I was reminded of this story I heard a while ago, as I read Teresa’s blog on wordpress, The way I see it . I am recollecting from memory, so do forgive me for I cant remember the Names of the characters in the story.
Many seasons ago, in Japan, a Samurai visits a Buddhist Monastery, where he meets with a Monk and asks a question that has bothered him for quite some time -” Is there really a heaven and a hell?”
Instead of answering the question, the Monk asks – “Who are you?”
The Samurai replied : “I am a Samurai”
“You, a Samurai!” exclaimed the monk. “What kind of ruler would have you as his guard? Your face looks like that of a beggar !”
The Samurai felt very insulted and feels angry. He puts his hand on his sword as he moves towards the Monk in a gesture of intimidation.
The Monk mocks the Samurai : “Ha! you think just because you have a sword, its easy to cut my head?”
The Samurai then unsheaths his Katana and swings it readying to chop the monk’s head.
The Monk calmly remarks – “Here open the gates of hell!”
Hearing the Monk’s words the Samurai, becomes aware of the Samurai ethic and discipline, so quietly sheaths his sword and bows to the Monk.
The Monk Smiles as he says – “Here open the gates of Heaven.”
Every religion talks of the Right way to be. They also talk of How not to be. ” Triple is the gate of hell, destructive of the self – Lust, anger and greed; therefore one should forsake these three. ” says Bhagawad Gita 16.21, one of the many sacred texts of the Hindus. Hell in Hinduism is not a place to get to after you die, but our state of being. In Hindu thought, when we become slaves to Wrath, Lust and Greed, we bring about our degradation, as we say and do things we would otherwise not do. It alters our perception and our actions. Its like a drug, which makes complete scientific sense too, given the adrenalin pumping into our veins when we feel the emotions of Wrath, Lust and Greed.
Have a wonderful rest of the week. Happy Easter to all who are Celebrating!
Peace
Rashmi
12 comments:
It is a curious thing.. that religions define such things...making us question who we are...and our ultimate intentions. Always postured in defenses.. as to rights and wrongs...thus the human mind organizes its movement in separations..and the fight begins.. The subtleties of right and wrong according to one's own desires to be right automatically begins this separation and defense and judgement create the wrath of denial. The drug induced state to be better than.. shifts to lust and greed and comparisons cut down logic as the human mind spirals out of control.. thinking it is IN control. Yes .. drug indeed... an addiction as destructive as any mind bending drug we could ever introduce. and it lies in wait within.. marking time till it can defend its wrath and greed and lust. Ah the magnificent web we weave within...
Anybody ever catch the spider ?
"Hell in Hinduism is not a place to get to after you die, but our state of being. In Hindu thought, when we become slaves to Wrath, Lust and Greed, we bring about our degradation, as we say and do things we would otherwise not do. It alters our perception and our actions. Its like a drug, which makes complete scientific sense too, given the adrenalin pumping into our veins when we feel the emotions of Wrath, Lust and Greed." enjoyable write and I wish you a great weekend. Peace there good friend.
The spider is never caught until we actually notice the spider and pay attention to catching it. In this context, I would consider awareness, the spider. I have never actually done what the Gita says is appropriate.. I never forsake those emotions. The times I have been aware were the times when I chose to respond according to my understanding, when I havent been aware, I merely react to the stimulus and literally become the slave to whatever is driving me without considering whether I want to act on it or not.
I believe Hell is a state of being. Negative emotions can trap us, engulf us, set us astray. We all have negative thoughts or emotions at times, and I believe that what really matters is what we do with those feelings to step out of the Hell back into the bliss of Heaven.
This is the challenge of man , methinks... to recognize that we actually ARE responding to the stimulus...and begin retraining our mind at slowing down the reaction times.. to a manageable phase. That is, to find a way to be responsible for our own actions..instead of playing out reactions to the traps of webs...
Awareness is the spider, as you say...Breaking its web immobilizes its quick action...and it retreats to the shadows , to regroup. The spider needs webs to capture its prey ( the mind) ... and the mind must be ever vigilant to the almost invisible web. This strengthens it..and eventually the mind can dismantle the webs without being caught in them.
Yes, that is what really matters. In Buddhist Vipasana Meditation and in Yoga Meditation, the guide usually asks the participants to watch the thought as it forms and let it go, like you are sitting at a coffee shop and observing the passers by. You dont interrupt them as they go about the routine but you watch and you know they did pass by.
I like that! I always thought meditation was about cuting all the thoughts out of your mind, but this endevour seemed futile everytime i tried.
Happy easter to everyone who celebrates and Peace!
Hugs, dear sis.
Food for thought Rashmi, thanks.
That's a very interesting blog. Thank you.
Thank you Jack :).
Hugs to you too Sis.
You are welcome Tina & Giles
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