To Do or Not To Do?

(Resting Buddha – https://inshaallaah.wordpress.com/)

This is a brief extract from a satsang by Swami Nishchalanada Saraswati on the subject of Effort versus effortlessness.

”…We cannot create or do Meditation, for any attempt at doing will be an extension of the ego, of the known, of conditioning: as such it is not of any real use in expanding the horizons of perception.

…..Sr Aurobindo, in his philosophy of ascent and Descent…(tried) to explain this dilemma of to ”do” or ”not to do”.

……As individuals, we can put ourselves in a state of receptivity, openness and sensitivity. This is where ”doing” comes in..and this is the function of ..all mystical systems. This corresponds..to the ‘Ascent’ aspect of spiritual realisation..We ”do” practices so that we realise That which is beyond doing and beyond effort – that which ‘Descends’ into us.

……Part of this process of doing is also trying to be open, moment to moment, in our daily life, thereby creating or encouraging the necessary Inner Space for there to be new insight, experience and change.

…Spiritual Experience arises as a process of ‘Descent’ which comes from beyond the confines of the personality and the ego – from the currently unknown spheres of being. Here, ”doing” has no place.

……….If we do nothing, (however), and just flop, then we tend to become dull and insensitive…

…..Therefore, tread the razor’s edge. Find the middle path between doing and not doing. Try, but without expecting.Do for the sake of doing, Practise for the sake of practice. If you are ripe, you will realise That which is beyond all effort, all doing, all practice.

~By Sw. Nishchalananda

(Stock photo)

OM TAT SAT

~anandajyoti

About A.D.

Generally just Being. Nothing in particular, no claims to fame. I like gardening and the sea, nature, art in all forms from poetry to films and everything in between, and being in the company of my family.