Attainment or Recognition?

Most philosophical or spiritual teachings advocate either one of two approaches: that human beings are deficient by default and we all have to face dilemmas in our decision-making; or, we are whole and complete and all we need to do is to recognise the "as it is" and bring ourselves to "remember".

I tend to adopt the latter in my belief system and focus on removing the obstacles which are obstructing my clear view and blocking what I would otherwise be able to see - our true nature.  The former, on the other hand, may lure us into constant changes to selves and the environment.  Whilst this may be stemming from an objective of self-improvement, it also originates from an initial idea of "lack".  And whatever resides in your inner world will only be manifested in the outer, giving birth to a vicious circle which will lead us into seeking more and more to resolve this "lack".  And the result?  More desires, more attachment.

"Is life meaningful or meaningless?"  This will be a perpetual debate between your ego and your True Self.  It is then very obvious what the obstacle is.  

Wu Wei

Try not to try
Action through inaction
Strive for non-striving
Doing through undoing

Surrender.

Control not to control
Effortful through effortless
Fight for non-fighting
Owning through disowning

Serenity.

Seek not to seek
Power through powerless
Pursue for non-pursuing
Conform through non-conforming

Freedom.

Newton's 3rd Law of Motion and Karma

Physics 101: The Newton's 3rd Law of Motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.  This means that for every force there is as a reaction force that is equal in size but opposite in direction.  So like when you jump, your legs apply a force to the ground which in turn propels you into the air by an equal and opposite reaction force from the ground.  Or when you are feeling frustrated and hit the wall with your fist, there must also be two forces - your own force and an equal and opposite force applied by the wall on your fist.  Hence the harder you hit, the bigger the pain as the reactive force will be of the same magnitude and in opposite direction.

The Law of Karma is the equivalent to Newton's 3rd Law of Motion in the spiritual dimension.  There is nothing esoteric and magical about it, nor is it something eastern or philosophical.  It is true that karma has been shrouded in mystery, and often labeled as "good" or "bad".  Some people like to define it as 'What goes around comes around."  But karma simply means action, and it is completely neutral by nature.  With no judgement and no clauses attached, just action.  The judgement only comes from us.  And the judgement distorts the picture of reality and makes us deny what is disapproved by ourselves and others when considered "bad".  Each action (karma) has a consequence, just like what Newton said about the interaction of two objects.  To backtrack a step, action is the fruit that we bear from the seed.  And the seeds are our thoughts which grow over time through our beliefs and attitude.  When the seed ripens, our words and actions become our karma.  Then guess what?  It will give rise to further thoughts and consequently stronger feelings which then solidify our earlier but false perspectives, until the initial seed has become a forest.

Thanks to karma, it teaches us that we have choices.  Cultivating thoughts that are loving to self and others will lead to compassion back in the same way.  If you choose to bring happiness, joy and generosity to others, you will receive the same gifts in return.

How do we next apply it to our day-to-day life then?  Balance your karmic account to build a forest of love.