V: 22, 23

[Krishna Jaya]

Chapter 5, Verses 22, 23

"Senses touch objects.

Pleasures are like wombs

That bear sorrow.

They are transient.

Not in them

Do the wise find lasting joy.

Yogis who are able to master,

Here on earth,

Impulses of selfish desire

And anger

Rest in the Self

And are truly in peace."

 

Sri Krishna Prem:

"By dwelling upon the light of the eternal, you find that the pleasurable or painful sensations, though unchanged in themselves, have, in some quite indescribable way, become different; they have lost their power to enthrall, that is, to lead you into blind reactions.  No longer are the sensations the masters, smashing their way brutally into consciousness, and demanding instinctive reaction as a right. 

 

The teaching about the control of desire that was given at the end of the third chapter now begins to come to fruition.  Previously, you had no means of dealing with unwelcome sensations but Stoic endurance (Titiksha).  Now, however, you have only to concentrate to establish yourself in the inner fortress.  A great gain has been achieved in that, instead of grimly setting the teeth in resistance, only a relatively small effort is needed to enable you to take up your position within.  Once you do so, victory is assured."

 

[Stoic endurance can backfire, as when feelings are denied.  It wasn't until I absorbed the teachings of Buddhist teachers Pema Chodron and Jack Kornfield about ten years ago that I learned how to embrace unwelcome sensations, and in giving them space to sing their songs, learned how to take up my position in that inner fortress of spacious awareness.  It doesn’t work for me all the time but practice makes perfect :o)]

 

A friend:  Often it feels as if this entire book has been written about and for me.  It feels so deeply personal, and why shouldn't it?  We all share this crazy, wonderful, fantastic experience called LIFE.

Thank you so much for sharing this. Your efforts have blessed others, including myself and I thank you so much for giving your time & energy.

Much love and many blessings!

 

My response:  I too feel the intensely personal nature of the teachings.  Thank you for your heartfelt response.  Love is in our sharing.  It's a subtle taste.  Love to you!