At the risk of sounding like Chicken Soup for Nondualists,
here goes. The bottom line is that I like M's response very
much. An anonymous author on M's Bhairava list wrote...

I am blind and would like to be able to see this world
again, 43 years of no sight now. I was a kid of twelve when
my optic nerves and pituitary gland were distroyed. I don't
know what it is like to feel normal, my body not producing
any hormones.

I am a lover of life and am most grateful for the
technology of today which allows me to use computers,
communicating with the world, accessing most web sites and
having the tools so that I can assist others less fortunate
than me.

M responded:
I can relate to your problem Joe. Physically, I have a back
that has a plate and pins in it, and this spine has
spondylolisthesis, massive degeneration of the lower four
disks, and is ravaged with arthritis. I have arthritis in
the hands as well, and the hips. Pain is a constant thing,
and yet, it must be transcended, and transcended it has
been. Though it is there, the jnani does not pay it any
heed. Pain and suffering can be an excellent sadhana to
speed up the desire for detachment from the body, and can
make one acutely aware of the suffering of others. Despite
my physical condition, I continue to exercise, and at five
foot seven inches, carry a fairly lean body weight of 225
pounds, with 19 inch arms and a 50 inch chest. People
cannot believe the way I look on the outside while having
such devastating problems on the inside. If I gave the pain
any credence, I would not be in nearly the health that I
am, nor do I shun these health problems, for it is my
prarabdha karma.

The point is this: do not focus on the aspects of your
karma that have impeded the body. If we focus on the body,
then that is where our awareness will be. This is a tall
order, but certainly not an impossible one. It is wise to
remember that we are only given that which will challenge
us. If one is an advanced soul and has some minor obstacles
to resolve and overcome, they will not seem like challenges
at all. The challenges in life are directly proportional to
the greatness of the soul. You must always remember this.
You are strong enough to master this and not react to it,
for if you were not, it would not happen. Nothing lesser
would happen to you, for it would not be a challenge.

We do not advance in our sadhana unless there is an impetus
to grow. It has been said that man is greater than the
Gods, for they rise to Shivahood not by virtue of their
existence, such as the gods, but by overcoming their
limitations, mastering them, transcending them. The gods
are proto man, the Lord in his descent into limitation. Man
is the manifestation of that limitation, and yet, he rises
back to Shivahood, becoming lord of the very energies or
gods which comprise him. This is a great thing to ponder.
Revel in your challenge, for you are infinite and unbound,
this is merely another step in the staircase to that
realization.

Gurubhakti M
-- -------------------------
http://www.nonduality.com

I enjoyed reading this very much, & feel its true. I feel much compassion for
both people.
Thanks for sharing.

Col

umbada@... wrote:

> We do not advance in our sadhana unless there is an impetus
> to grow. It has been said that man is greater than the
> Gods, for they rise to Shivahood not by virtue of their
> existence, such as the gods, but by overcoming their
> limitations, mastering them, transcending them. The gods
> are proto man, the Lord in his descent into limitation. Man
> is the manifestation of that limitation, and yet, he rises
> back to Shivahood, becoming lord of the very energies or
> gods which comprise him. This is a great thing to ponder.
> Revel in your challenge, for you are infinite and unbound,
> this is merely another step in the staircase to that
> realization.
>
> Gurubhakti M