Return

As I consider problems on a larger scale and deeper level, I arrive over and over at the same conclusion. I see that the best and most important solution, which is both preventative and corrective of personal and social problems, is to be absolutely present and mindful of right here and right now.

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It’s all the same to me.

I’ve said in a previous post that Jesus seems to be the embodiment of Love. Everything He did, His purpose here, His death- everything was about Love.

John, writer of the fourth Gospel, is called the Apostle of Love because of his focus on this aspect of Jesus’ mission here. If I bring together some key statements about Jesus, then the Christian religion, according to John, becomes far less exclusive, and much closer to what I’d expect from a loving God. It also seems to show us a path to Transcendence (of consciousness, purpose, life…) and Oneness (with the Divine and with men).

Love, God, and the Tao

Ever have a hard time defining or describing love? I have. How do I describe a feeling? How do I define it?

I can say what it does, and what it doesn’t do. I can point to manifestations, and say what it is not.

It has a name- Love- but that is just a name. It says nothing about love.

I can give it a label, like ‘good’ or ‘universal’, but that label is subjective, subject to change and interpretations, and limiting in a way that degrades love.

Prevent Great Deeds

I’ve been thinking about a Taoist principle lately…

Conflict is costly and destructive… Which is better- a man who gains victory in conflict, or the peacemaker who calms a conflict before it becomes heated? … Which is better – such a peacemaker, or the man who abandons a selfish want or ambition so that contention is never given spark?

A great tree can grow from a seed… Which is better – the man who cuts down a great tree that stands in the way, or the one who transplants the tree to a more suitable location? … Which is better – the man who transplants the great tree, or the man who ensures the seed is planted in the right place to begin with?

Addiction will ruin a person’s life and bring them to their knees… Which is better – the therapist who cures a person of addiction, or the police officer who imprisons the drug dealer who sells the drugs? … Which is better – the police officer who stops the flow of drugs, or one who listens and cares for a troubled youth, preventing them from seeking drugs or crime as a solution?

I see that when there are great deeds, it is because there is a dysfunction somewhere. If there are no great deeds, everything has returned to the Way.