"The false nature cannot be, and need not be changed, but it can be dissolved and replaced by the True Self. Try to see the difference in an impossible effort to change the false self and that of replacing it with your essential self. A hawk cannot be changed into a dove, but it can be replaced with a dove."
~Vernon Howard
This is an interesting and insightful observation. Transformation isn't a simple act of will. Although you probably need to want to change. But using the same nature to try to change that nature, isn't going to be productive.
If you understand, things are just as they are; if you do not understand, things are just as they are.
~ Gensha, Zen Master
and if your present belief system has not brought your mind quality equal to that of the Christ, it might be a good idea to take-in some new mental territory. A constant reiteration of the system which has brought you to where you are, evidently isn't going to bet you there.
"Evil is that good which has brought you to where you are, but has become that which it is now time to leave behind."
Djwhal Khul
"I come not to bring peace, but a sword." (The Christ)
Brethren, I count myself not to have apprehended, but this one thing I do. Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. (Philippians 3:13)
Is sometimes hidden, buried under years of abuse or neglect... at times it takes a trauma or hardship to uncover the true self. In my life, there was a time when I had a complete breakdown in all my belief systems and life patterns. it was then that I had to return to the child self I had been, at perhaps age 6 or so, and rebuild... I went on a discovery expedition for a few years to try and discover who I was and to be the most honest and integrated person I was meant to be. It took a long time and great effort, but today I believe I am my authentic self and am finding truth therein.
The bible does say some truths that are helpful. One is that the truth will set you free. And that by seeking you can find that truth within, for the kingdom of Heaven is to be found within... Note: most modern Christians do not accept the same interpretation of scripture that you and I may. But we needn't let that bother us, right?
One reason that I became a Quaker is that within that group there is an acceptance of differences that I think is unique. A person who thinks differently is valued, so long as that person is living his life authentically and seeking unity of spirit with others. We don't all have to think or believe the same things in order to love one another.
There is much to be found in certain parts of the Bible that's quite inspirational.
The book of Proverbs for example, can offer one quite a bit of insight into life. I remember back in my evangelizing days, getting this one fellow to read the Bible. He hadn't committed to anything but he came back a week later and told me that he was really enjoying the book of Proverbs!~ (Not exactly what I wanted to hear at that time.~)
There WAS a period of time where I pretty much held the whole Bible in disdain because of all the dishonest bullshit that went into it but now I'm starting to gain a new respect for the work of the earliest believers. If one bears in mind that they were doing something absolutely new and untried and then looks at how their efforts eventually achieved the success they'd hoped for (of actually TAKING OVER the complete government) ........ that was no SMALL achievement!!
They did this through passive means. They didn't take up swords or fight; they used sheer belief, faith and persuasion. I think that's rather remarkable.
Our true nature lies beneath, the mask, the projection, the persona .. whatever it is and for whatever reasons we have constructed. It seems apparent that most belief systems simply reinforce this false self, causing people to "defend the faith", and content for the faith and so on, when God, the Most High, does not need (nor probably want!) humans to be talking for God, or telling others what God requires of them .. and so forth.
It is likely that many or most of us "open minded" ones have had severe crises in faith. Dared to question our beliefs, had the courage to seek truth and leave the false temples behind.
If you understand, things are just as they are; if you do not understand, things are just as they are.
~ Gensha, Zen Master
I don't think that any belief system is the "key". But I understand, that it is the road. While I do subscribe that Many Paths lead to God .. clearly there are many around that are on roads that are rougher and needlessly narrow, with conflicting road signs and so forth.
If you understand, things are just as they are; if you do not understand, things are just as they are.
~ Gensha, Zen Master
we come into the world being the quality we were when we died last incarnation. I believe that what happens to people like us, is that we become acculturated by sincere parents and sincere societal norms. But at a certain age, the soul quality we had achieved last lifetime, that with which we were born, begins to resurface, take charge, conflicting with accepted norms.
