This chapter contrasts the effects of discontent and satisfaction. It begins with vivid imagery using horses.
When the world is in alignment with Tao
Horses work in the fields
When the world is not in alignment with Tao
War horses are bred outside the city
Two very different roles for a horse to fill – one associated with peace and the abundance of harvest, the other associated with conflict and destruction. Literally life and death.
We think of this in terms of external peace and conflict, but we can also think of this in terms of whether we have peace or war inside of us. For whatever we have within is the energy we will offer to the world. As the saying goes, as within so without.
Many of us are looking outside ourselves at the world around us, which appears to be in such turmoil, and we want to contribute in some way to peace. But Adyashanti says that even if our words speak of peace, if there is internal struggle, what we transmit is conflict.
Internal struggle is always rooted in desire, wanting something or someone (including ourselves) to be different, wanting reality to be different. Reality might be pleasurable or painful, but our suffering comes from our unwillingness to acknowledge reality as it is. This is the basis of desire and discontent.
There is no greater fault than having desire
There is no greater misfortune than not knowing contentment
There is no greater curse than obtaining your desire
Thus those who know contentment are always satisfied
That third line reminds me of the saying to be careful what you wish for! When we get what we desire, it sometimes isn’t what we thought it would be. Or even if it is, it isn’t long before we want something else. We think that our dissatisfaction comes from not having what we want, but perhaps our dissatisfaction comes from wanting.
My favorite translation of the last line is “He who knows enough is enough will always have enough.” My artist sister made me a beautiful rendition of this version that I keep on my desk. (See photo at top of post.)
So which horse will I ride today?
The first thing I thought of was the Bible verse that warned Israel not to lean on the strength of horses and chariots...
ReplyDeleteHorse associations!
DeleteI'm with CW on that thought, as it came to my mind, too.
ReplyDeleteI love the line ". . . those who know contentment are always satisfied." We no longer lust or strive for more things, more toys, more distractions, but are simply content in who we are in God's eyes. We are where we're supposed to be, each moment of the day.
Blessings, Galen!
Content in who we are -- that is a great observation, Martha. Not just being content with our external circumstances, but also internally with who we are. Perfect.
DeleteYes, that is the goal - internal contentment. What a lovely message about enough being enough. Very difficult to put into practice in the world we live in which is very much about wanting, comparing and wanting more, when all we really need are the simple things of life and to appreciate them. I love Taoism for its simplicity which for me resonates with truth.
ReplyDeleteIts simplicity is certainly one of the things that appeals to me as well. I asked one of my teachers once if it all had to be so complicated. No, he said. Can we talk about it more, I asked. No, he said the answer is the same.
DeleteA good reminder that “as within, so without.” As I sit here sipping my latte in. My favorite coffee shop, I am content. :-)
ReplyDeleteI can picture you there, DJan! The perfect picture of contentment!
Delete"Internal struggle is always rooted in desire,"
ReplyDeleteThis is what the Buddha realized 2600 years ago. He basically said that suffering, which is internal struggle, is rooted in desire.If we diminish desire we are content. When there is a perceived lack in our lives, we are not content. When we can't get what we desire, we suffer. If we are content with what we already have, we are satisfied. Our dissatisfaction comes from wanting more then we have. I like the phrase from Tao Te Ching that says...more is less and less is more.
That is a great summary of Buddha's teaching, Brian. In a culture driven by and dependent on consumerism, having more is tied to our social worth and our own self worth. Very hard to break out of that model. But Buddha saw through all of that and set it out very clearly.
DeleteHenry David Thoreau , summed it up even better in two words simplify,simplify and I always add a third ...simplify.
ReplyDeleteIf I could put it all in a nut shell it is simplify, simplify ,simplify this is the secret to contentment and satisfaction.
"He who knows enough is enough, will always have enough."
When when think of simplifying, we often think of our external lives -- less stuff, less busy-ness. And that is great, but to me, the beauty of this instruction is internally directed. Simplify by dropping opinions, judgments, beliefs.
DeleteYes ! That is so true. When we have less opinions, less judgements and less attachments to beliefs, we are dropping the need to be right and the need to label everything. There will be nothing to prove and nobody to impress.Life will get simple and less stressful, when we live life as the observer rather then the deluded controller and analyzer. If we can accept, what is, on a moment to moment basis, life becomes extraordinary. We will develop an attitude of awe, wondering what life will reveal next. This is the simple life we all dream about.
DeleteBeautifully said, Brian.
DeleteWow, I had an experience with this just today. A little lack of peace and contentment. I had lunch with a friend and as she was telling me off some of her life experience and her future plans. I could feel some inner conflict of some of her thoughts. The reality of it all took effect. It took a while to work back into a peaceful state.
ReplyDeleteThis was perfect to read because it put it all into focus and perspective.
Loving thoughts and hugs for this one!
That is a great example, LeAnn. We can be affected by others and likewise we can affect others--something to be aware of. Thanks for commenting.
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