a few lessons i’ve learned
Ξ July 30th, 2008 | → | ∇ General, Philosophy |
Have you ever noticed that most of the people that surround you are stupid, and most of the things you’re supposed to do in life are a waste of time?
I’m not a normal person. I don’t spend my time doing normal things. I’m a nerd, and I’m geeky about several things. I don’t really watch television, and I spend a lot of time in contemplation of self and the world. As I’ve struggled with growing up in a world that’s hostile to individuation on principle, and individuals in general I’ve learned a few things that have been cropping up in my life.
One: You can’t rely on anyone, especially yourself.
There are no absolutes. Everyone is absolutely reliable dependent on their nature and the stimulus they’re exposed to. I don’t truly know the nature of anyone, and I certainly do not know the wholeness of their experience in the present, let alone in the future. Therefore it is ultimately impossible for me to have truly accurate expectations of behavior of anyone. This goes double for myself. I may have a better idea of my nature than anyone else, but I’m fucked up too. Don’t fool yourself about it.
Listen to Buddha. Release your expectations.
Two: Anything is possible.
Ten years ago I thought I was straight and headed for marriage. Five years ago I thought spirit-work was for the weak. Four years ago I thought I’d never join a tradition. Three years ago I thought I’d be doomed to clerical work for the rest of my life. A month ago I only used ceremonial magic when I had to.
Today none of these things are true. If I were the type to have expectations, I would suspect that next year I will discover that I am actually a sea-serpent experiencing a wild dream of a reality that couldn’t exist.
If you see the Buddha, Kill the Buddha. Then realize that there is no such thing as death and dismiss the illusion.
Three: Your teachers can’t see your path.
Your teachers will always think they know what’s best for you. Often they will be right. More often they will be wrong. Trust them implicitly, but learn to recognize your own needs and path amidst the vision they have for you.
I’ve encountered this too many times with my own teachers, in school, magic, and life. Things may have been easier if I’d recognized it years ago. My teachers in many things have been wise and strong, and they have given me gifts and lessons that I am grateful for. I see though, that it’s my machete that cuts the path before me, not theirs. Placing your own feet upon the steps of another in adherence to the path leads you to ignorance of the scenery and ultimately failing to learn the lessons you’re being taught.
Walk beside your teacher. Watch his actions and model those that resonate. Solve the problems that he can’t. When the time comes, dispatch him (metaphorically speaking… mostly).
Most importantly!:
Consider, Intuit, and Act from a place of sincerity and love. This is not the only way, but I do not believe there is a better one.
