Thoughts From A Mystic

"You" are not what you think. Self is imagined. Distinguishing between 'S'elf (big S self, as my university professor used to call it) and 's'elf may be helpful to see the error of 's'elf, but both retain the 'taste' of alienation and being-from-it's-own-side, which miss the mark. If you distinguish between self and others (whether people or things) you are lost in a fantasy world created by, and supporting self. Like an addict with his drug, so long as the addict lives in the world of the drug, he remains lost in a 'haze' of unreality. There's only one way out of self, and that is to stop supporting the way of self. It's this way, the 'Narrow' way, by which 'no-self' is found: Matthew 7.13 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate (the path of self) and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 7.14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life...

As we near the end of 2007, I would like to share a message that is as valuable today, as it was nearly 2000 years ago- Luke 6.27 "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 6.28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 6.29 If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 6.30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 6.31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. A simple, yet profoundly difficult message to live. Those who feel religion promotes hatred of one's fellow man, haven't recognized Jesus' message. Matthew