advaita, heaven, hell, laughing at insults

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NO YOU

Why are you unhappy? because 99% of everything you do is for your self

--and there isn't one!

Wei Wu Wei

 

THE DEVIL

If there is an enemy, it is the ego. If there is a devil, it is the

ego.

Every obstacle is created by the ego, for the ego. Every obstacle.

The ego can be overcome, and in so doing are you made free.

That is the way.

from "There Is A Way" by Stefan Nadzo

 

Mirror Image

Look in the mirror. What's there is not you, but an image projected

by the ego.

Like a movie.

Know that, apply it to your whole life, and things will begin to look

different. Very different.

Better.

 

Instant Lesson

A huge, rough samurai once went to see a little monk, hoping to

acquire the secrets of the universe.

"Monk," he said, in a voice accustomed to instant obedience. "teach

me about heaven and hell."

The little monk looked up at the mighty warrior in silence. Then,

after a moment, he said to the samurai with utter disdain, "Teach YOU

about heaven and hell? I couldn't teach you about anything. You're

dirty. You smell. Your blade is rusty. you're a disgrace, an

embarrassment to the samurai class. Get out of my sight at once. I

can't stand you!"

The samurai was furious. He began to shake all over from the anger

that raced through him. A red flush spread over his face; he was

speechless with rage. Quickly, menacingly, he pulled out his sword

and raised it above his head, preparing to slay the monk.

"That's hell." said the little monk quietly.

The samurai was overwhelmed. Stunned. The compassion and surrender of

this little man who had offered his life to give this teaching about

hell! He slowly lowered his sword, filled with gratitude, and for

reasons he could not explain his heart became suddenly peaceful.

"And that's heaven," said the monk softly.

Zen story

 

PURIFICATION

Once there was a disciple of a renowned Greek philosopher who was

handed an odd assignment. He was commanded by his Master to give

money to everyone who insulted him, for a period of three years.

Wanting very much to awaken, this student did exactly what he was

told.

When this rather lengthy trial was over, the Master summoned the

young man to his quarters and said to him: "Now you can go to Athens,

for you are ready to learn wisdom."

Elated, the disciple set off for Athens. Just before he entered the

great city, he saw a certain wise man sitting at the gate insulting

everybody who came and went. Naturally, the moment this fellow saw

the disciple he insulted him, too.

"Hey!" he cried out to the student, "How did you get to be so ugly

and stupid? I have never before seen anyone as ridiculous looking as

you."

But instead of taking offense, the disciple just burst out laughing.

"Why do you laugh when I insult you?" asked the wise man.

"Because," said the disciple, "for three whole years I have been

paying for this kind of thing and now you give it to me for NOTHING!"

"Enter the city," said the wise man. "It is all yours."

 

Desert Fathers