes more dominant than the other.
Where the mind and its cognitive behavioral patterns are concerned, often the creation elimination process must remain free from judgments of right versus wrong action, good and evil. In short, "what you resist persists", so rather than be dualistic about what it is that one likes and dislikes, there is an acceptance that both (pleasure and pain, attraction and repulsion) exist and at the given moment either I am given a choice to CREATE by affirming and focusing on the positive OR I am just to be still and silent, choicelessly aware, and by clear observation and understanding see what needs to be negated, dissolved or eliminated... not by any means of judgment, condemnation or justification, but simply to "let whatever it is BE so that through detachment I learn to let it go".
JDZ
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Giving is Getting
The modern idea, based on direct interpretation of the ancient writings, is to know that the "Father and I are one", that we are "joint heirs", entitled to the best if everything because the "Father" is Universal Mind, the Creator, the Original Substance from which all things proceed.
Now, admitting that this is all true in theory, that it has been taught for over two thousand years and is the essence of every system of philosophy or religion, how are we to make it practical in our lives? How are we to get actual, tangible results here and now?
We have found that we get comes to us by the Law of Attraction. A happy thought cannot exist in an unhappy consciousness; therefore, the consciousness must change, and, as the consciousness changes, all conditions necessary to meet the changed consciousness must gradually change in order to meet it.
So we must put our knowledge into practice; nothing can be accomplished in any other way. An athlete may read books on physical training all his life, but unless he begins to give out strength by actual work he will never receive any strength. He will eventually get exactly what he gives, but he will have to give it first. It's exactly the same with us: we will get exactly what we give, but we have to give it first before it returns to us many times over.
Master Key System Chapter 13 "The Process" pp 110-111
Now, admitting that this is all true in theory, that it has been taught for over two thousand years and is the essence of every system of philosophy or religion, how are we to make it practical in our lives? How are we to get actual, tangible results here and now?
We have found that we get comes to us by the Law of Attraction. A happy thought cannot exist in an unhappy consciousness; therefore, the consciousness must change, and, as the consciousness changes, all conditions necessary to meet the changed consciousness must gradually change in order to meet it.
So we must put our knowledge into practice; nothing can be accomplished in any other way. An athlete may read books on physical training all his life, but unless he begins to give out strength by actual work he will never receive any strength. He will eventually get exactly what he gives, but he will have to give it first. It's exactly the same with us: we will get exactly what we give, but we have to give it first before it returns to us many times over.
Master Key System Chapter 13 "The Process" pp 110-111
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Presence to Purpose
Preliminary Purpose - "I AM NOW" - Pure Intrinsic Awareness gives light to Inner Consciousness (psyche/mind), with all mental goings on, positive and negative, pleasant and painful, active and passive, functional and dysfunctional. In a state of clear undistorted observation one is detached and aware, without objective identification (objectification), letting go and letting God. With clarity, understanding and vision, this intrinsic awareness dissolves and re-creates all images of illusory earthly and psychic phenomena, as all external phenomena come and go, entering and departing the screen of awareness. The appearances are fleeting, the awareness itself Eternal.
Spirit (conscious being) = Soul-Psyche (human being) = Universe (formless/infinite being) or Consciousness, Sub-Consciousness and Super-Consciousness respectively.
The natural unfolding of Purpose into active manifestation, life experience & self expression is as follows:
I Primary Purpose
Spontaneous Expression - Letting Self go, Living in Non-duality or Pure Presence. Immediacy of action with focus on matter at hand. Living without self consciousness, nor without any doubt/hesitation. To act consciously in accordance with choice and freewill, in the moment, negating the heavy binding influence of all the rest. Choosing to focus attention here and now, immediately, without the fog of excess thinking. The will to be that allows all negatives and positives in life to coexist, while mindfully and willingly choosing the positive alignment and orientation. Being/Seeing = Thinking + Feeling = Doing + Having = Creative Manifestation (Becoming) = Higher Purpose
II Secondary Purpose:
Practical Implementation - Efficiency, effective, mindful and productive action... also toxic elimination in mind-body and environment. The daily workload with lists and agendas, ground rules and limits, and a backbone of natural order. Each moment when I take responsible action that involves discipline and duty, observances and restrictions (of good and bad behavior respectively), inner-outer commitments and service to human society. Learning systems, exercises and practices (like "Getting Things Done" by David Allen) which help one to manage responsibility and "have a mind like water".
Where the Primary Purpose indicates "what I WANT to do" the Secondary Purpose is "what I HAVE to do" to make it all possible, beginning with ordinary tasks like cooking meals, cleaning house, going to work, bringing home the bacon, and keeping an orderly efficient running system of operations that begins right at home. For example, even if one is going on vacation there are plans of implementation, travel, food and lodging and many other details that call for mindful attention.
III Tertiary Purpose:
3a) Service & Socialization - Helping or serving as many as possible, finding vocation that serves humanity, contributing to causes, volunteer work, spontaneous helpfulness, group and spiritual activities. Generosity, good will and conduct. Close relationships serving as reminder to mindful/aware of others, thinking of others and not living in a self-enclosed cocoon.
3b) Social Connections - Opportunities and new experiences via others, Friendships that supportive and positive. Includes counseling, medical attention and all things healing or therapeutic. Participating in group events of common interest, with others who share my ideals, dreams and aspirations.
IV Evolutionary Purpose:
4a) Deliberate Creation (Expansion/Imagination) - Quantum Creation and the power of positive thinking... creative visualization, working creatively upon the foundations of immediate expression, practical implementation, service and socialization. One who generates positive vibrations, having a chosen a conscious focus (as in primary purpose, more developed). This divine power of freewill brings out our fullest creative capacity in accordance with universal and natural laws of abundance/attraction.
Inner and outer wealth/abundance are inseparable, and financial growth serves a primary individual-spiritual purpose. Here at the pinnacle of life it's all about focusing courageously and positively on what you desire and ignoring or letting go of your fear... mainly any fear of becoming powerful and successful.
4b) Higher Learning (Education/Intuition) - Reading, Research, Schooling, Online Resources, Articles and Newsletters, Books on Spirituality, Self-Development, Improving Financial Resources, Managing Time, Writing, Buddhism, Yoga, Philosophy. Whether in solitude or with a class or group of people, we learn new subjects to sharpen our skills and/or knowledge within a given field of understanding, functioning or general living.
V Higher Purpose:
Spiritual Evolution (Empowerment/Illumination) - Realization of Power, Wisdom, Love, Clarity and Calmness. Mastery of Self, Realization of Unity... and all of the challenges, trials and tribulations that lead us further along the path of Dharma and Truth. Here is where the Primary Purpose is realized in its entirety, having gone through the practical, social and evolutionary processes (or realms) of being in the world.
"The Subduer said that all the unbearable suffering of the three lower realms is the fruition of wrongdoing. Therefore, ever committing negative deeds, even at peril to one's life, is the Bodhisattvas' practice." ~ From The Thirty-Seven Bodhisattva Practices by Ngulchu Thogme Zangpo
JDZ
Spirit (conscious being) = Soul-Psyche (human being) = Universe (formless/infinite being) or Consciousness, Sub-Consciousness and Super-Consciousness respectively.
The natural unfolding of Purpose into active manifestation, life experience & self expression is as follows:
I Primary Purpose
Spontaneous Expression - Letting Self go, Living in Non-duality or Pure Presence. Immediacy of action with focus on matter at hand. Living without self consciousness, nor without any doubt/hesitation. To act consciously in accordance with choice and freewill, in the moment, negating the heavy binding influence of all the rest. Choosing to focus attention here and now, immediately, without the fog of excess thinking. The will to be that allows all negatives and positives in life to coexist, while mindfully and willingly choosing the positive alignment and orientation. Being/Seeing = Thinking + Feeling = Doing + Having = Creative Manifestation (Becoming) = Higher Purpose
II Secondary Purpose:
Practical Implementation - Efficiency, effective, mindful and productive action... also toxic elimination in mind-body and environment. The daily workload with lists and agendas, ground rules and limits, and a backbone of natural order. Each moment when I take responsible action that involves discipline and duty, observances and restrictions (of good and bad behavior respectively), inner-outer commitments and service to human society. Learning systems, exercises and practices (like "Getting Things Done" by David Allen) which help one to manage responsibility and "have a mind like water".
Where the Primary Purpose indicates "what I WANT to do" the Secondary Purpose is "what I HAVE to do" to make it all possible, beginning with ordinary tasks like cooking meals, cleaning house, going to work, bringing home the bacon, and keeping an orderly efficient running system of operations that begins right at home. For example, even if one is going on vacation there are plans of implementation, travel, food and lodging and many other details that call for mindful attention.
III Tertiary Purpose:
3a) Service & Socialization - Helping or serving as many as possible, finding vocation that serves humanity, contributing to causes, volunteer work, spontaneous helpfulness, group and spiritual activities. Generosity, good will and conduct. Close relationships serving as reminder to mindful/aware of others, thinking of others and not living in a self-enclosed cocoon.
3b) Social Connections - Opportunities and new experiences via others, Friendships that supportive and positive. Includes counseling, medical attention and all things healing or therapeutic. Participating in group events of common interest, with others who share my ideals, dreams and aspirations.
IV Evolutionary Purpose:
4a) Deliberate Creation (Expansion/Imagination) - Quantum Creation and the power of positive thinking... creative visualization, working creatively upon the foundations of immediate expression, practical implementation, service and socialization. One who generates positive vibrations, having a chosen a conscious focus (as in primary purpose, more developed). This divine power of freewill brings out our fullest creative capacity in accordance with universal and natural laws of abundance/attraction.
Inner and outer wealth/abundance are inseparable, and financial growth serves a primary individual-spiritual purpose. Here at the pinnacle of life it's all about focusing courageously and positively on what you desire and ignoring or letting go of your fear... mainly any fear of becoming powerful and successful.
4b) Higher Learning (Education/Intuition) - Reading, Research, Schooling, Online Resources, Articles and Newsletters, Books on Spirituality, Self-Development, Improving Financial Resources, Managing Time, Writing, Buddhism, Yoga, Philosophy. Whether in solitude or with a class or group of people, we learn new subjects to sharpen our skills and/or knowledge within a given field of understanding, functioning or general living.
V Higher Purpose:
Spiritual Evolution (Empowerment/Illumination) - Realization of Power, Wisdom, Love, Clarity and Calmness. Mastery of Self, Realization of Unity... and all of the challenges, trials and tribulations that lead us further along the path of Dharma and Truth. Here is where the Primary Purpose is realized in its entirety, having gone through the practical, social and evolutionary processes (or realms) of being in the world.
"The Subduer said that all the unbearable suffering of the three lower realms is the fruition of wrongdoing. Therefore, ever committing negative deeds, even at peril to one's life, is the Bodhisattvas' practice." ~ From The Thirty-Seven Bodhisattva Practices by Ngulchu Thogme Zangpo
JDZ
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
