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    • CommentAuthorCarl
    • CommentTimeJul 25th 2006 edited
     # 1

    I ended my commentary on Chapter 51 by saying, "all I need do is turn back to what I truly desire". Well, of course, to desire not to desire is a fine ideal for the 'sage', but what about the rest of us?

    I've found thought to be the key. Desire takes place in thoughts that target the future or the past, i.e., outside the present moment. This differs from immediate needs, like an itch, which all animals feel. Sure, we feel the itch, but thinking then transforms it into too many desires. The easiest way I've found to deal with this is best expressed by...

    To know yet to think that one does not know is best;
    Not to know yet to think that one knows will lead to difficulty.

    I deliberately distrust all the distinctions my senses lure me to latch on to - and instead look for mysterious sameness. Put simply, differences and distinctions correlate to Active illusion; similarities correlate to Passive reality. Finding and feeling similarities makes it much easier to be feel 'connected' and know contentment. On the other hand, finding and feeling differences, and most importantly believing that they are real, makes it much easier to contend with yourself or others. I guess the moral of this view is, 'be careful what you think'.

    I said thought was key. But, I guess emotion is that key's key. After all, we need enough concern (an emotion) to do [our] utmost to attain emptiness,... stillness,... impartiality in our thoughts. But, who has true mastery over their emotions?... Not conquering, suppressing or fanning emotion, but 'creating' enough concern out of Nothing. Who?... What?... How?... Hint: Weakness is the means the way employs.

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