Fruit of the Contemplative Life
Fruit of the contemplative life: => General Discussion => : Jhanon September 08, 2014, 03:27:58 AM
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Asceticism - "Severe self-discipline and avoidance of all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons."
To the Anagamis and Arahants,
It has become painfully clear that the only ways in which this life has become fulfilling through this journey of the last 8 years has been through asceticism in context of the N8P. Especially recently this has been made obvious, although I have not recorded it on here as I should. I want to experience the bliss of self-denial again, and always. I owe gratitude to too many to list, but Alexander has been the most recent to repeatedly remind me of the importance of self-denial.
If I'm allowed one desire, it is to ask for your guidance on one point. I have made progress recently, but I am prepared to make a greater ascetic commitment. I have one problem, and it is that Knowing reveals so many opportunities for self-denial in even a 5 minute period. But, it's not just self-denial. Knowing says to do many things. For example, i am writing an e-mail to someone, and Knowing "says" "Make the meditation video." Or "Do Yoga now." and explains why Yoga is beneficial for asceticism. They come so fast.
I live in a small area with others, though have a room to myself. In recollection of past periods of asceticism, I anticipate if I were to follow all of Knowing's guidance, I may again have lashouts that jeopardize my life situation. This includes other people who I do not wish to impact. As I have a very delicate life situation, I can't go "balls to the wall" and risk these lash outs and extreme behavior.
My Question:
Do I follow every single Knowing? Or, do I target specific self-indulgences, one-to-a-few at a time? If so, do I target the biggest or, the more manageable self-indulgences?
We are getting down to the final indulgences. Things which accrued early in childhood. This is the reason for my request.
Thank you for your support.
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What pops into my mind is that beating up on yourself may be a self indulgence that you can do without : -)
If you are following a Knowing hopefully some synchronicity will show up to guide you down the path.
I am not sure if you are wanting to help other people and are not sure if you should? That could be an unchecked assumption, sometimes it is just as easy to ask the person, do you want help on something, they may answer yes or no, if other people see that you have something that they do not they may just ask you for advice.
It sounds like you need some outlet for creativity : -)
Valdy
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What pops into my mind is that beating up on yourself may be a self indulgence that you can do without : -)
If you are following a Knowing hopefully some synchronicity will show up to guide you down the path.
I am not sure if you are wanting to help other people and are not sure if you should? That could be an unchecked assumption, sometimes it is just as easy to ask the person, do you want help on something, they may answer yes or no, if other people see that you have something that they do not they may just ask you for advice.
It sounds like you need some outlet for creativity : -)
Valdy
You are wise, Valdy. Synchronicity showed up in spades last time, as I mentioned. And another just showed up, literally 2 minutes before now.
I do have two outlets for creativity. Again. A wise response.
Wow. This is magical the way it works. Yes, that was a self-indulgence to say, and yes, I will try not to beat up on myself too much.
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(This is not in direct response to Cal's post)
Seriously, this is becoming too much. I haven't posted the synchronicities or just "weird' phenomena going around in my life the last week. But it is undeniable. There is NO denying it. SOMETHING is happening. I'm not crazy. I am not delusional. I thought Jhananda said these kinds of things don't happen. If all but one probability is eliminated, then it must be. It's happening right now. It's coming from sources that would NEVER "play on my imagination." It feels like an army of, I'll just say it, deva's or angels, or emissaries of divine, helping me through the physical realm. I.....is it really this magical? There are TOO MANY. There are TOO MANY coincidences. I know I seem raving lunatic, but I feel like SOMEONE has to say something.
There is some kind of Force that supports the Enlightened, the genuine seekers, the ascetics.
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The thing about the level of discipline needed in a fruitful contemplative life is to find the middle path between self-denial, and licentiousness.
As for "synchronicities," I do not deny that they exist, because I have had too many in life to reject them. Being able to recognize a synchronicity reflects the attainment of insight.
What I reject is a belief that there is a benevolent creator god who punishes the wicked, and bestows material benefits upon the righteous. If it were true, then this world would be a radically different world.
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The thing about the level of discipline needed in a fruitful contemplative life is to find the middle path between self-denial, and licentiousness.
As for "synchronicities," I do not deny that they exist, because I have had too many in life to reject them. Being able to recognize a synchronicity reflects the attainment of insight.
What I reject is a belief that there is a benevolent creator god who punishes the wicked, and bestows material benefits upon the righteous. If it were true, then this world would be a radically different world.
In my impulsive amazement, I assumed despite Knowing better. Jhananda, it is good to hear you say this about synchronicities. I've found being aware of them very encouraging for the path. They play a central role, even though I denied them the last 6 months.
I apologize for my erratic behavior. You told me to savor similar phenomena.