The wellspring of all suffering is the persistent emergence of the ego, which we identify as "me."
The poignant Zen adage urges us to let go, or else we'll be dragged along by life's relentless currents, exemplified in the image below.
In reality, there is no "me"; there is only the unblemished "I," the observing self, unaltered by any experience.
The illusion of "me" arises in tandem with thoughts. This "me" is intricately interwoven within every thought. As a thought materializes, the "me" takes center stage, perpetuating the trance.
In actuality, there isn't a "me" that thinks thoughts; rather, it's thoughts that manifest and create the mirage of "me." Thought equals "me," and "me" equals separation – a perpetual self-versus-the-world mentality. "Me" incessantly strives for survival, attention, love, believing its very existence hinges on others and the external world – an intricate trap.
The paradox lies in the fact that while the ego struggles for its existence, that which provides space for the ego to function remains in a state of unyielding silence and tranquility.
Consider this metaphor: Picture throwing black paint into the air – does it adhere to or affect the air in any way? No. Likewise, consciousness remains unaltered, perpetually as it is.
Why does this matter? Because we all seek peace, often seeking it in the external world, formulating plans, chasing, finding temporary joy that inevitably fades away.
True peace exists here and now, arising without cause or condition.
Spirituality, in its essence, is remarkably simple.
Comments