For good or for bad, life and nature are governed by laws that we cant change. The quicker we accept this, the more tranquil we can be. You would be foolish to wish that your spouse or your children live forever. They are mortal, just as you are, and the laws of mortality is completely out of your hands. Similarly, it is foolish to wish that your partner, friend, family relative or employee be without fault. This is wishing to control things that you cant truly control.
It is within our control not to be disappointed by our desires if we deal with them according to facts rather than by being swept away by them.
We are ultimately controlled by that; which bestows what we seek or removes what we don’t want. If its freedom you seek, then wish nothing and shun nothing that depends on others,or you will always be a helpless slave.
Understand what freedom really is and how it is achieved. Freedom isn’t the right or ability to do whatever you please. Freedom comes from understanding the limits of our own power and the natural limits set in place by Divine Providence. By accepting life’s limits and inevitabilities and working with them rather than fighting them, we become Free.
If on the other hand, we succumb to our passing desires for things that aren’t in our control, Freedom is lost.
-Excerpt from The Art of Living by Sharon Lebell
( Based on the Teachings of Epictetus- a 3rd century stoic master and philosopher)
2 comments:
Dear Krishna .. Such a wonderful reminder and lesson for all of us .. how true .. 'Acceptance' is the key to 'happiness' in life .. knowing that all that happens is a part of his masterplan ..we just sometimeslack the vision to comprehend his actions ...
My Dear Dipti,
I wish that He gives us the strength and the dignity to accept all the happenings in life with a smile :-)you are right-we slack the vision to comprehend all lesson teaching events often seen as obstacles and sufferings.
God bless you:-)
Hugs and my love :))
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