SPIRITUAL LIVING

SPIRITUAL LIVING

And if we can be of some little use to anybody, we can more easily learn what mysticism is; for the only real mysticism is when a person realizes that he pleases God by pleasing mankind including himself. Those who rejoice in the joy of another, though at their own expense, have taken the first step towards true life. It is only in this way that we can refine our ego.

Every time we ask "What are we?"  'Are you not the cause of unhappiness for others and myself as well? I do not want to see my own being in such a form, in the form of thorns! I want my being to be turned into a rose, that I may bring happiness, pleasure, and comfort to others.' If there is anything needed in spiritual teaching, in seeking truth, in self-realization, it is the refinement of the ego. For the same ego which begins by being our worst enemy, will in the end, if developed and cultivated and refined, become our best friend.

Seemingly it is a renunciation, an annihilation, but in truth it is a mastery. The real meaning of crucifixion is to crucify this false self, and so resurrect the true self. As long as the false self is not crucified, the true self is still not realized. This is called annihilation. All the attempts made by true sages and seekers after real truth are for the one aim of attaining to everlasting life.