20th Century Psalms: Reflections On This Life (February 2010)

(A Baker’s-Dozen Excerpts)

By Justin Stone

We believe what we want to believe and we doubt our own experience.

Very few can speak in the abstract, or from an overall view; it must always be flavored by what is painful to me and what is pleasurable. When you find one who can observe impersonally, you have met a wise creature.

Need for frequent diversion means we’re bored with ourselves. How few sit quietly doing nothing!

Frequently, followers of the Spiritual Path reach in a joyous feeling of Unity – and then get hung up there. Unless they can come full circle, back to ordinary life, it will be practically impossible for them to function in this world.

“Joy” is always there; it only has to be uncovered.

Our two tasks are to know Who and What we are and to understand Impermanence; without knowing the first, we can never accord with the second.

Life is Life. There is no “more important” and “less important,” least of all based on size.

“I” and “Mine” are the heavy baggage we carry on our backs. “Yours” brings other creatures into being. Does anyone possess the wind blowing over the water? Does this wind have a place of origin? When the wind has passed, the waves subside.

Can you reach Realization by effort? Can the tree of flower blossom early by trying hard? All in due season. But we cannot reach a destination by traveling in the wrong direction.

Nature is without sentiment. That must be realized.

The more truly you see along the Way, the more it will isolate you from people. If you want popularity, drink and be merry and forget the spiritual path.

Is there an Unchanging behind the ever-changing swirl of phenomena? The Indians call it “Turiya,” the fourth and underlying state of consciousness.

If things don’t go well, try giving.