Practice
Whatever a fool learns,
It only makes him duller.
Knowledge cleaves his head.
For then he wants recognition,
A place before other people,
A place over other people.
"Let them know my work,
Let everyone look to me for direction."
Such are his desires.
Such is his swelling pride.
One way leads to wealth and fame.
The other to the end of the way.
Look not for recognition
But follow the awakened
The way lies ahead for each of us to pursue. It is about becoming, moment by moment, with each thought, decision, conversation. We strike our intentional mindful paths, or we allow conincidence and emotion rule us. No minister, rabbi, priest or sage can map our way for us. It is our responsibility to choose and live with our choices.
If we progress with a mind to love, generosity and peace, the way will unfold clearly before us. If we scurry from one material opportunity to another without mindfulness, we may become wealthy, powerful and/or popular but we will not be our own masters. A plant which grows up quickly in times of flood withers and dies first in times of drought. The deep roots of mindfulness and compassion, learned from daily meditation and daily right action, sustain us in difficult times. This is the ultimate worth of personal practice.
It only makes him duller.
Knowledge cleaves his head.
For then he wants recognition,
A place before other people,
A place over other people.
"Let them know my work,
Let everyone look to me for direction."
Such are his desires.
Such is his swelling pride.
One way leads to wealth and fame.
The other to the end of the way.
Look not for recognition
But follow the awakened
And set yourself free.
Verse 5, p.21-22.
The way lies ahead for each of us to pursue. It is about becoming, moment by moment, with each thought, decision, conversation. We strike our intentional mindful paths, or we allow conincidence and emotion rule us. No minister, rabbi, priest or sage can map our way for us. It is our responsibility to choose and live with our choices.If we progress with a mind to love, generosity and peace, the way will unfold clearly before us. If we scurry from one material opportunity to another without mindfulness, we may become wealthy, powerful and/or popular but we will not be our own masters. A plant which grows up quickly in times of flood withers and dies first in times of drought. The deep roots of mindfulness and compassion, learned from daily meditation and daily right action, sustain us in difficult times. This is the ultimate worth of personal practice.
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