Awakin Readings

Always Had It, Always Will

Alan Cohen
  1 min read ·   19 reflections
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 हमेशा था, हमेशा रहेगा
-एलन कोहन (19 दिसंबर, 2012)
कच्चा चमड़ा नहीं, जगमगाते इन्सान हैं हम!
-योडा 
अगर कोई आपसे पूरे भरोसे से कहे कि आपको इस जीवन के रहस्य का ज्ञान है और वह व्यक्ति आपको उस रहस्य को सबको बताने के लिए एक मंच पर खड़ा कर दे तो आप क्या करेंगे? "टोटली हिडन विडियो" नामक टेलीविज़न शो ने इसी विषय पर एक मज़ेदार प्रोग्राम बनाया। इस खेल के लिए फ़ेडरल एक्सप्रेस के एक ड्राईवर को किसी धार्मिक संस्थान (जो कि टेलीविज़न शो का बनाया हुआ सेट था) में एक पार्सल पहुँचाने के लिए कहा गया। ड्राईवर के बिना जाने, प्रोग्राम वालों ने उसका एक फोटो खींच लिया और फिर उस फोटो में कुछ बदलाव कर दिए जैसे कि उस ड्राईवर को उस नकली धर्म के शाही लिबाज़ पहने हुए दिखाया। 
जब वह ड्राईवर पार्सल देने पहुंचा तो अनुयायियों ने (जो असल में प्रोग्राम के आर्टिस्ट थे) उसे एक नज़र देखा और चारों तरफ हलचल मचा दी। 
वे ड्राईवर को अन्दर ले गए और उसे बड़े सम्मान से एक बहुत ख़ूबसूरत गद्दी पर बैठने को कहा। फिर उन्होंने उसे बताया की वह भगवान का भेजा हुआ दूत है जिसके बारे में शास्त्रों में लिखा है और जिसका कब से उन्हें इंतजार था। ड्राईवर का संशय मिटाने के लिए, किसी ने झट से मंदिर की मूर्ति के आगे का पर्दा हटा दिया, और वहां क्या देखते हैं - कि अन्दर उसकी  एक भव्य तस्वीर टंगी है, जो कि "हजारों साल पहले किसी कलाकार ने कल्पित की थी।"
अब अनुयायी प्रार्थना करने लगे,"कृपया हमें कुछ ज्ञान दीजिये।"
ड्राईवर ने उस फोटो को ध्यान से देखा और फिर वहां बैठी भक्तों की भीड़ की ओर नज़र घुमायी। कमरे में सन्नाटा छा गया। वह गद्दी पर बैठ गया, और एक लम्बी साँस भरने के बाद बोला:" ये जीवन," ज्ञानी ने समझाया," एक नदी की तरह है।"  
शिष्यों ने उसके हर कथन पर वाहवाही की, बड़े उत्साह से हर पवित्र शब्द जैसे मन में बिठा लिया हो।  
"जीवन कभी आसानी से चलता है, और कभी तुम्हें अपने रास्ते में उतार-चढ़ाव मिलते हैं।" गुरुजी ने समझाया," लेकिन अगर तुम अडिग रहो और विश्वास रखो तो तुम ज़रूर किसी दिन अपने सपनों के समुद्र तक पहुँच जाओगे।"   
शिष्यों ने फिर परमानन्द विभोर हो कर आन्हें भरीं। इसी दिन का उन्हें कब से इंतजार था!
"बस, आज के लिए इतना ही," फ़ेडेक्स स्वामी बोले," अब मुझे जाना होगा कुछ और पार्सल पहुँचाने।"
भक्त बड़े बेमन उठे और श्रद्धा से सर जुकाया, और संकोचपूर्वक उन धर्मापित गुरूजी के लिए रास्ता छोड़ दिया। उस प्रचुर श्रद्धा के बीच वह दरवाज़े तक पहुँच गया। 
इस कहानी का एक खास संयोजित अंश( पोस्टस्क्रिप्ट) है: उस प्रोग्राम ने यही तरकीब कई और फ़ेडेक्स के ड्राइवरों पर भी लगाई, और हर एक ड्राईवर को उस गद्दी पर बैठते ही कोई ने कोई गंभीर शब्द याद आ गए। कुछ गहन कहने के निमन्त्रण ने इन भोलेभाले इन्सानों के अन्दर ज्ञान की भावना जगा दी। अपने मन के किसी कोने में, हर इंसान सच्चाई जानता है। जो जवाब हम ढूँढ़ रहे हैं, जो ताकत हम पाना चाहते हैं, और जो स्वीकृति हम पाने की कोशिश कर रहे हैं, सब हमारे अन्दर ही उपस्थित हैं। मौका मिलते ही (गद्दी पर बैठते ही) या फिर चुनौतियों का सामने होते ही, हमें जो मालूम होना चाहिए, वो मालूम हो जाता है, और हम वही करते हैं जो हमें करने की ज़रुरत होती है।  
Seed Questions for Reflection

Imagine this prank were played on you - what would your deepest words of wisdom be? When receiving the honor that the drivers received, how do we also keep their awareness that deliveries have to be made, and avoid getting trapped by the attention we get? Can you share a personal story of a time when you were expected to share your deepest wisdom, and what arose in response?

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19 Past Reflections
V
v
Dec 27, 2012
 . . . and I would embrace you back! 
GA
Ganoba
Dec 27, 2012
 I wouldn't say a word. I would open my arms and invite all into a cllective embrace.o
A
a
Dec 24, 2012
Amen!  
Then, as an extension to Lior's shared wisdom, it would be right to say:  All of us created "loveable" need to be loved.  (We have to ask the question of ourselves every day:  "If not me than who? . . . GOD needs OUR help . . . in this, He gives the Great Command . . . go out and love . . . everyday!")
As the saying goes, "If you want a friend, be a friend!" . . . it is too true, "If you want love, be love to another!"
Merry Christmas!  Love has come!    
LZ
Lior Zandvliet
Dec 23, 2012
If I would be given the privilege to share an inner wisdom I would say that "Just remember that God always loves you , guides you and takes care of you. God loves you and nothing else matters .Remember you are always loveable, no matter what your thoughts and actions are, you are loveable every moment of your life"
TA
Tamilyn
Dec 20, 2012
:)
TH
Thierry
Dec 19, 2012
I also liked Tamilyn's earnest comment. But I want to go back to the author's edifying TV show. Why be so candid? All was staged from start to finish in that presumed candid show. All the actors were coached, including the Fedex who cooperated enthusiastically because they were part of the show. The 'amazing' postscript was premeditated, written well in advance, packaged, scotched, all ready to be delivered to the candid TV watcher.
Why? Because it's show biz, and show biz  is show biz all the way. All the way creating the illusion of ...ingenuity.
So, what is it our candid author is chattering about?
AJ
aj
Dec 19, 2012
Tamilyn,
YOU did it!  
Your wisdom shared . . . sometimes, it is "enough" to "just be"!  
Thank you!
TH
Thierry
Dec 19, 2012
 On second thought, I am inclined to think that the Fedex have outwitted their pranksters. Albeit unconsciously. they must have felt they were somehow being toyed with  and they more or less consciously accepted the kind of role playing that was expected of them. Anything that is staged, faked, can be somehow perceived by the most  'unassuming fellow'.  
Always had it, always will ...and what if you have been had?
 
TH
Thierry
Dec 19, 2012
 I can only suppose that Fedex drivers are reliable professionals with a sturdy common sense. They can't be deluded  for long, by this kind of staging. A less naive person, let's say an ex Fed (agent), would immediately suspect  a prank. But should I be the knowing victim of such a scenario, what could I say that would be adequate to the situation?...'Never Mind'. Never mind the prank, never mind the ridicule, let's play along . The words: 'Never Mind' would come to mind instantly. I am not quite ready to believe the drivers were so unsuspecting. But, not knowing what to make of that crazy situation, they may have responded out of the wish not to deceive the devotees' expectations. Instinctively, they did what was expected of them. And in turn the prankers interpreted the drivers' words in their wishful way. Stage what you want, who wants to prove exceedingly, proves little. &... View full comment
TA
Tamilyn
Dec 19, 2012
My reflection .. i notice 2960 reads and 10 comments and great comments they are :) !!!!!   I cant help but wonder though.....is there others like me ??? i sat here for 15 minutes waiting for something profound enough to be considered my deepest words of wisdom too come to me .. after all i think i am pretty deep and vast in my "wisdom" of life .. i received nothing just the mutterings of my ego.." start a sentence .. erase .. no that is not it , because________( any number of reasons) ..hmmmm " .. i think because i am at home, in my comfort zone and not suddenly called upon like in the story ... my ego and brain were able to take charge and tell me all the reasons why what i had to say to anyone are not deep or wise "enough" ...but in other instances in my life whether it be a friend or a  stranger on my path , i have had the honor of experiences were i have been able to use my "d... View full comment
A
a
Dec 18, 2012
 Ricky is right!  . . . We ALL have words of wisdom to share.  From our "first words" . . . to our last, nuggets of wisdom tucked.   My life experience brings me to these words of wisdom . . .  ~Be yourself ~Celebrate yourself ~Get to know your strengths.  (In these, you'll learn God's plan and purpose for you here on earth.) ~Be O.K. with your weaknesses (God gives us all "thorns" to keep us near Him!  . . . I'm so thankful for mine!)  ~Learn what weaknesses can be turned into strengths in and thru the power of Heaven, HIS HOLY SPIRIT, living in you.   (We may not be able to do things on our own, but . . . WITH Christ . . . all things possible!) ~Do not be afraid.  Whether we live here or there (in Heaven) . . . it's all good.   ~Be open to the sun/Son everyday. ~God is Boss.  No earthly man/woman comes before His truth.  (On Him, I am confident and secure.)   ~Never stop &qu... View full comment
CI
Cindy
Dec 18, 2012
 Love!  Love is the answer...unselfish, pure love.  The kind of innocent love of a toddler.  A trusting love.  The kind of love of a pet when it sees its master.  A vibrating love so powerful bodies shake and tails wag. True, unadulterated love of self, others, life.
RI
Ricky
Dec 18, 2012
First of all, kudos to each of the comments already submitted. A wonderful read for today to be sure! Second, the article submission itself is a profound and insightful piece.  Welcome to high school teaching.  Teachers are put on the spot every minute (sans the cushion and the painting and actually the rapt attention!)  And, lastly, I am reminded of a particular statement (paraphrased) from steps about affective listening; do not focus on the speaker, but on what's being said-the words themselves. We each have words of wisdom to share.  In many ways, it's our purpose to share what we learn from our unrepeatable experiences that help shape who we are, which is a one of a kind.  We are to make our time here meaningful and to help leave this glorious experience in an enhanced way focusing on service for others.  We share insights as a manner of everyday conversation in the effort to inspire others into ac... View full comment
NA
Narendra
Dec 17, 2012
 Imagine this prank were played on you - what would your deepest words of wisdom be? ‘Don’t be intimidated by your mind and emotions’. Implement love as a way of life with courage. When receiving the honor that the drivers received, how do we also keep our awareness ‘that deliveries have to be made’, and avoid getting trapped by the attention we get? If we remember at all times, that we are all searching for love as happiness and make common mistakes during the search, and that we are all already connect through a common field of universal love and consciousness, we will be less inclined to being caught up in the drama of our emotions and ego, and we will remember to responsible by ‘making our deliveries’ with love. Can you share a personal story of a time when you were expected to share your deepest wisdom, and what arose in response? One of the best expressions of my ‘deepest wisdom’ has been this forum on ‘Wednesdays&r... View full comment
LM
LM
Dec 17, 2012
With the internal (and external) disturbances I have been going through these past few weeks, I was thinking I would have nothing to say when I read this week's passage. All of a sudden, a couple of comments were added to a previous Awakin reading - 'A Whole New Dimension of Love' and I received a message because I had previously commented there. Out of curiosity, I re-read the article, the new comments, and some old ones - when I came across my own comment. Reading it suddenly gave me a new perspective, and not in an intellectual way. It opened my heart and lifted a burden off me, as if a good friend had sat next to me and listened with love. The part of that comment that resonated today: "...when we respect each other's journey and hold to to something within us and not outside us. Then we can truly let go. If we are truly happy and satisfied with what is within us (or our seeking is purely internal), then we interact with others to know their journeys, see paral... View full comment
DD
david doane
Dec 16, 2012
 The words of wisdom that mean very much to me are that we are all one.  We are each different expressions of Being, of one Source, but we are not separate, we are one.  That we be kind and compassionate to one another follows naturally.  To love your neighbor as yourself is not a mandate to live up to but a fact of life because my neighbor is myself.  The Golden Rule to do to your neighbor as you would have him do unto you is not a rule, it's a fact of life because my neighbor is myself.  When I am kind to the other, I am kind to myself.  When I hurt another, I hurt myself.  We are one.  We keep awareness that 'deliveries have to be made' by doing our various duties in life while also keeping in mind and living out that we are one.  We live on more than one level -- we are to live in the world of duties without being consumed by it and not forgetting that we are one.  As I grow in the words of wisdom that we are one an... View full comment
NS
navin sata
Dec 14, 2012
This Reminded me old "song answer is my dear blowing in the Wind, all we are is dust in the wind". sea ask river how long will you keep coming to my salty water river replied  I will keep coming until you become sweet.yes answer is within each one of us.in material world we all wear many mask we need to remove our mask then truth shine always love navin
CP
Conrad P. Pritscher
Dec 14, 2012
 My first impression is that it is a prank or something like candid camera. Going along with the prank I would say something like: "Deep within your heart, each of us knows the truth.  The answers we see, the power we strive for, and the acknowledgment we attempt to gain, abide inside you."  You do not need others to tell you what is good and what is not good.  You already know. I would then say something like: "We are not drops in the ocean.  We are the ocean made of drops."   I would then say ordinary living is already sacred and the sacred is no more than ordinary living.  I would then say, when we are peaceful we have the right values.  When we have  right values, we have the right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and my right concentration.  I would also mention as Gandhi said: "There is no way to peace.  Peace is the way.... View full comment
CP
Conrad P. Pritscher
Dec 14, 2012
 My first impression is that it is a prank or something like candid camera. Going along with the prank I would say something like: "Deep within your heart, each of us knows the truth.  The answers we see, the power we strive for, and the acknowledgment we attempt to gain, abide inside you."  You do not need others to tell you what is good and what is not good.  You already know. I would then say something like: "We are not drops in the ocean.  We are the ocean made of drops."   I would then say ordinary living is already sacred and the sacred is no more than ordinary living.  I would then say, when we are peaceful we have the right values.  When we have  right values, we have the right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and my right concentration.  I would also mention as Gandhi said: "There is no way to peace.  Peace is the way.... View full comment
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