June 25, 2009

Stammering and enlightenment!

Eckhart Tolle is a contemporary spiritual teacher in the west, who talks of the timeless truths in a modern and non-sectarian language. His teaching can be put briefly thus: Become alive to the present moment. This transcends mind and you become one with who you truly are- behind the mind.

PWS often feel like outsiders, wherever they go. A CWS talked about feeling like being outside a room and looking in through the glass pane- the party is going on- but whatever he says cant be heard by others inside because of the glass- And, of course he can hear others clearly; Some kind of one way glass, where sound is concerned! Are we the only ones- square pegs in round holes of life? Obviously not. Here is a question and answer from the book: The power of Now. A great work. Later I have just switched some words, and it makes perfect sense to us, the PWS. Check below for yourself!

Question: In the quest for enlightenment, is being gay a help or a hindrance, or does it not make any difference ?
Answer: As you approach adulthood, uncertainty about your sexuality followed by the realization that you are “different” from others may force you to dis identify from socially conditioned patterns of thoughts and behavior. This will automatically raise your level of consciousness above that of the unconscious majority, whose members unquestioningly take on board all inherited patterns. In that respect, being gay can be a help. Being an outsider to some extent, someone who does not “fit in” with others or is rejected by them for whatever reason makes life difficult, but it also places you at an advantage as far as enlightenment is concerned. It takes you out of unconsciousness almost by force.

On the other hand, if you then develop, a sense of identity based on your gayness, you have escaped one trap only to fall into another. You will play roles and games dictated by a mental image you have of yourself as gay. You will become unconscious. You will become unreal. Underneath your ego mask, you will become very unhappy. If this happens to you, being gay will have become a hindrance. But you always get another chance, of course. Acute happiness can be a great awakener.

For PWS
Answer: As you approach adulthood, uncertainty about your speech followed by the realization that you are “different” from others may force you to dis identify from socially conditioned patterns of thoughts and behavior. This will automatically raise your level of consciousness above that of the unconscious majority, whose members unquestioningly take on board all inherited patterns. In that respect, being a stutterer can be a help. Being an outsider to some extent, someone who does not “fit in” with others or is rejected by them for whatever reason makes life difficult, but it also places you at an advantage as far as enlightenment is concerned. It takes you out of unconsciousness almost by force.

On the other hand, if you then develop, a sense of identity based on your stutter, you have escaped one trap only to fall into another. You will play roles and games dictated by a mental image you have of yourself as a stutterer. You will become unconscious. You will become unreal. Underneath your ego mask, you will become very unhappy. If this happens to you, being stutterer will have become a hindrance. But you always get another chance, of course. Acute happiness can be a great awakener.

Check out more about Eckhart Tolle:
http://www.inner-growth.info/power_of_now_tolle/eckhart_tolle_home.htm

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