Since the source of joy is inherent, realizing that it can never be lost reduces fear.

"I: Reality and Subjectivity" pages 81-83

*Added 2022/10/13 Learning by listening Chapter 3 Spiritual Purification

The Process of Surrender

Every spiritual seeker knows that surrender is at the core of all paths to God. However, what surrender is and how to do it is not clear. Without a solid technique, seekers spend years trying to surrender content, only to lament that they have not moved an inch from where they started. The mind creates content endlessly and without distraction, so no matter how much one surrenders, it is never enough. This is a losing battle.

The next thing a seeker hears is that it is not the content, but the attachment to the content that is the problem. Hearing this may bring temporary relief, but the next question immediately arises: Then, how can I get rid of attachment?

Before that, we need to understand the structure of attachment well.Attachment is based on beliefs and desires.The belief is that the content in the head will bring happiness and solve problems. In other words, attachment is to the tacit understanding that thinking itself is the path to happiness (wealth, success, romance, etc.).

Giving up thinking is a threat because it is the primary tool for survival, and we think of thoughts as "I." That "I" is considered unique, individual, and precious, and it is also the primary database for the self-identity of "who I am."

Resistance arises from the fear of losing self-identity. As we discover the source of the ego's attachment, we reach the extremely important and surprising discovery thatwe are fascinated by ourselves.

Even if thoughts carry pain and failure, or invite disaster and distress, we do not want to let them go because "that is who I am," creating a love-hate relationship with thoughts. And the self learns how to "squeeze" vitality and satisfaction out of negative emotions to ensure the survival of thoughts. It also finds a reason for living in injustice, hardship, failure, and guilt.The ego secretly "loves" and clings to the position of a victim, extracting twisted pleasure and justification from pain and suffering. Such tendencies are also observed in various situations such as addictions and lifestyles. The persona of the "loser" is romantically depicted in music and stories. (e.g., "Mr. Bojangles" - Translator's note: A song written by country singer Jerry Jeff Walker about an "old" dancer he met in a detention center. It was sung by various singers in the seventies.)

We have always loved and treated our thoughts with care. We have made excuses for them and continued to protect them. We have even felt jealousy. Just when we praise our thoughts, we then judge and despise ourselves out of guilt and self-loathing. However, we are infatuated with ourselves anyway. And in the parade of the drama called life, our self-image becomes increasingly idealized. Letting go of what we love brings the fear of loss. To the self, every object of love appears to be a source of happiness.

The next core issue is that we do not want to let go of emotional love.It is not so much love itself, but the attachment to the object of love that we cannot let go of.We think that sadness will come if we lose the object of love.But in reality, it is the attachment that is sad, and this stems from the belief that the object of love is the source of joy.Sadness arises from the illusion that we have lost a source of happiness that was "outside."

However, if you observe the feeling of happiness closely, you will realize that it is something inside.It may have been triggered by something outside, but the feeling of happiness is a joy that arises from within. In other words,the source of happiness is inside, and it is released in favorable circumstances when the results the mind desires are obtained.If you observe the inside closely, you will find that all events are merely stimulating internal characteristics that are already there.And since the source of joy is inherent, realizing that it can never be lost reduces fear.

From the perspective of "Truth," thoughts are "outside." Surprisingly, thoughts are what hinder the attainment of true happiness, so they are something that can be completely discarded.

I will write it again.Since the source of joy is inherent, realizing that it can never be lost reduces fear.

To put it simply, "overthinking" is not a solution.Because thoughts can be completely discarded.If you think a problem has occurred, instead of analyzing why and letting various thoughts circulate, I think it is about whether you can return to the stance of an aware mind based on love, saying, "Everything is happening inevitably, and it will surely only lead to good things. Thank you." I believe that the only way to grasp the feeling is to train every day.

Consciousness exists equally at all times, but the information registered by awareness is influenced by focus.

As lightworkers—the leaders of all primates—and saviors, let us all just do what we can to the fullest with joy in our respective roles.