Spiritual Ego.

Even if my teacher, for the most noble of reasons insisted that I teach, I was not happy to receive this instruction. However, because of my love and respect for this man and the tradition and lineage we followed, I did it. The rest is history.

What is not known so well is the  resentment, jealousy and criticism I often had to endure. People want to be the first, the best, the most important and so often they arrive to hear only their own version of Dhamma spoken in the way they understand and to take a place in front of others. I personally  met this many times, often with the unspoken whisper 'it's just Mike from the factory, who does he think he is? or, 'I knew him when he was.........'

Even standing next to my teacher I could often feel this rejection. “

It is what we meet in the world of un-awakened beings, not just in the Dhamma hall or on retreat, but in every aspect of daily life, so what to do?

If our intention is to serve the teacher, lineage and tradition that we honor so much, then we accept the hostility of jealousy and foolish abuse by recognizing it's cause. We ourselves however, stay on our path. Dogs may howl at the moon, but the moon goes about its own way with no regard to the noise below.

For those who know, the path is clear. 

We present the Way as clearly as possible letting go of the idea that others should understand, accept or even appreciate what we say, do or present. We may take care, but we cannot make others see that.

In the end we are all responsible for our own path which takes us to or away from liberation.

The Buddha himself met this, as did my teacher, as did I. 

The difference between knowing the mind and simply following the mind is liberation.

So from my love, compassion and concern for all beings, I offer gladly these few words.

In the end we are all free to do anything we feel is correct for each of us individually and we must graciously, openly and lovingly accept that.

However, if we don't awaken in this very lifetime, when will we do it?

Offered with infinite love,

 

May all beings be happy.