“Freedom is to stand alone, unattached and unafraid, free in the understanding of desire which breeds illusion.”
J.Krishnamurthi
Kabir – The couplet
पुत्र पियारो पितः को, गोहाटी लागि ढाई ।
लोभ मिठाई हाथी दे, अपन गया भुलाई॥
Transliterated:
Putr Piyaari Pitah Ko, Gohari Lagi Dhai |
Lobh Mithai Haathi De, Apan Gaya Bhulai ||
Translation:
The son (soul) with love calls for the father (God), wants to race to embrace Him|
The Father, playing on the son’s desire, places some sweets in his hands, and hides Himself ||
My understanding:
So here we are, back in the world of trying to come to terms with understanding the real self. When born, still not caught up in the attractions of the world, we are deeply focused on being one with The One. However, God, in His infinite wisdom, wants us to pass through the fire of desire and emerge victorious before allowing us back into the warmth of His Embrace.
So this is the test in front of us – and the only way through to the next stage. We do not have an option – we have to succeed – even if it takes many tries and multiple lifetimes. God is merciful – there are no limits on tries or an expiration timer in play. But we do not get through without passing through the door at the end of this tunnel.
Here then, is an interesting thought – if this is preparation for the next stage, what distractions has that stage got to offer? If the attractions of this world are so debilitating as to consume whole lifetimes without us noticing the passage of time, what are the next set going to do to us if we are not prepared?
Before we run away there though, how do we pass muster here? How do we make it past the current obstacle course? Here, it is not just the hurdles – the entire floor is strewn with debris that we have to learn to avoid landing on even as we race though, jumping over hurdles that pop up in our path when we are least prepared for them. To succeed, we need focus – we need to keep only our goal in sight, and not allow our senses to look at and get distracted by the flashy signs that keep trying to force their way into our face and being.
Focus, stay undeterred, and God will help us win!
Warm regards,
Mani
[this thread of Kabir is archived at https://www.akella.org/mani/?cat=5]