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Post by Smithee on Nov 29, 2012 12:41:01 GMT 10
When asked if he was ever discouraged by the little fruit his efforts seemed to yield, the Master told the story of a snail that started to climb a cherry tree one cold, windy day in late spring.
The sparrows on a neighbouring tree had a good laugh at his expense. One flew over and said, “Hey blockhead, don’t you know there are no cherries on this tree?”
The little fellow did not stop as he replied, “Well, there will be when I get there.”
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Post by Smithee on Nov 30, 2012 13:47:35 GMT 10
The Master could be quite critical when he though that criticism was in order.
But to everyone’s surprise he was never resented for his reprimands. When asked about this once, he said, “It depends on how one does it. Human beings are flowers: open and receptive to softly falling dew, closed to violent rain.”
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Post by Smithee on Dec 1, 2012 14:59:52 GMT 10
The Master overheard an actress discoursing on horoscopes at dinner time.
He leaned over and said, “You don’t believe in astrology, do you?”
“Well,” she replied, “I believe in everything a little bit.”
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Post by Smithee on Dec 2, 2012 13:27:18 GMT 10
“There are those who think that problems are solved through effort,” said the Master. “These people merely succeed in keeping themselves and other busy. Problems are only solved through awareness. In fact, where there is awareness, problems do not arise.”
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Post by Smithee on Dec 3, 2012 12:23:41 GMT 10
The social activist was all eagerness to change the structures of society.
“Fine,” said the Master. “But what we need is not just ACTION that will bring about change but SIGHT that will bring about love.”
“So, according to you, changing structures is a waste of time.”
“No, no. Changed structures can protect love - they cannot generate it.” said the Master.
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Post by Smithee on Dec 4, 2012 8:42:25 GMT 10
A disciple was convinced she was selfish, worldly, unspiritual. However, after a week’s stay in the monastery, the Master pronounced her spiritually fit and healthy.
“But isn’t there something I can do to be as spiritual as the other disciples?”
To that the Master replied:
Listen to this: A man bought a car once and, after careful computation over six months, came to the conclusion that he was not getting the phenomenally high mileage so often attributed to such cars. He took it to a mechanic who checked the car and declared it to be in perfect condition.
“But isn’t there something I can do to increase its mileage?” said the man.
“Well, yes,” said the mechanic. “You can do what most car owners do.”
“What’s that?”
“Lie about it.”
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Post by Smithee on Dec 5, 2012 7:20:23 GMT 10
“How does one learn to trust in Providence?”
“Trust in Providence,” said the Master, “is like walking into an expensive restaurant without a cent in your pocket and eating dozens of oysters in the hope of finding a pearl to pay the bill!”
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Post by Smithee on Dec 6, 2012 10:01:14 GMT 10
The philosopher gave the Master a length disquisition on “objective reality.”
Said the Master, “What you know is not reality but your perception of it. What you experience is not the world but your own state of mind.”
“Can reality ever be grasped then?”
“Yes - only by those who go beyond their thoughts.”
“What sort of people are these?”
“Those who have lost the great projector, called the self; for when self is lost projection stops - and the world is seen in its naked loveliness.”
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Post by Smithee on Dec 7, 2012 8:11:29 GMT 10
To a painter the Master said: “To be successful, every painter must invest hours in unremitting toil and effort. To some it will be given to let go of the ego as they paint. When this happens, a masterpiece is born.”
Later, a disciple asked, “Who is a Master?”
The Master replied, “Anyone to who it is given to let go of the ego. Such a person’s life is then a masterpiece.”
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Post by Smithee on Dec 8, 2012 14:57:10 GMT 10
A young man eagerly described what he dreamed of doing for the poor.
Said the Master, “When do you propose to make your dream come true?”
“As soon as the opportunity arrives.”
“Opportunity never arrives,” said the Master. “It’s here.”
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