In the last few weeks I have had some back and forth email communication with Scott, a friend and Aikido buddy. I thought that I would include pertinent parts of this communication to help you clarify your spiritual practice too. Scott wrote:
I wanted to share some excitement with you. While on my trip, I picked up a book on Stoic Philosophy. In grief, it was about how the Stoics applied their philosophy to their lives. First, their life goal was "Tranquility." The book goes on to describe the various psychological and philosophical antidotes to Tranquility compromising situations i.e. Dealing with insults, aging, luxury, sex, etc.
I found the material fascinating. But as I was reading I realized the philosophy had a big whole in it. Although they were fairly complete on situations that threaten Tranquility, they did not teach how to develop and foster Tranquility.
When I had this realization, I had an intuitive idea to write about Fostering Tranquility, as well as the Stoic antidotes. I wanted to include as much pertinent wisdom that I have been taught and exposed to in my 44 years from the various teachers, friends, family, strangers, books, papers, classes, seminars and intuitions.
So far, I have written an outline and started in on the content. The first draft is in the form of a letter to my nephews. They are triplets, born on New Years Eve 2007. They are certainly a miracle to be alive since they were born premature at 5 months! They are alive and well at 1 year 2 months old. Perhaps it will evolve into more of a book format to share more outwardly.
The reason I am sharing this with you is that I wanted to interweave some concepts that you and I discuss, as well as in your book. Perhaps I can get your feedback on the material as it develops. I might also like to get some production pointers for publication; if/when it develops that far.
More to come,
Scotty
And Michael replied:
Hi Scotty,
I like your idea for a book. If you feel that you have something to communicate don't give up. This is the way that the truth of things spreads to all who are interested.
Unlike many teachers of nonduality and self-knowledge, I encourage people to read as many different philosophers as they desire. That’s because, even though self-knowledge seems very simple, so simple that people just overlook it, it exposes the holes in other philosophies.
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Step by step, Making Your Wisdom Come Alive points you to the source of timeless Wisdom, the place of enlightenment; this is Bliss that does not depend on what you do or what you think; it is your natural freedom.
For more information go to:
http://www.light-up-your-life.com/wisdom.html
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Is Tranquility a state of mind?
For instance, many people consider tranquility to be a state of mind. But trying to get the "right state of mind" is an endless maintenance project. It is like trying to get the waves in the ocean to stand still. And even if you guard yourself against everything that can destroy your tranquility, you still feel that something is missing.
The secret is that you are not centered in the mind. Therefore, your thoughts do not have the ability to define you: You see the mind, it does not see you. Moreover you are the peace that you are looking for. If the "bad thoughts" come up it is like falling down on the mat (an Aikido reference). Whether you fall or just walk around you don't feel like you are a different person, do you? Understanding this sameness is this is the key to finding "The peace that passes all understanding."
People try to imitate peace
Not knowing the source of peace, people try to imitate this peace with their mind. That's why they think that some circumstances foster peace and others take peace away. But why settle for an imitation when you can have the real thing. Ramana Maharshi called this "a thief dressing up like a policeman and trying to catch the thief."
But if you can allow yourself to return to your original center you will be the tranquility that everyone is looking for in a million different places. You will have found the secret that lies in the heart of all. As space is not affected by wind and fire, you will not be affected by the circumstances in your life, including the thoughts in your mind and even death itself. Remember, we are not trying to make you into a rock. You can even express joy and sadness. But in your heart you will be free.
Peace does not equal dullness
However, this peace does not come from being too dull to see your circumstances and thoughts about them. Rather it is because you are standing in your natural state, which is alive and free.
By the way, I would be glad to give you feedback on the material and any other assistance that you need. Please feel free to continue asking questions. I’m sure you heard the statement that curiosity killed the cat. In this case curiosity kills limitation.
If the comment section of this blog doesn't work, please send your questions and comments to michael@ananya.com. To find out where this all leads go to, www.light-up-your-life.com. And finally, if you enjoy these blogs please tell your friend
Best Wishes,
Michael Gluckman
