Jack Kornfield on Remembering Who You Truly Are – Heart Wisdom Ep. 287

0:03 [Music]

0:06 [Music]

0:06 [Music] Greed, fear, hatred, and confusion are

0:10 Greed, fear, hatred, and confusion are

0:10 Greed, fear, hatred, and confusion are enormous

0:11 enormous

0:11 enormous forces. It's just they're not who we

0:14 forces. It's just they're not who we

0:14 forces. It's just they're not who we really are, says Jack Kornfield in

0:17 really are, says Jack Kornfield in

0:17 really are, says Jack Kornfield in episode

0:19 episode

0:19 episode 287 of Heart

0:22 287 of Heart

0:22 287 of Heart Wisdom. Remembering who you truly are. I

0:26 Wisdom. Remembering who you truly are. I

0:26 Wisdom. Remembering who you truly are. I am loving awareness disguised as Ganesha

0:30 am loving awareness disguised as Ganesha

0:30 am loving awareness disguised as Ganesha welcoming you to this episode which was

0:33 welcoming you to this episode which was

0:33 welcoming you to this episode which was supposed to be from 1992 if you've been

0:36 supposed to be from 1992 if you've been

0:36 supposed to be from 1992 if you've been following along but partway through Jack

0:39 following along but partway through Jack

0:39 following along but partway through Jack began talking about Ramdas and his

0:42 began talking about Ramdas and his

0:42 began talking about Ramdas and his stroke so I know this one was at least

0:46 stroke so I know this one was at least

0:46 stroke so I know this one was at least beyond 1997.

0:49 beyond 1997.

0:49 beyond 1997. The reason Jack brings up the namesake

0:51 The reason Jack brings up the namesake

0:51 The reason Jack brings up the namesake of this podcast network, this Be Here

0:53 of this podcast network, this Be Here

0:53 of this podcast network, this Be Here Now Network, is because this episode is

0:56 Now Network, is because this episode is

0:56 Now Network, is because this episode is all about

0:59 identity. And no one better to exemplify

1:02 identity. And no one better to exemplify

1:02 identity. And no one better to exemplify this than Ramdas in all of the various

1:06 this than Ramdas in all of the various

1:06 this than Ramdas in all of the various roles that he played throughout his

1:11 roles that he played throughout his

1:11 roles that he played throughout his incarnation from astute Harvard

1:14 incarnation from astute Harvard

1:14 incarnation from astute Harvard professor to America's favorite

1:18 professor to America's favorite

1:18 professor to America's favorite psychonaut to bakti guru upon his return

1:22 psychonaut to bakti guru upon his return

1:22 psychonaut to bakti guru upon his return from India his time creating good change

1:26 from India his time creating good change

1:26 from India his time creating good change in nonprofits and then the big maybe

1:30 in nonprofits and then the big maybe

1:30 in nonprofits and then the big maybe identity

1:31 identity

1:31 identity crisis of his life, the stroke. So Jack

1:36 crisis of his life, the stroke. So Jack

1:36 crisis of his life, the stroke. So Jack speaks

1:37 speaks

1:37 speaks to his time with Ramdas after the stroke

1:41 to his time with Ramdas after the stroke

1:41 to his time with Ramdas after the stroke and how Ramdas was exploring this

1:43 and how Ramdas was exploring this

1:44 and how Ramdas was exploring this mystery of identity ever deeper. And I

1:47 mystery of identity ever deeper. And I

1:47 mystery of identity ever deeper. And I think the reflection here that Jack

1:49 think the reflection here that Jack

1:50 think the reflection here that Jack seems to be pointing to is we are a

1:53 seems to be pointing to is we are a

1:53 seems to be pointing to is we are a society with an identity crisis. the

1:57 society with an identity crisis. the

1:57 society with an identity crisis. the quote from the beginning. Greed, fear,

1:59 quote from the beginning. Greed, fear,

1:59 quote from the beginning. Greed, fear, hatred, confusion, they're enormous

2:01 hatred, confusion, they're enormous

2:01 hatred, confusion, they're enormous forces. It's just that they're not who

2:04 forces. It's just that they're not who

2:04 forces. It's just that they're not who we really are. And it may seem

2:08 we really are. And it may seem

2:08 we really are. And it may seem oversimplified. But if we were to all

2:11 oversimplified. But if we were to all

2:11 oversimplified. But if we were to all sit down in spiritual practice and

2:15 sit down in spiritual practice and

2:15 sit down in spiritual practice and remember who we truly are, that's the

2:18 remember who we truly are, that's the

2:18 remember who we truly are, that's the outside of the edges of the book. Be

2:21 outside of the edges of the book. Be

2:21 outside of the edges of the book. Be here now. It's not just be here now.

2:23 here now. It's not just be here now.

2:24 here now. It's not just be here now. It's remember, remember, remember

2:26 It's remember, remember, remember

2:26 It's remember, remember, remember remember. And in this

2:28 remember. And in this

2:28 remember. And in this podcast, Jack invites us into the space

2:32 podcast, Jack invites us into the space

2:32 podcast, Jack invites us into the space of meditation, framing it as a sacred

2:36 of meditation, framing it as a sacred

2:36 of meditation, framing it as a sacred space of

2:39 space of

2:39 space of non-conumption. I was just on a call

2:41 non-conumption. I was just on a call

2:41 non-conumption. I was just on a call with Jack and Trudy the other day

2:43 with Jack and Trudy the other day

2:43 with Jack and Trudy the other day talking about content, creating content

2:47 talking about content, creating content

2:47 talking about content, creating content for social media and things like that.

2:50 for social media and things like that.

2:50 for social media and things like that. And without thinking, I use the word

2:52 And without thinking, I use the word

2:52 And without thinking, I use the word consume. It's actually a pretty common

2:55 consume. It's actually a pretty common

2:55 consume. It's actually a pretty common word nowadays that we're consuming

2:58 word nowadays that we're consuming

2:58 word nowadays that we're consuming content. But I noticed this sparked

3:01 content. But I noticed this sparked

3:01 content. But I noticed this sparked Trudy and she made mention, oh, this

3:05 Trudy and she made mention, oh, this

3:05 Trudy and she made mention, oh, this word consume. We're consuming content.

3:08 word consume. We're consuming content.

3:08 word consume. We're consuming content. Look, look how things have changed the

3:11 Look, look how things have changed the

3:11 Look, look how things have changed the way we relate to what we're taking in.

3:15 way we relate to what we're taking in.

3:16 way we relate to what we're taking in. Well, it seems in today's world, we're

3:18 Well, it seems in today's world, we're

3:18 Well, it seems in today's world, we're always taking something in. Whether it's

3:21 always taking something in. Whether it's

3:21 always taking something in. Whether it's on our phone, whether it's on the

3:23 on our phone, whether it's on the

3:23 on our phone, whether it's on the computer through emails, whether it's

3:26 computer through emails, whether it's

3:26 computer through emails, whether it's walking into a room and the television's

3:28 walking into a room and the television's

3:28 walking into a room and the television's going or walking outside and there's a a

3:32 going or walking outside and there's a a

3:32 going or walking outside and there's a a billboard and music and ads, and we're

3:36 billboard and music and ads, and we're

3:36 billboard and music and ads, and we're always consuming. And what Jack

3:40 always consuming. And what Jack

3:40 always consuming. And what Jack offers is a perspective of meditation as

3:44 offers is a perspective of meditation as

3:44 offers is a perspective of meditation as a sacred space of

3:48 non-conumption. He says there's no

3:50 non-conumption. He says there's no

3:50 non-conumption. He says there's no grade, no accomplishment, nothing you

3:52 grade, no accomplishment, nothing you

3:52 grade, no accomplishment, nothing you have to become. It is the sacred space

3:56 have to become. It is the sacred space

3:56 have to become. It is the sacred space to listen and remember to listen and

4:00 to listen and remember to listen and

4:00 to listen and remember to listen and remember. So that is why this episode is

4:03 remember. So that is why this episode is

4:04 remember. So that is why this episode is called remembering who you truly are.

4:06 called remembering who you truly are.

4:06 called remembering who you truly are. Before we dive in, I just have the

4:10 Before we dive in, I just have the

4:10 Before we dive in, I just have the quickest and most exciting bit of

4:12 quickest and most exciting bit of

4:12 quickest and most exciting bit of housekeeping I've given in a

4:15 housekeeping I've given in a

4:15 housekeeping I've given in a while. Jack has a brand new course,

4:19 while. Jack has a brand new course,

4:19 while. Jack has a brand new course, Stand Up for Compassion, and it is

4:21 Stand Up for Compassion, and it is

4:21 Stand Up for Compassion, and it is completely free. It is on

4:25 completely free. It is on

4:25 completely free. It is on jackhornfield.com and contains many

4:27 jackhornfield.com and contains many

4:27 jackhornfield.com and contains many hours worth of guided

4:30 hours worth of guided

4:30 hours worth of guided meditations, teachings, instructions for

4:34 meditations, teachings, instructions for

4:34 meditations, teachings, instructions for walking meditation, brilliant writings,

4:37 walking meditation, brilliant writings,

4:37 walking meditation, brilliant writings, journal reflections, and so much more.

4:41 journal reflections, and so much more.

4:41 journal reflections, and so much more. All on how in this time of great change,

4:45 All on how in this time of great change,

4:45 All on how in this time of great change, this time of the great turning, we can

4:47 this time of the great turning, we can

4:47 this time of the great turning, we can ground ourselves, find a deep spiritual

4:50 ground ourselves, find a deep spiritual

4:50 ground ourselves, find a deep spiritual rudder, and from that place of balance,

4:54 rudder, and from that place of balance,

4:54 rudder, and from that place of balance, stand up for compassion for ourselves

4:56 stand up for compassion for ourselves

4:56 stand up for compassion for ourselves and those around us, and from there

4:59 and those around us, and from there

4:59 and those around us, and from there allow ourselves to imagine a beautiful

5:02 allow ourselves to imagine a beautiful

5:02 allow ourselves to imagine a beautiful new

5:03 new

5:03 new world. This is a free resource, a free

5:07 world. This is a free resource, a free

5:07 world. This is a free resource, a free course on jackornfield.com.

5:10 course on jackornfield.com.

5:10 course on jackornfield.com. stand up for

5:12 stand up for

5:12 stand up for compassion. Hope to see you there. There

5:15 compassion. Hope to see you there. There

5:15 compassion. Hope to see you there. There will be a link in the show notes if you

5:17 will be a link in the show notes if you

5:17 will be a link in the show notes if you just want to click in and sign

5:19 just want to click in and sign

5:19 just want to click in and sign up.

5:21 up.

5:21 up. Otherwise, I invite you to sit back,

5:23 Otherwise, I invite you to sit back,

5:24 Otherwise, I invite you to sit back, relax, and enjoy this episode 287 of the

5:27 relax, and enjoy this episode 287 of the

5:27 relax, and enjoy this episode 287 of the Heart Wisdom Podcast with Jack

5:29 Heart Wisdom Podcast with Jack

5:29 Heart Wisdom Podcast with Jack Hornfield. Remembering who you truly

5:33 Hornfield. Remembering who you truly

5:33 Hornfield. Remembering who you truly are. May you be happy and healthy. May

5:36 are. May you be happy and healthy. May

5:36 are. May you be happy and healthy. May you be safe and protected. May you find

5:39 you be safe and protected. May you find

5:39 you be safe and protected. May you find grounding and stand up for compassion.

5:42 grounding and stand up for compassion.

5:42 grounding and stand up for compassion. And may you always remember who you

5:44 And may you always remember who you

5:44 And may you always remember who you truly are. Namaste.

5:55 So the last few weeks for some of you

5:58 So the last few weeks for some of you

5:58 So the last few weeks for some of you who have come on the previous Monday

6:00 who have come on the previous Monday

6:00 who have come on the previous Monday nights have been uh talks in the um

6:06 nights have been uh talks in the um

6:06 nights have been uh talks in the um domain of

6:07 domain of

6:07 domain of wisdom. And one night a couple weeks

6:11 wisdom. And one night a couple weeks

6:11 wisdom. And one night a couple weeks ago, we talked some about um knowing and

6:15 ago, we talked some about um knowing and

6:15 ago, we talked some about um knowing and knowing for oneself and really

6:17 knowing for oneself and really

6:17 knowing for oneself and really investigating

6:18 investigating

6:18 investigating um the spirit of one's own direct

6:21 um the spirit of one's own direct

6:21 um the spirit of one's own direct understanding, the one who knows. And

6:23 understanding, the one who knows. And

6:24 understanding, the one who knows. And last week talked about the

6:26 last week talked about the

6:26 last week talked about the um reality of change and the discovery

6:30 um reality of change and the discovery

6:30 um reality of change and the discovery of wisdom in the midst of change.

6:34 of wisdom in the midst of change.

6:34 of wisdom in the midst of change. And tonight I'd like to continue with

6:36 And tonight I'd like to continue with

6:36 And tonight I'd like to continue with this theme of dimensions of wisdom. Um

6:40 this theme of dimensions of wisdom. Um

6:40 this theme of dimensions of wisdom. Um sometimes for people um you get wisdom

6:44 sometimes for people um you get wisdom

6:44 sometimes for people um you get wisdom if you will which in part tonight I'm

6:47 if you will which in part tonight I'm

6:47 if you will which in part tonight I'm going to equate with a kind of

6:49 going to equate with a kind of

6:49 going to equate with a kind of perspective on life not being lost in

6:52 perspective on life not being lost in

6:52 perspective on life not being lost in life but somehow having a broader wiser

6:55 life but somehow having a broader wiser

6:55 life but somehow having a broader wiser more spacious more gracious perspective.

6:58 more spacious more gracious perspective.

6:58 more spacious more gracious perspective. Sometimes it comes from travel. I have a

7:01 Sometimes it comes from travel. I have a

7:01 Sometimes it comes from travel. I have a psychologist friend years ago who did a

7:04 psychologist friend years ago who did a

7:04 psychologist friend years ago who did a a study of what had really transformed

7:06 a study of what had really transformed

7:06 a study of what had really transformed and opened people's consciousness and

7:09 and opened people's consciousness and

7:09 and opened people's consciousness and traveling to really different cultures

7:11 traveling to really different cultures

7:11 traveling to really different cultures and times and places um is is one of the

7:14 and times and places um is is one of the

7:14 and times and places um is is one of the things that has done it because you step

7:16 things that has done it because you step

7:16 things that has done it because you step out of your ordinary habits and roles

7:19 out of your ordinary habits and roles

7:19 out of your ordinary habits and roles and identity and see something in a new

7:22 and identity and see something in a new

7:23 and identity and see something in a new way. Sometimes it's a brush with death

7:26 way. Sometimes it's a brush with death

7:26 way. Sometimes it's a brush with death only because death is stalking you. Um,

7:32 only because death is stalking you. Um,

7:32 only because death is stalking you. Um, uh, does life become an unfathomable

7:35 uh, does life become an unfathomable

7:35 uh, does life become an unfathomable mystery? Says Don Juan. If it weren't

7:37 mystery? Says Don Juan. If it weren't

7:37 mystery? Says Don Juan. If it weren't for the fact of death, things would be

7:39 for the fact of death, things would be

7:39 for the fact of death, things would be ordinary. But here we are, and then at

7:42 ordinary. But here we are, and then at

7:42 ordinary. But here we are, and then at some point, we're not going to be here

7:43 some point, we're not going to be here

7:43 some point, we're not going to be here in this

7:44 in this

7:44 in this way. And of course, we don't really

7:46 way. And of course, we don't really

7:46 way. And of course, we don't really believe it. But, you know, you can

7:49 believe it. But, you know, you can

7:49 believe it. But, you know, you can reflect on that

7:51 reflect on that

7:51 reflect on that yourself. This from Susan Griffin, a

7:54 yourself. This from Susan Griffin, a

7:54 yourself. This from Susan Griffin, a poem called Born into a World

7:57 poem called Born into a World

7:57 poem called Born into a World Knowing. This will happen. Oh God, we

8:01 Knowing. This will happen. Oh God, we

8:01 Knowing. This will happen. Oh God, we say, just give me a few more breaths.

8:04 say, just give me a few more breaths.

8:04 say, just give me a few more breaths. And don't let it be terrible. Let it be

8:07 And don't let it be terrible. Let it be

8:07 And don't let it be terrible. Let it be soft. Perhaps in someone's arms, perhaps

8:11 soft. Perhaps in someone's arms, perhaps

8:11 soft. Perhaps in someone's arms, perhaps tasting

8:12 tasting

8:12 tasting chocolate. Perhaps laughing or asking,

8:15 chocolate. Perhaps laughing or asking,

8:16 chocolate. Perhaps laughing or asking, "Is it over already?" Or saying, "Not

8:19 "Is it over already?" Or saying, "Not

8:19 "Is it over already?" Or saying, "Not yet. Not quite yet. Not yet. The sky has

8:22 yet. Not quite yet. Not yet. The sky has

8:22 yet. Not quite yet. Not yet. The sky has at this moment turned another shade of

8:24 at this moment turned another shade of

8:24 at this moment turned another shade of blue." And see there a child still plays

8:27 blue." And see there a child still plays

8:27 blue." And see there a child still plays in the fresh cut

8:34 grass. And so we come to the temple or

8:38 grass. And so we come to the temple or

8:38 grass. And so we come to the temple or we come to

8:39 we come to

8:39 we come to meditation to reconnect with another

8:42 meditation to reconnect with another

8:42 meditation to reconnect with another dimension of our life than the kind of

8:45 dimension of our life than the kind of

8:45 dimension of our life than the kind of ordinary way of doing and being to find

8:49 ordinary way of doing and being to find

8:49 ordinary way of doing and being to find wisdom or a perspective.

8:53 wisdom or a perspective.

8:53 wisdom or a perspective. How refreshing. The winnie of a packorse

8:56 How refreshing. The winnie of a packorse

8:56 How refreshing. The winnie of a packorse unloaded of everything. It's an old Zen

9:00 unloaded of everything. It's an old Zen

9:00 unloaded of everything. It's an old Zen saying and it really talks about

9:02 saying and it really talks about

9:02 saying and it really talks about meditation. Finally, you sit down and

9:04 meditation. Finally, you sit down and

9:04 meditation. Finally, you sit down and you just let things go in a certain

9:15 way and my experience whether it's

9:18 way and my experience whether it's

9:18 way and my experience whether it's traveling cuz next week I'm going to go

9:20 traveling cuz next week I'm going to go

9:20 traveling cuz next week I'm going to go to the east coast and I come back and

9:22 to the east coast and I come back and

9:22 to the east coast and I come back and then I go to Europe and teach in the

9:24 then I go to Europe and teach in the

9:24 then I go to Europe and teach in the Alps for a bit and come back and you

9:26 Alps for a bit and come back and you

9:26 Alps for a bit and come back and you know in this culture many of us travel a

9:30 know in this culture many of us travel a

9:30 know in this culture many of us travel a lot even not traveling um is how um how

9:35 lot even not traveling um is how um how

9:35 lot even not traveling um is how um how different it is from one place to

9:37 different it is from one place to

9:37 different it is from one place to another and how different I can be. Um

9:40 another and how different I can be. Um

9:40 another and how different I can be. Um and then I come back and I say, "Oh

9:41 and then I come back and I say, "Oh

9:41 and then I come back and I say, "Oh yeah, right. I live in this house and I

9:43 yeah, right. I live in this house and I

9:43 yeah, right. I live in this house and I have these roles to do, but if I'm away

9:45 have these roles to do, but if I'm away

9:45 have these roles to do, but if I'm away for for a while, it's not really um so

9:49 for for a while, it's not really um so

9:50 for for a while, it's not really um so natural or obvious. You know that

9:51 natural or obvious. You know that

9:51 natural or obvious. You know that experience? You go for a even you go for

9:53 experience? You go for a even you go for

9:53 experience? You go for a even you go for vacation and you come back and you say,

9:55 vacation and you come back and you say,

9:55 vacation and you come back and you say, "Oh yeah, work, right? I have to do that

9:57 "Oh yeah, work, right? I have to do that

9:57 "Oh yeah, work, right? I have to do that again and how do I do all of that?" As

9:59 again and how do I do all of that?" As

9:59 again and how do I do all of that?" As I've said, sometimes I'll sit on the

10:00 I've said, sometimes I'll sit on the

10:00 I've said, sometimes I'll sit on the airplane, people, you know, introduce

10:03 airplane, people, you know, introduce

10:03 airplane, people, you know, introduce themselves and say, you know, what do

10:05 themselves and say, you know, what do

10:05 themselves and say, you know, what do you do? And sometimes I'll say, well,

10:07 you do? And sometimes I'll say, well,

10:07 you do? And sometimes I'll say, well, I'm in sales, right? It's

10:10 I'm in sales, right? It's

10:10 I'm in sales, right? It's just sometimes I say I'm in theater

10:12 just sometimes I say I'm in theater

10:12 just sometimes I say I'm in theater also. And it's kind of I think it's

10:14 also. And it's kind of I think it's

10:14 also. And it's kind of I think it's honest, but you

10:16 honest, but you

10:16 honest, but you know, but I come back um and and I

10:20 know, but I come back um and and I

10:20 know, but I come back um and and I think, okay, well, who am I now? What is

10:22 think, okay, well, who am I now? What is

10:22 think, okay, well, who am I now? What is this role that I have to fulfill? you

10:25 this role that I have to fulfill? you

10:25 this role that I have to fulfill? you know, you're pretending to be students

10:26 know, you're pretending to be students

10:26 know, you're pretending to be students and I'm pretending to sit up here and be

10:29 and I'm pretending to sit up here and be

10:29 and I'm pretending to sit up here and be the teacher, but it's just tentative.

10:31 the teacher, but it's just tentative.

10:31 the teacher, but it's just tentative. You know, we could easily switch places.

10:33 You know, we could easily switch places.

10:33 You know, we could easily switch places. Um, and it keeps changing that way

10:36 Um, and it keeps changing that way

10:36 Um, and it keeps changing that way because our experience is not one life.

10:39 because our experience is not one life.

10:39 because our experience is not one life. It is a succession of

10:41 It is a succession of

10:41 It is a succession of lives. In the Mayan mythology, every

10:44 lives. In the Mayan mythology, every

10:44 lives. In the Mayan mythology, every hour is a deity, is a god.

10:48 hour is a deity, is a god.

10:48 hour is a deity, is a god. and the Navajo teach their children that

10:52 and the Navajo teach their children that

10:52 and the Navajo teach their children that every morning when the sun comes up,

10:53 every morning when the sun comes up,

10:54 every morning when the sun comes up, it's a brand new sun. It's born each

10:57 it's a brand new sun. It's born each

10:57 it's a brand new sun. It's born each morning and lives for only one day and

10:59 morning and lives for only one day and

10:59 morning and lives for only one day and in the evening it passes away, never to

11:01 in the evening it passes away, never to

11:01 in the evening it passes away, never to return. The sun has only one day,

11:04 return. The sun has only one day,

11:04 return. The sun has only one day, they'll say to the children. So you must

11:06 they'll say to the children. So you must

11:06 they'll say to the children. So you must live this day in a beautiful way so the

11:09 live this day in a beautiful way so the

11:09 live this day in a beautiful way so the sun won't have wasted its precious

11:16 shine. in Buddhist teachings. Although

11:19 shine. in Buddhist teachings. Although

11:19 shine. in Buddhist teachings. Although there are all these teachings of many

11:21 there are all these teachings of many

11:21 there are all these teachings of many lives which are the kind of cosmology

11:24 lives which are the kind of cosmology

11:24 lives which are the kind of cosmology that you may or may not believe and

11:26 that you may or may not believe and

11:26 that you may or may not believe and really isn't important because birth and

11:28 really isn't important because birth and

11:28 really isn't important because birth and death take place all the time. Even

11:31 death take place all the time. Even

11:31 death take place all the time. Even though the many lives stuff is true, you

11:33 though the many lives stuff is true, you

11:33 though the many lives stuff is true, you don't have to believe it. It's all

11:34 don't have to believe it. It's all

11:34 don't have to believe it. It's all right. You'll see anyway. But anyway,

11:39 right. You'll see anyway. But anyway,

11:39 right. You'll see anyway. But anyway, um each moment is a new

11:42 um each moment is a new

11:42 um each moment is a new birth and each day is a new birth.

11:47 birth and each day is a new birth.

11:47 birth and each day is a new birth. I remember talking to Ramdas after his

11:49 I remember talking to Ramdas after his

11:49 I remember talking to Ramdas after his stroke five or six years ago. Um, and it

11:53 stroke five or six years ago. Um, and it

11:53 stroke five or six years ago. Um, and it was maybe a year after a year and a half

11:55 was maybe a year after a year and a half

11:55 was maybe a year after a year and a half and he was still having a lot of trouble

11:57 and he was still having a lot of trouble

11:57 and he was still having a lot of trouble speaking and getting around at all. And

12:01 speaking and getting around at all. And

12:01 speaking and getting around at all. And then he went to do teaching. He did his

12:03 then he went to do teaching. He did his

12:03 then he went to do teaching. He did his first teaching gig after the stroke

12:06 first teaching gig after the stroke

12:06 first teaching gig after the stroke somewhere in the city and someone took

12:08 somewhere in the city and someone took

12:08 somewhere in the city and someone took him there and he got up in his

12:09 him there and he got up in his

12:09 him there and he got up in his wheelchair and he tried to speak as best

12:11 wheelchair and he tried to speak as best

12:11 wheelchair and he tried to speak as best he could and he came back and I saw him

12:13 he could and he came back and I saw him

12:13 he could and he came back and I saw him that week afterward and I said how was

12:15 that week afterward and I said how was

12:15 that week afterward and I said how was it to be out teaching? He said I didn't

12:17 it to be out teaching? He said I didn't

12:17 it to be out teaching? He said I didn't like it. I said why

12:19 like it. I said why

12:19 like it. I said why not? And he looked at me and there was

12:21 not? And he looked at me and there was

12:21 not? And he looked at me and there was this kind of sadness in his face and he

12:25 this kind of sadness in his face and he

12:25 this kind of sadness in his face and he said because they want me to be Ramdas

12:28 said because they want me to be Ramdas

12:28 said because they want me to be Ramdas and I'm not him

12:34 anymore. And then as he's gone on to

12:37 anymore. And then as he's gone on to

12:37 anymore. And then as he's gone on to teach about it, he says, you know, I've

12:38 teach about it, he says, you know, I've

12:38 teach about it, he says, you know, I've had so many incarnations. I the the

12:41 had so many incarnations. I the the

12:41 had so many incarnations. I the the incarnation of the you know beautiful um

12:45 incarnation of the you know beautiful um

12:45 incarnation of the you know beautiful um son in college and the professor at

12:47 son in college and the professor at

12:47 son in college and the professor at Harvard and then of course getting

12:48 Harvard and then of course getting

12:48 Harvard and then of course getting kicked out and going to India and oh

12:50 kicked out and going to India and oh

12:50 kicked out and going to India and oh well oh no before that getting kicked

12:52 well oh no before that getting kicked

12:52 well oh no before that getting kicked out and becoming the LSD um you know

12:55 out and becoming the LSD um you know

12:55 out and becoming the LSD um you know guru of the country for a while and then

12:59 guru of the country for a while and then

12:59 guru of the country for a while and then going to India and becoming the other

13:01 going to India and becoming the other

13:01 going to India and becoming the other kind of guru with the sandals and beads

13:03 kind of guru with the sandals and beads

13:03 kind of guru with the sandals and beads and Baba Ramdas and so forth and after

13:05 and Baba Ramdas and so forth and after

13:05 and Baba Ramdas and so forth and after that dropping that mostly and becoming

13:08 that dropping that mostly and becoming

13:08 that dropping that mostly and becoming the SA foundation. patient founder and

13:11 the SA foundation. patient founder and

13:11 the SA foundation. patient founder and building eye hospitals and um you know

13:15 building eye hospitals and um you know

13:15 building eye hospitals and um you know uh um all kinds of support and

13:20 uh um all kinds of support and

13:20 uh um all kinds of support and development aid in every place from

13:23 development aid in every place from

13:23 development aid in every place from Guatemala to Indian reservations to

13:25 Guatemala to Indian reservations to

13:25 Guatemala to Indian reservations to India and Africa and all this great

13:27 India and Africa and all this great

13:28 India and Africa and all this great service or SA

13:30 service or SA

13:30 service or SA um and then um you know doing a whole

13:35 um and then um you know doing a whole

13:35 um and then um you know doing a whole period of working with hospice and death

13:36 period of working with hospice and death

13:36 period of working with hospice and death and dying he said each of these has felt

13:38 and dying he said each of these has felt

13:38 and dying he said each of these has felt like an incarnation

13:40 like an incarnation

13:40 like an incarnation And now in my driveway, he said, there

13:41 And now in my driveway, he said, there

13:41 And now in my driveway, he said, there was there's my old, you know, stick

13:43 was there's my old, you know, stick

13:43 was there's my old, you know, stick shift sports car. In the closet is my

13:45 shift sports car. In the closet is my

13:45 shift sports car. In the closet is my cello and golf

13:47 cello and golf

13:47 cello and golf clubs. And if I think I can't play golf

13:51 clubs. And if I think I can't play golf

13:51 clubs. And if I think I can't play golf anymore, I really suffer. I can't play

13:54 anymore, I really suffer. I can't play

13:54 anymore, I really suffer. I can't play my cello anymore. It's so sad. But

13:57 my cello anymore. It's so sad. But

13:57 my cello anymore. It's so sad. But that's not me. That was somebody else.

13:59 that's not me. That was somebody else.

13:59 that's not me. That was somebody else. And now I'm born again into this

14:02 And now I'm born again into this

14:02 And now I'm born again into this disabled body. And this is my new life.

14:07 disabled body. And this is my new life.

14:07 disabled body. And this is my new life. And this is what you get. You have to

14:09 And this is what you get. You have to

14:09 And this is what you get. You have to die and be born again and again and take

14:11 die and be born again and again and take

14:11 die and be born again and again and take the curriculum basically whatever is

14:13 the curriculum basically whatever is

14:13 the curriculum basically whatever is offered. This is the new

14:16 offered. This is the new

14:16 offered. This is the new class. So who are we? You know, are we

14:20 class. So who are we? You know, are we

14:20 class. So who are we? You know, are we the roles that we play or is there some

14:24 the roles that we play or is there some

14:24 the roles that we play or is there some deeper truth of who we are? I remember

14:27 deeper truth of who we are? I remember

14:27 deeper truth of who we are? I remember at the end of one of our three-month

14:29 at the end of one of our three-month

14:29 at the end of one of our three-month retreats that we've had on the east

14:32 retreats that we've had on the east

14:32 retreats that we've had on the east coast at our center in Massachusetts for

14:34 coast at our center in Massachusetts for

14:34 coast at our center in Massachusetts for the last 30

14:35 the last 30

14:35 the last 30 years, one year um the last week we had

14:38 years, one year um the last week we had

14:38 years, one year um the last week we had different visiting teachers come in and

14:41 different visiting teachers come in and

14:41 different visiting teachers come in and Kusan, the great Korean Zen master from

14:44 Kusan, the great Korean Zen master from

14:44 Kusan, the great Korean Zen master from Nine Mountains Monastery came in with

14:46 Nine Mountains Monastery came in with

14:46 Nine Mountains Monastery came in with his Zen staff and looked out at these

14:48 his Zen staff and looked out at these

14:48 his Zen staff and looked out at these people who just spent three months

14:49 people who just spent three months

14:49 people who just spent three months sitting and walking in silence, peered

14:52 sitting and walking in silence, peered

14:52 sitting and walking in silence, peered at them for a while and said, someone

14:55 at them for a while and said, someone

14:55 at them for a while and said, someone explained to him what they were doing.

14:56 explained to him what they were doing.

14:56 explained to him what they were doing. And he said, "So you sit and walk, pay

14:58 And he said, "So you sit and walk, pay

14:58 And he said, "So you sit and walk, pay attention to the breath and mindfulness

15:00 attention to the breath and mindfulness

15:00 attention to the breath and mindfulness of everything." He said, "Ah, this no

15:02 of everything." He said, "Ah, this no

15:02 of everything." He said, "Ah, this no good. Wrong practice, you

15:07 know. Already everyone is in shock, you

15:10 know. Already everyone is in shock, you

15:10 know. Already everyone is in shock, you know. Oh, I bet on the wrong horse or

15:13 know. Oh, I bet on the wrong horse or

15:13 know. Oh, I bet on the wrong horse or whatever, you

15:14 whatever, you

15:14 whatever, you know." And then he picked up his staff

15:16 know." And then he picked up his staff

15:16 know." And then he picked up his staff and he looked very fierce the way his

15:18 and he looked very fierce the way his

15:18 and he looked very fierce the way his end master does and he pounded his staff

15:20 end master does and he pounded his staff

15:20 end master does and he pounded his staff and says, "Only this? What is this? What

15:23 and says, "Only this? What is this? What

15:23 and says, "Only this? What is this? What is this?" This was his his whole

15:26 is this?" This was his his whole

15:26 is this?" This was his his whole teaching. What is this? To be alive, to

15:28 teaching. What is this? To be alive, to

15:28 teaching. What is this? To be alive, to be in a body. What is this life? This

15:32 be in a body. What is this life? This

15:32 be in a body. What is this life? This only only this is your meditation. Of

15:34 only only this is your meditation. Of

15:34 only only this is your meditation. Of course, they were all like sitting in

15:36 course, they were all like sitting in

15:36 course, they were all like sitting in shock for three more months to kind of

15:39 shock for three more months to kind of

15:39 shock for three more months to kind of come to terms with this

15:42 come to terms with this

15:42 come to terms with this visit. But in fact, it was the same

15:45 visit. But in fact, it was the same

15:46 visit. But in fact, it was the same teaching. It was the same practice as as

15:49 teaching. It was the same practice as as

15:49 teaching. It was the same practice as as they had been doing. Who am I really?

15:52 they had been doing. Who am I really?

15:52 they had been doing. Who am I really? What is this mystery of our

15:56 What is this mystery of our

15:56 What is this mystery of our identity? Oh, nobly born. It says in the

15:59 identity? Oh, nobly born. It says in the

15:59 identity? Oh, nobly born. It says in the Buddhist text, do not forget who you

16:02 Buddhist text, do not forget who you

16:02 Buddhist text, do not forget who you really are. Or there's that beautiful

16:06 really are. Or there's that beautiful

16:06 really are. Or there's that beautiful story um in India, the kind of Hindu

16:09 story um in India, the kind of Hindu

16:09 story um in India, the kind of Hindu story where the baby's in the womb and

16:11 story where the baby's in the womb and

16:11 story where the baby's in the womb and sings, "Oh, do not let me forget who I

16:14 sings, "Oh, do not let me forget who I

16:14 sings, "Oh, do not let me forget who I really am." And then the song changes

16:16 really am." And then the song changes

16:16 really am." And then the song changes right after birth to, "Oh, dear, I'm

16:18 right after birth to, "Oh, dear, I'm

16:18 right after birth to, "Oh, dear, I'm forgetting already."

16:22 forgetting already."

16:22 forgetting already." But who are we that come into this

16:24 But who are we that come into this

16:24 But who are we that come into this remarkable incarnation with the little

16:26 remarkable incarnation with the little

16:26 remarkable incarnation with the little fingers in the end that we take, you

16:27 fingers in the end that we take, you

16:28 fingers in the end that we take, you know, takes a year or two to learn how

16:29 know, takes a year or two to learn how

16:29 know, takes a year or two to learn how to grab things or some months anyway

16:31 to grab things or some months anyway

16:31 to grab things or some months anyway and, you know, move it around and

16:33 and, you know, move it around and

16:33 and, you know, move it around and operate and then get other people to do

16:35 operate and then get other people to do

16:35 operate and then get other people to do what you want and

16:36 what you want and

16:36 what you want and stuff. I'm still working on

16:41 that. But who who are we

16:44 that. But who who are we

16:44 that. But who who are we really? A poem from William Stafford, a

16:48 really? A poem from William Stafford, a

16:48 really? A poem from William Stafford, a wonderful poet called Ways to Live

16:50 wonderful poet called Ways to Live

16:50 wonderful poet called Ways to Live India. It's titled in India in their

16:54 India. It's titled in India in their

16:54 India. It's titled in India in their their lives they happen again and again

16:57 their lives they happen again and again

16:57 their lives they happen again and again being people or

16:59 being people or

16:59 being people or animals and if you live well your next

17:02 animals and if you live well your next

17:02 animals and if you live well your next time could be even

17:04 time could be even

17:04 time could be even better. That's why they often look into

17:06 better. That's why they often look into

17:06 better. That's why they often look into your eyes and you know some far off

17:09 your eyes and you know some far off

17:09 your eyes and you know some far off story with them and you in it and some

17:12 story with them and you in it and some

17:12 story with them and you in it and some animal waiting over at the

17:14 animal waiting over at the

17:14 animal waiting over at the side. Who would want to happen just

17:17 side. Who would want to happen just

17:17 side. Who would want to happen just once? It's too abrupt this way. And when

17:20 once? It's too abrupt this way. And when

17:20 once? It's too abrupt this way. And when you're wrong, it's too late to go back.

17:22 you're wrong, it's too late to go back.

17:22 you're wrong, it's too late to go back. You've done it forever. And you can't

17:25 You've done it forever. And you can't

17:25 You've done it forever. And you can't have that soft look when you pass the

17:28 have that soft look when you pass the

17:28 have that soft look when you pass the way they do it in

17:31 India. So there's this sense somehow if

17:35 India. So there's this sense somehow if

17:35 India. So there's this sense somehow if we really look at the mystery of coming

17:38 we really look at the mystery of coming

17:38 we really look at the mystery of coming into a body and having this form and

17:41 into a body and having this form and

17:41 into a body and having this form and sharing it with all these seemingly

17:44 sharing it with all these seemingly

17:44 sharing it with all these seemingly separate bodies around us. And it's

17:47 separate bodies around us. And it's

17:47 separate bodies around us. And it's there from when we were the smallest

17:50 there from when we were the smallest

17:50 there from when we were the smallest children. I mean, if you have the chance

17:51 children. I mean, if you have the chance

17:51 children. I mean, if you have the chance to go and hold a newborn

17:54 to go and hold a newborn

17:54 to go and hold a newborn baby and kind of look in the eyes of

17:57 baby and kind of look in the eyes of

17:57 baby and kind of look in the eyes of this newborn baby, like just coming from

17:59 this newborn baby, like just coming from

18:00 this newborn baby, like just coming from wherever we come from, it's so

18:03 wherever we come from, it's so

18:03 wherever we come from, it's so wonderful. Tell me a story about when I

18:05 wonderful. Tell me a story about when I

18:06 wonderful. Tell me a story about when I was a baby. When you were a baby

18:08 was a baby. When you were a baby

18:08 was a baby. When you were a baby learning to fly, you couldn't control

18:11 learning to fly, you couldn't control

18:11 learning to fly, you couldn't control your lightness. We never had a moment's

18:13 your lightness. We never had a moment's

18:13 your lightness. We never had a moment's peace. We kept the windows closed all

18:16 peace. We kept the windows closed all

18:16 peace. We kept the windows closed all summer, but you were happy. And everyone

18:19 summer, but you were happy. And everyone

18:19 summer, but you were happy. And everyone said, "Enjoy this. He'll forget how by

18:22 said, "Enjoy this. He'll forget how by

18:22 said, "Enjoy this. He'll forget how by the time he's old enough to walk." And

18:25 the time he's old enough to walk." And

18:25 the time he's old enough to walk." And they were right. By the time you were

18:27 they were right. By the time you were

18:27 they were right. By the time you were old enough to walk, it was all a story

18:29 old enough to walk, it was all a story

18:29 old enough to walk, it was all a story we were told. When you were a baby and

18:32 we were told. When you were a baby and

18:32 we were told. When you were a baby and learning to fly, you flew back and forth

18:34 learning to fly, you flew back and forth

18:34 learning to fly, you flew back and forth between your mother and

18:39 I. And so there's this returning to the

18:43 I. And so there's this returning to the

18:43 I. And so there's this returning to the temple to meditation whatever spiritual

18:46 temple to meditation whatever spiritual

18:46 temple to meditation whatever spiritual life we have to come back and touch the

18:49 life we have to come back and touch the

18:50 life we have to come back and touch the the the secret beauty that Thomas Burton

18:52 the the secret beauty that Thomas Burton

18:52 the the secret beauty that Thomas Burton calls it that we were born with. And

18:55 calls it that we were born with. And

18:55 calls it that we were born with. And it's not just us but it's really there

18:57 it's not just us but it's really there

18:57 it's not just us but it's really there in everything. I mean, I remember going

18:59 in everything. I mean, I remember going

18:59 in everything. I mean, I remember going to see um Koko, you you know her,

19:03 to see um Koko, you you know her,

19:03 to see um Koko, you you know her, everybody knows who Koko is, who lived

19:05 everybody knows who Koko is, who lived

19:05 everybody knows who Koko is, who lived for a long time in PaloAlto and I think

19:07 for a long time in PaloAlto and I think

19:07 for a long time in PaloAlto and I think has moved to Hawaii like many of us

19:09 has moved to Hawaii like many of us

19:09 has moved to Hawaii like many of us would like to do. Anyway, um and Koko's

19:12 would like to do. Anyway, um and Koko's

19:12 would like to do. Anyway, um and Koko's the sign sign language speaking gorilla.

19:15 the sign sign language speaking gorilla.

19:15 the sign sign language speaking gorilla. And we went up to see Koko cuz a friend

19:17 And we went up to see Koko cuz a friend

19:17 And we went up to see Koko cuz a friend of ours who speaks good sign was taking

19:20 of ours who speaks good sign was taking

19:20 of ours who speaks good sign was taking my wife and daughter and I up to see her

19:23 my wife and daughter and I up to see her

19:23 my wife and daughter and I up to see her um and introduce us. And we got up there

19:26 um and introduce us. And we got up there

19:26 um and introduce us. And we got up there and there's this little green lawn

19:28 and there's this little green lawn

19:28 and there's this little green lawn outside where her pan was. And we walked

19:31 outside where her pan was. And we walked

19:31 outside where her pan was. And we walked across the green lawn, my wife and

19:33 across the green lawn, my wife and

19:33 across the green lawn, my wife and daughter and I, and we were introduced

19:36 daughter and I, and we were introduced

19:36 daughter and I, and we were introduced by our friend to Coco. Coco, hey, this

19:38 by our friend to Coco. Coco, hey, this

19:38 by our friend to Coco. Coco, hey, this is Lyanna and Caroline and Jack and so

19:40 is Lyanna and Caroline and Jack and so

19:40 is Lyanna and Caroline and Jack and so forth. How do you do? And then Koko

19:42 forth. How do you do? And then Koko

19:42 forth. How do you do? And then Koko signed hello. And then she signed pretty

19:45 signed hello. And then she signed pretty

19:45 signed hello. And then she signed pretty flowers. And I looked all around. There

19:47 flowers. And I looked all around. There

19:47 flowers. And I looked all around. There was just grass and dirt around there,

19:49 was just grass and dirt around there,

19:49 was just grass and dirt around there, you know. And I shook my head. I didn't

19:52 you know. And I shook my head. I didn't

19:52 you know. And I shook my head. I didn't understand. And Coco looked again.

19:53 understand. And Coco looked again.

19:53 understand. And Coco looked again. pretty flowers. And then I I looked and

19:56 pretty flowers. And then I I looked and

19:56 pretty flowers. And then I I looked and I realized that my daughter was wearing

19:58 I realized that my daughter was wearing

19:58 I realized that my daughter was wearing a floral print dress with little flowers

20:01 a floral print dress with little flowers

20:01 a floral print dress with little flowers on it and Koko had seen those and kind

20:03 on it and Koko had seen those and kind

20:03 on it and Koko had seen those and kind of like nice dress kid. Where'd you get

20:05 of like nice dress kid. Where'd you get

20:05 of like nice dress kid. Where'd you get that? You

20:06 that? You

20:06 that? You know, and it's so amazing because

20:09 know, and it's so amazing because

20:09 know, and it's so amazing because there's Coco in there looking at us,

20:11 there's Coco in there looking at us,

20:11 there's Coco in there looking at us, right? Or if as I have if you've ever

20:13 right? Or if as I have if you've ever

20:13 right? Or if as I have if you've ever swam with the dolphins, swim with the

20:14 swam with the dolphins, swim with the

20:14 swam with the dolphins, swim with the dolphins and there's this huge wonderful

20:17 dolphins and there's this huge wonderful

20:17 dolphins and there's this huge wonderful eye that looks at you and it's like you

20:19 eye that looks at you and it's like you

20:19 eye that looks at you and it's like you know the Dalai Lama kind of saying cool

20:22 know the Dalai Lama kind of saying cool

20:22 know the Dalai Lama kind of saying cool you know how how about this one and you

20:25 you know how how about this one and you

20:25 you know how how about this one and you realize how mysterious it is just to be

20:29 realize how mysterious it is just to be

20:29 realize how mysterious it is just to be incarnate and what do we do with

20:33 incarnate and what do we do with

20:33 incarnate and what do we do with this? Now in our culture usually we make

20:37 this? Now in our culture usually we make

20:37 this? Now in our culture usually we make our identity from what we do or our

20:39 our identity from what we do or our

20:39 our identity from what we do or our accomplishments. you know that list of

20:41 accomplishments. you know that list of

20:41 accomplishments. you know that list of stuff that you put out in India when you

20:44 stuff that you put out in India when you

20:44 stuff that you put out in India when you meet somebody they don't ask what you do

20:48 meet somebody they don't ask what you do

20:48 meet somebody they don't ask what you do very much it's just not part of the

20:50 very much it's just not part of the

20:50 very much it's just not part of the culture so much here it's like what do

20:52 culture so much here it's like what do

20:52 culture so much here it's like what do you do that defines you in India the

20:55 you do that defines you in India the

20:55 you do that defines you in India the most common question when you meet

20:57 most common question when you meet

20:57 most common question when you meet somebody who's new is what god do you

21:01 somebody who's new is what god do you

21:01 somebody who's new is what god do you worship you know is it Shiva or Sarasati

21:03 worship you know is it Shiva or Sarasati

21:03 worship you know is it Shiva or Sarasati or Duruga or you know or or

21:06 or Duruga or you know or or

21:07 or Duruga or you know or or um Krishna or whoever it happens to

21:10 um Krishna or whoever it happens to

21:10 um Krishna or whoever it happens to because that tells more who you are.

21:12 because that tells more who you are.

21:12 because that tells more who you are. What what is your spirit, your soul

21:14 What what is your spirit, your soul

21:14 What what is your spirit, your soul you're being connected to? That kind of

21:17 you're being connected to? That kind of

21:17 you're being connected to? That kind of a cool way to meet somebody, huh? What

21:19 a cool way to meet somebody, huh? What

21:19 a cool way to meet somebody, huh? What what are you what are you here to

21:21 what are you what are you here to

21:21 what are you what are you here to worship in this world rather than what's

21:23 worship in this world rather than what's

21:23 worship in this world rather than what's your job? You

21:25 your job? You

21:25 your job? You know, I mean, what is our true nature?

21:28 know, I mean, what is our true nature?

21:28 know, I mean, what is our true nature? Is it our

21:30 Is it our

21:30 Is it our job? Ancient Mayan poetry. If I were to

21:34 job? Ancient Mayan poetry. If I were to

21:34 job? Ancient Mayan poetry. If I were to lead you into the depths of the temple,

21:37 lead you into the depths of the temple,

21:37 lead you into the depths of the temple, if I were to ask you which of these

21:39 if I were to ask you which of these

21:39 if I were to ask you which of these bones were which king, what could you

21:42 bones were which king, what could you

21:42 bones were which king, what could you reply? You would say, I know not, for

21:45 reply? You would say, I know not, for

21:45 reply? You would say, I know not, for the greatest and least are co confounded

21:48 the greatest and least are co confounded

21:48 the greatest and least are co confounded in common clay, and the blackness of the

21:51 in common clay, and the blackness of the

21:51 in common clay, and the blackness of the tomb is the sun's womb, and the dark

21:54 tomb is the sun's womb, and the dark

21:54 tomb is the sun's womb, and the dark night shines with bright stars. And we

21:57 night shines with bright stars. And we

21:57 night shines with bright stars. And we are

21:58 are

21:58 are thus we are all arising out of the same

22:02 thus we are all arising out of the same

22:02 thus we are all arising out of the same source. and disappearing into the same

22:05 source. and disappearing into the same

22:05 source. and disappearing into the same source. You live in illusion, says

22:08 source. You live in illusion, says

22:08 source. You live in illusion, says Kalurbache, an illusion and the

22:10 Kalurbache, an illusion and the

22:10 Kalurbache, an illusion and the appearance of things. There is a reality

22:14 appearance of things. There is a reality

22:14 appearance of things. There is a reality but you do not remember this. And when

22:17 but you do not remember this. And when

22:17 but you do not remember this. And when you understand, you will discover that

22:19 you understand, you will discover that

22:19 you understand, you will discover that you are

22:20 you are

22:20 you are nothing. And being nothing, you are

22:23 nothing. And being nothing, you are

22:23 nothing. And being nothing, you are everything. That is all.

22:27 everything. That is all.

22:27 everything. That is all. So we live in this illusion of

22:29 So we live in this illusion of

22:29 So we live in this illusion of separateness and as if this small sense

22:31 separateness and as if this small sense

22:31 separateness and as if this small sense of self and our doing and activity is

22:34 of self and our doing and activity is

22:34 of self and our doing and activity is who we are. But we are something so much

22:37 who we are. But we are something so much

22:37 who we are. But we are something so much greater than

22:38 greater than

22:38 greater than this. And part of what makes meditation

22:41 this. And part of what makes meditation

22:41 this. And part of what makes meditation so

22:42 so

22:42 so extraordinary is that to simply

22:45 extraordinary is that to simply

22:45 extraordinary is that to simply sit and not try to make anything happen

22:48 sit and not try to make anything happen

22:48 sit and not try to make anything happen or get anywhere or do something is to

22:51 or get anywhere or do something is to

22:51 or get anywhere or do something is to step out of our identity and our roles

22:54 step out of our identity and our roles

22:54 step out of our identity and our roles in the small sense of

22:56 in the small sense of

22:57 in the small sense of self. As the said, the soul grows by

23:01 self. As the said, the soul grows by

23:01 self. As the said, the soul grows by subtraction and not by addition.

23:05 subtraction and not by addition.

23:05 subtraction and not by addition. When we let go, when we make space,

23:07 When we let go, when we make space,

23:07 When we let go, when we make space, that's when the heart grows, when we

23:10 that's when the heart grows, when we

23:10 that's when the heart grows, when we understand. And here we are. We sit down

23:12 understand. And here we are. We sit down

23:12 understand. And here we are. We sit down in meditation to kind of quiet the mind

23:15 in meditation to kind of quiet the mind

23:16 in meditation to kind of quiet the mind and open the heart in whatever way. And

23:18 and open the heart in whatever way. And

23:18 and open the heart in whatever way. And then we see our

23:19 then we see our

23:19 then we see our stories. The victim, you know, that one,

23:23 stories. The victim, you know, that one,

23:24 stories. The victim, you know, that one, the warrior, the workhorse, the

23:26 the warrior, the workhorse, the

23:26 the warrior, the workhorse, the nurturer, you know, the the great mother

23:29 nurturer, you know, the the great mother

23:29 nurturer, you know, the the great mother or the lost soul, the fatalist or the

23:33 or the lost soul, the fatalist or the

23:33 or the lost soul, the fatalist or the sage. I mean we can you know it's like

23:34 sage. I mean we can you know it's like

23:34 sage. I mean we can you know it's like Shakespeare what part do you want to

23:36 Shakespeare what part do you want to

23:36 Shakespeare what part do you want to play? It really is you know and then we

23:39 play? It really is you know and then we

23:39 play? It really is you know and then we feel the roles that have been dumped on

23:41 feel the roles that have been dumped on

23:41 feel the roles that have been dumped on us by society because of its

23:44 us by society because of its

23:44 us by society because of its expectations. The suffering of it the

23:47 expectations. The suffering of it the

23:47 expectations. The suffering of it the injustice the the racism and the the

23:51 injustice the the racism and the the

23:51 injustice the the racism and the the complete insanity of saying okay you

23:52 complete insanity of saying okay you

23:52 complete insanity of saying okay you look this way that's going to be your

23:54 look this way that's going to be your

23:54 look this way that's going to be your role. You know um the kinds of fears

23:57 role. You know um the kinds of fears

23:57 role. You know um the kinds of fears that are sold to us. a society currently

24:01 that are sold to us. a society currently

24:01 that are sold to us. a society currently that lives a lot from fear. Are we going

24:03 that lives a lot from fear. Are we going

24:03 that lives a lot from fear. Are we going to take that as a role or the the role

24:06 to take that as a role or the the role

24:06 to take that as a role or the the role of the consumer? You are a consumer. You

24:10 of the consumer? You are a consumer. You

24:10 of the consumer? You are a consumer. You know, we want Uncle Sam wants you to

24:14 know, we want Uncle Sam wants you to

24:14 know, we want Uncle Sam wants you to consume basically that that's what our

24:17 consume basically that that's what our

24:17 consume basically that that's what our nation has become in a

24:21 way. And then we come to meditation.

24:24 way. And then we come to meditation.

24:24 way. And then we come to meditation. [Music]

24:26 [Music]

24:26 [Music] Yeah, quite a good product here. And

24:30 Yeah, quite a good product here. And

24:30 Yeah, quite a good product here. And and what it offers us is a sacred

24:34 and what it offers us is a sacred

24:34 and what it offers us is a sacred space of

24:36 space of

24:36 space of non-conumption. There's nothing to do,

24:38 non-conumption. There's nothing to do,

24:38 non-conumption. There's nothing to do, no grade, no accomplishment, nothing to

24:41 no grade, no accomplishment, nothing to

24:41 no grade, no accomplishment, nothing to have or

24:43 have or

24:43 have or become. It is a sacred space to listen

24:46 become. It is a sacred space to listen

24:46 become. It is a sacred space to listen and remember and touch the freedom of

24:50 and remember and touch the freedom of

24:50 and remember and touch the freedom of heart or spirit that is possible in any

24:53 heart or spirit that is possible in any

24:54 heart or spirit that is possible in any circumstance. No matter what drama that

24:56 circumstance. No matter what drama that

24:56 circumstance. No matter what drama that you're in, being born or dying or

25:00 you're in, being born or dying or

25:00 you're in, being born or dying or gaining or losing or praise or blame or

25:02 gaining or losing or praise or blame or

25:02 gaining or losing or praise or blame or pain or pleasure, you got one of those

25:05 pain or pleasure, you got one of those

25:05 pain or pleasure, you got one of those today and tomorrow it might be

25:07 today and tomorrow it might be

25:07 today and tomorrow it might be different. Whatever it is, there is

25:09 different. Whatever it is, there is

25:10 different. Whatever it is, there is within us a possibility of freedom in

25:13 within us a possibility of freedom in

25:13 within us a possibility of freedom in the midst of all of that because those

25:15 the midst of all of that because those

25:15 the midst of all of that because those outer things are not who we really are.

25:20 outer things are not who we really are.

25:20 outer things are not who we really are. They're part of the play, the game of

25:22 They're part of the play, the game of

25:22 They're part of the play, the game of life.

25:24 life.

25:24 life. And in the

25:25 And in the

25:25 And in the stillness we rediscover our connection

25:28 stillness we rediscover our connection

25:28 stillness we rediscover our connection to that which is silent, timeless. We

25:32 to that which is silent, timeless. We

25:32 to that which is silent, timeless. We are surrounded by silence. The galaxies

25:36 are surrounded by silence. The galaxies

25:36 are surrounded by silence. The galaxies are surrounded by intergalactic silence

25:39 are surrounded by intergalactic silence

25:39 are surrounded by intergalactic silence and so are we. This vast stillness

25:42 and so are we. This vast stillness

25:42 and so are we. This vast stillness surrounds all the doing. And it just

25:45 surrounds all the doing. And it just

25:45 surrounds all the doing. And it just takes a moment to remember it and

25:47 takes a moment to remember it and

25:47 takes a moment to remember it and reconnect with it.

25:51 reconnect with it.

25:51 reconnect with it. And it's so nourishing and healing. It's

25:54 And it's so nourishing and healing. It's

25:54 And it's so nourishing and healing. It's it's as if, you know, that old African

25:57 it's as if, you know, that old African

25:57 it's as if, you know, that old African story of the people who put down the the

26:00 story of the people who put down the the

26:00 story of the people who put down the the bearsers who put down their the luggage

26:01 bearsers who put down their the luggage

26:01 bearsers who put down their the luggage they were carrying um to let their souls

26:04 they were carrying um to let their souls

26:04 they were carrying um to let their souls catch up. You know, we're not going to

26:06 catch up. You know, we're not going to

26:06 catch up. You know, we're not going to finish the journey until our souls can

26:08 finish the journey until our souls can

26:08 finish the journey until our souls can catch up.

26:11 So we begin to practice and it's really

26:14 So we begin to practice and it's really

26:14 So we begin to practice and it's really a practice of letting go of emptying of

26:17 a practice of letting go of emptying of

26:17 a practice of letting go of emptying of the perspective of wisdom. As the

26:20 the perspective of wisdom. As the

26:20 the perspective of wisdom. As the alchemical sage Hermes Tris Majistus

26:24 alchemical sage Hermes Tris Majistus

26:24 alchemical sage Hermes Tris Majistus says, see with the eyes that can view

26:28 says, see with the eyes that can view

26:28 says, see with the eyes that can view your life as not yet

26:30 your life as not yet

26:30 your life as not yet begotten and then that you are in the

26:33 begotten and then that you are in the

26:33 begotten and then that you are in the womb, that you are

26:35 womb, that you are

26:35 womb, that you are young, that you are middle-aged, that

26:37 young, that you are middle-aged, that

26:37 young, that you are middle-aged, that you are old, that you have died, that

26:41 you are old, that you have died, that

26:41 you are old, that you have died, that you are in the world beyond the grave.

26:43 you are in the world beyond the grave.

26:43 you are in the world beyond the grave. Grasp in your mind all of these times at

26:47 Grasp in your mind all of these times at

26:47 Grasp in your mind all of these times at once and then you can begin to see with

26:50 once and then you can begin to see with

26:50 once and then you can begin to see with the eyes of the

26:52 the eyes of the

26:52 the eyes of the divine. See the whole arc of life, the

26:55 divine. See the whole arc of life, the

26:56 divine. See the whole arc of life, the dance. Because time is really an

26:57 dance. Because time is really an

26:57 dance. Because time is really an illusion. There's only now. And now we

27:00 illusion. There's only now. And now we

27:00 illusion. There's only now. And now we can see all that there is in its own

27:05 can see all that there is in its own

27:05 can see all that there is in its own way. And so we begin to meditate and

27:09 way. And so we begin to meditate and

27:09 way. And so we begin to meditate and space opens. the kind of letting go,

27:13 space opens. the kind of letting go,

27:13 space opens. the kind of letting go, emptiness, the spaciousness of awareness

27:15 emptiness, the spaciousness of awareness

27:15 emptiness, the spaciousness of awareness itself that thoughts come and go,

27:18 itself that thoughts come and go,

27:18 itself that thoughts come and go, feelings arise and pass, and we can bow

27:20 feelings arise and pass, and we can bow

27:20 feelings arise and pass, and we can bow to them all. And it's not that they're

27:23 to them all. And it's not that they're

27:23 to them all. And it's not that they're easy. I mean, the forces of greed and

27:26 easy. I mean, the forces of greed and

27:26 easy. I mean, the forces of greed and fear and hatred and confusion and so

27:28 fear and hatred and confusion and so

27:28 fear and hatred and confusion and so forth are enormous

27:31 forth are enormous

27:31 forth are enormous forces. It's just that they're not who

27:34 forces. It's just that they're not who

27:34 forces. It's just that they're not who we really are. They may be big, but

27:37 we really are. They may be big, but

27:37 we really are. They may be big, but they're

27:38 they're

27:38 they're not true in some fundamental sense.

27:42 not true in some fundamental sense.

27:42 not true in some fundamental sense. They're part of the dance of

27:44 They're part of the dance of

27:44 They're part of the dance of life. But when we

27:47 life. But when we

27:47 life. But when we sit and open and

27:49 sit and open and

27:49 sit and open and listen, look with the eyes and heart of

27:52 listen, look with the eyes and heart of

27:52 listen, look with the eyes and heart of a Buddha, something else happens. The

27:55 a Buddha, something else happens. The

27:55 a Buddha, something else happens. The armor of the body starts to loosen. All

27:58 armor of the body starts to loosen. All

27:58 armor of the body starts to loosen. All the stuff that we hold inside, you know,

28:00 the stuff that we hold inside, you know,

28:00 the stuff that we hold inside, you know, the unfinished business of the heart,

28:02 the unfinished business of the heart,

28:02 the unfinished business of the heart, the tears come because we've been too

28:04 the tears come because we've been too

28:04 the tears come because we've been too busy running around to grieve our losses

28:07 busy running around to grieve our losses

28:07 busy running around to grieve our losses and bow to them and let

28:09 and bow to them and let

28:09 and bow to them and let go. General Norman Schwarzoff said, "I

28:12 go. General Norman Schwarzoff said, "I

28:12 go. General Norman Schwarzoff said, "I don't trust a man who can't

28:14 don't trust a man who can't

28:14 don't trust a man who can't cry." Thank you, General. You know, I

28:18 cry." Thank you, General. You know, I

28:18 cry." Thank you, General. You know, I mean, there's something important about

28:19 mean, there's something important about

28:19 mean, there's something important about that.

28:21 that.

28:22 that. And so we allow the small sense of self,

28:25 And so we allow the small sense of self,

28:25 And so we allow the small sense of self, the body of fear to be bowed to and

28:28 the body of fear to be bowed to and

28:28 the body of fear to be bowed to and respected and honored. It's so precious

28:30 respected and honored. It's so precious

28:30 respected and honored. It's so precious that we have this day in this form. And

28:33 that we have this day in this form. And

28:33 that we have this day in this form. And in doing so, it opens. It starts to

28:35 in doing so, it opens. It starts to

28:35 in doing so, it opens. It starts to release. It heals. It allows and the

28:38 release. It heals. It allows and the

28:38 release. It heals. It allows and the heart starts to open. The sorrows and

28:41 heart starts to open. The sorrows and

28:42 heart starts to open. The sorrows and creativity and grudges and longings and

28:45 creativity and grudges and longings and

28:45 creativity and grudges and longings and excitement and expressions and all these

28:48 excitement and expressions and all these

28:48 excitement and expressions and all these different things are love come and go.

28:50 different things are love come and go.

28:50 different things are love come and go. Bow all that to yes and we become the

28:54 Bow all that to yes and we become the

28:54 Bow all that to yes and we become the space that senses our life coming and

28:58 space that senses our life coming and

28:58 space that senses our life coming and going all of

29:00 going all of

29:00 going all of it. The mind quiets the heart opens in

29:03 it. The mind quiets the heart opens in

29:03 it. The mind quiets the heart opens in its own way and we see the places that

29:06 its own way and we see the places that

29:06 its own way and we see the places that we get caught entangled and this is the

29:08 we get caught entangled and this is the

29:08 we get caught entangled and this is the basic Buddhist teaching. There's

29:10 basic Buddhist teaching. There's

29:10 basic Buddhist teaching. There's suffering when we get entangled and

29:12 suffering when we get entangled and

29:12 suffering when we get entangled and there is the freedom the joy of life

29:15 there is the freedom the joy of life

29:15 there is the freedom the joy of life when we let

29:16 when we let

29:16 when we let go. And even now we sit this evening.

29:19 go. And even now we sit this evening.

29:19 go. And even now we sit this evening. Are you listening? And you know the

29:21 Are you listening? And you know the

29:21 Are you listening? And you know the places that you know cause the suffering

29:24 places that you know cause the suffering

29:24 places that you know cause the suffering now the clinging, the fear, the

29:26 now the clinging, the fear, the

29:27 now the clinging, the fear, the confusion. And underneath you also can

29:30 confusion. And underneath you also can

29:30 confusion. And underneath you also can probably equally well sense the

29:32 probably equally well sense the

29:32 probably equally well sense the possibility of release and letting go.

29:35 possibility of release and letting go.

29:35 possibility of release and letting go. The freedom of it. This freedom is your

29:38 The freedom of it. This freedom is your

29:38 The freedom of it. This freedom is your birthright. It is always with us. It is

29:41 birthright. It is always with us. It is

29:41 birthright. It is always with us. It is always

29:43 always

29:43 always possible. Who are we really? Are we

29:45 possible. Who are we really? Are we

29:45 possible. Who are we really? Are we these limited

29:47 these limited

29:47 these limited roles or do we know and trust and live

29:51 roles or do we know and trust and live

29:51 roles or do we know and trust and live in this

29:53 in this

29:53 in this freedom? You remember the passage from

29:56 freedom? You remember the passage from

29:56 freedom? You remember the passage from the Ojiway Indians. Sometimes I go about

30:00 the Ojiway Indians. Sometimes I go about

30:00 the Ojiway Indians. Sometimes I go about pitying myself and all the while I'm

30:02 pitying myself and all the while I'm

30:02 pitying myself and all the while I'm being carried by great winds across the

30:08 sky. And so we sit and after some

30:12 sky. And so we sit and after some

30:12 sky. And so we sit and after some initial quieting the breath starts to

30:15 initial quieting the breath starts to

30:15 initial quieting the breath starts to breathe itself. The thought storms come

30:18 breathe itself. The thought storms come

30:18 breathe itself. The thought storms come and go. All the stories tell themselves

30:20 and go. All the stories tell themselves

30:20 and go. All the stories tell themselves and then there's a kind of opening. We

30:23 and then there's a kind of opening. We

30:23 and then there's a kind of opening. We begin to trust the space of awareness

30:25 begin to trust the space of awareness

30:25 begin to trust the space of awareness itself of compassion and the great heart

30:28 itself of compassion and the great heart

30:28 itself of compassion and the great heart of a Buddha within ourselves to allow

30:31 of a Buddha within ourselves to allow

30:31 of a Buddha within ourselves to allow the praise and blame and gain and loss.

30:34 the praise and blame and gain and loss.

30:34 the praise and blame and gain and loss. The mystery of life just to see it.

30:36 The mystery of life just to see it.

30:36 The mystery of life just to see it. Isn't it amazing?

30:38 Isn't it amazing?

30:38 Isn't it amazing? because it's not very much in our

30:40 because it's not very much in our

30:40 because it's not very much in our control. I mean, you have things to do

30:42 control. I mean, you have things to do

30:42 control. I mean, you have things to do and tend to, but the big things who you

30:45 and tend to, but the big things who you

30:45 and tend to, but the big things who you end up falling in love with or falling

30:48 end up falling in love with or falling

30:48 end up falling in love with or falling out of love with, you know, what happens

30:51 out of love with, you know, what happens

30:51 out of love with, you know, what happens to your body probably where you end up

30:54 to your body probably where you end up

30:54 to your body probably where you end up living and certainly where you were born

30:56 living and certainly where you were born

30:56 living and certainly where you were born and what your family was like and

30:58 and what your family was like and

30:58 and what your family was like and various other things like that you

30:59 various other things like that you

30:59 various other things like that you really don't have much say about, do

31:02 really don't have much say about, do

31:02 really don't have much say about, do you? They happen.

31:05 you? They happen.

31:05 you? They happen. And so there comes a sense that we are

31:07 And so there comes a sense that we are

31:07 And so there comes a sense that we are living out this pattern of

31:11 living out this pattern of

31:11 living out this pattern of mystery. A friend of mine I remember

31:14 mystery. A friend of mine I remember

31:14 mystery. A friend of mine I remember who's a Buddhist teacher told me about

31:16 who's a Buddhist teacher told me about

31:16 who's a Buddhist teacher told me about first going to the Himalayas and she was

31:19 first going to the Himalayas and she was

31:19 first going to the Himalayas and she was traveling around India just kind of as a

31:21 traveling around India just kind of as a

31:21 traveling around India just kind of as a tourist and then she went up in the

31:22 tourist and then she went up in the

31:22 tourist and then she went up in the mountains and met this Tibetan llama and

31:24 mountains and met this Tibetan llama and

31:24 mountains and met this Tibetan llama and he said you must come for our fire puja

31:26 he said you must come for our fire puja

31:26 he said you must come for our fire puja that we're doing.

31:27 that we're doing.

31:27 that we're doing. So she decided to kind of follow this

31:30 So she decided to kind of follow this

31:30 So she decided to kind of follow this llama and they went back into this

31:31 llama and they went back into this

31:31 llama and they went back into this valley in the Himalayas. And there were

31:34 valley in the Himalayas. And there were

31:34 valley in the Himalayas. And there were about a dozen old llamas in a huge fire

31:37 about a dozen old llamas in a huge fire

31:37 about a dozen old llamas in a huge fire and they were saying mantras and pouring

31:39 and they were saying mantras and pouring

31:39 and they were saying mantras and pouring butter on the flames and you know there

31:41 butter on the flames and you know there

31:41 butter on the flames and you know there were the snowy peaks behind them and

31:44 were the snowy peaks behind them and

31:44 were the snowy peaks behind them and around them some of the animals from the

31:46 around them some of the animals from the

31:46 around them some of the animals from the forest had come. all these birds and

31:48 forest had come. all these birds and

31:48 forest had come. all these birds and creatures had come out. And she said, "I

31:50 creatures had come out. And she said, "I

31:50 creatures had come out. And she said, "I walked in this glade and there was the

31:52 walked in this glade and there was the

31:52 walked in this glade and there was the smoke pouring and the chanting and the

31:54 smoke pouring and the chanting and the

31:54 smoke pouring and the chanting and the huge bonfire and the butter poured on it

31:56 huge bonfire and the butter poured on it

31:56 huge bonfire and the butter poured on it and these animals looking along with the

31:58 and these animals looking along with the

31:58 and these animals looking along with the llamas. And I felt that I had walked

32:01 llamas. And I felt that I had walked

32:01 llamas. And I felt that I had walked into an ancient world that was so much

32:04 into an ancient world that was so much

32:04 into an ancient world that was so much more connected with what was true than

32:06 more connected with what was true than

32:06 more connected with what was true than anything I'd seen in my life. And I just

32:08 anything I'd seen in my life. And I just

32:08 anything I'd seen in my life. And I just bowed down to this llama and I said,

32:10 bowed down to this llama and I said,

32:10 bowed down to this llama and I said, "Teach me something. Teach

32:13 "Teach me something. Teach

32:13 "Teach me something. Teach me." But it's not just in Tibet. I mean,

32:17 me." But it's not just in Tibet. I mean,

32:17 me." But it's not just in Tibet. I mean, it is every time a bird sings. It

32:21 it is every time a bird sings. It

32:21 it is every time a bird sings. It doesn't have to be in the

32:23 doesn't have to be in the

32:23 doesn't have to be in the Himalayas. Someone left here this

32:25 Himalayas. Someone left here this

32:25 Himalayas. Someone left here this beautiful poem from Wendel Barry about

32:28 beautiful poem from Wendel Barry about

32:28 beautiful poem from Wendel Barry about the yellowthroatated warbler, the

32:31 the yellowthroatated warbler, the

32:31 the yellowthroatated warbler, the highest remote voice singing in the top

32:33 highest remote voice singing in the top

32:33 highest remote voice singing in the top of the tallest

32:36 of the tallest

32:36 of the tallest sycamores. You

32:37 sycamores. You

32:37 sycamores. You know, all he he was too close and then

32:41 know, all he he was too close and then

32:41 know, all he he was too close and then he landed on the railing of my porch. He

32:43 he landed on the railing of my porch. He

32:43 he landed on the railing of my porch. He was too close to see with

32:45 was too close to see with

32:45 was too close to see with binoculars. Only the naked eye could

32:47 binoculars. Only the naked eye could

32:47 binoculars. Only the naked eye could take him in. A bird more beautiful than

32:49 take him in. A bird more beautiful than

32:49 take him in. A bird more beautiful than every picture of himself, more beautiful

32:52 every picture of himself, more beautiful

32:52 every picture of himself, more beautiful than any human mind, so small and

32:54 than any human mind, so small and

32:54 than any human mind, so small and inexact, could ever hope to remember. My

32:57 inexact, could ever hope to remember. My

32:57 inexact, could ever hope to remember. My mind became beautiful by the sight of

33:03 him. And it's here. It is. It's around

33:06 him. And it's here. It is. It's around

33:06 him. And it's here. It is. It's around us. The the people around us, even when

33:08 us. The the people around us, even when

33:08 us. The the people around us, even when they're in bad moods. I mean, it's kind

33:10 they're in bad moods. I mean, it's kind

33:10 they're in bad moods. I mean, it's kind of like the wrathful deities at the

33:12 of like the wrathful deities at the

33:12 of like the wrathful deities at the temple. You know, you go through the

33:13 temple. You know, you go through the

33:13 temple. You know, you go through the gates of the temple and there's always

33:14 gates of the temple and there's always

33:14 gates of the temple and there's always these guardian demons and stuff like

33:16 these guardian demons and stuff like

33:16 these guardian demons and stuff like that. So, sometimes you live with them.

33:18 that. So, sometimes you live with them.

33:18 that. So, sometimes you live with them. That's okay. You know, for a time you

33:21 That's okay. You know, for a time you

33:21 That's okay. You know, for a time you bow to them, you know, thank you

33:25 bow to them, you know, thank you

33:25 bow to them, you know, thank you for meditation opens us to this mystery

33:29 for meditation opens us to this mystery

33:29 for meditation opens us to this mystery and to the freedom beneath it all. the

33:32 and to the freedom beneath it all. the

33:32 and to the freedom beneath it all. the mystery of identity because we take this

33:35 mystery of identity because we take this

33:35 mystery of identity because we take this small sense of self you know and I had

33:37 small sense of self you know and I had

33:37 small sense of self you know and I had asparagus for dinner right does that

33:40 asparagus for dinner right does that

33:40 asparagus for dinner right does that make me asparagus right and I had bread

33:44 make me asparagus right and I had bread

33:44 make me asparagus right and I had bread so you know here's wheat from

33:46 so you know here's wheat from

33:46 so you know here's wheat from Argentina and I had some cheese probably

33:50 Argentina and I had some cheese probably

33:50 Argentina and I had some cheese probably French cheese so now I'm French partly I

33:52 French cheese so now I'm French partly I

33:52 French cheese so now I'm French partly I know that's not politically correct but

33:54 know that's not politically correct but

33:54 know that's not politically correct but I am you know I mean it's so remarkable

33:59 I am you know I mean it's so remarkable

33:59 I am you know I mean it's so remarkable that our life is so intertwined with all

34:02 that our life is so intertwined with all

34:02 that our life is so intertwined with all of life. As Tiknan Han says, you know,

34:06 of life. As Tiknan Han says, you know,

34:06 of life. As Tiknan Han says, you know, when you can see with the eyes of a

34:08 when you can see with the eyes of a

34:08 when you can see with the eyes of a poet, this piece of paper has the trees

34:12 poet, this piece of paper has the trees

34:12 poet, this piece of paper has the trees that made it and the rain that

34:15 that made it and the rain that

34:15 that made it and the rain that rainclouds that watered the forest and

34:17 rainclouds that watered the forest and

34:17 rainclouds that watered the forest and the logger who cut the tree down and the

34:20 the logger who cut the tree down and the

34:20 the logger who cut the tree down and the logger's wife who made his lunch that

34:22 logger's wife who made his lunch that

34:22 logger's wife who made his lunch that day and you know the baloney that was in

34:25 day and you know the baloney that was in

34:25 day and you know the baloney that was in his sandwich and and the worms that

34:29 his sandwich and and the worms that

34:29 his sandwich and and the worms that arrated the soil under that particular

34:31 arrated the soil under that particular

34:31 arrated the soil under that particular fur tree that was cut And the history of

34:34 fur tree that was cut And the history of

34:34 fur tree that was cut And the history of a hundred million years of fur

34:36 a hundred million years of fur

34:36 a hundred million years of fur trees, all of that and the engines that

34:40 trees, all of that and the engines that

34:40 trees, all of that and the engines that people have designed to, you know, work

34:43 people have designed to, you know, work

34:43 people have designed to, you know, work chainsaws and the history of petroleum

34:46 chainsaws and the history of petroleum

34:46 chainsaws and the history of petroleum that works in that and and every other

34:48 that works in that and and every other

34:48 that works in that and and every other mystery all in this piece of paper

34:50 mystery all in this piece of paper

34:50 mystery all in this piece of paper because everything is what we are seeing

34:53 because everything is what we are seeing

34:54 because everything is what we are seeing this we are nothing and being nothing.

34:56 this we are nothing and being nothing.

34:56 this we are nothing and being nothing. We are a part of this fabric of

34:58 We are a part of this fabric of

34:58 We are a part of this fabric of everything.

35:01 everything.

35:01 everything. And when we see with the eyes of a poet,

35:03 And when we see with the eyes of a poet,

35:03 And when we see with the eyes of a poet, Miss Tiknad Han says, then we realize

35:06 Miss Tiknad Han says, then we realize

35:06 Miss Tiknad Han says, then we realize that the small sense of self, what we

35:09 that the small sense of self, what we

35:09 that the small sense of self, what we get so frightened about the how we get

35:11 get so frightened about the how we get

35:11 get so frightened about the how we get caught in our small story is not the

35:14 caught in our small story is not the

35:14 caught in our small story is not the whole

35:15 whole

35:15 whole game. Whatever you think you are, says

35:18 game. Whatever you think you are, says

35:18 game. Whatever you think you are, says Narodat, my teacher, you take it to be

35:20 Narodat, my teacher, you take it to be

35:21 Narodat, my teacher, you take it to be true. You identify with everything so

35:24 true. You identify with everything so

35:24 true. You identify with everything so easily. I'm this or I'm that. The habit

35:26 easily. I'm this or I'm that. The habit

35:26 easily. I'm this or I'm that. The habit of imagining yourself as perceivable or

35:29 of imagining yourself as perceivable or

35:29 of imagining yourself as perceivable or describable, giving yourself a role is

35:32 describable, giving yourself a role is

35:32 describable, giving yourself a role is so strong with you. I find this

35:35 so strong with you. I find this

35:35 so strong with you. I find this impossible. The understanding that I am

35:37 impossible. The understanding that I am

35:37 impossible. The understanding that I am not this or that is the ground of my

35:40 not this or that is the ground of my

35:40 not this or that is the ground of my being. Wisdom says I am nothing. Love

35:44 being. Wisdom says I am nothing. Love

35:44 being. Wisdom says I am nothing. Love says I am everything. Between the two my

35:48 says I am everything. Between the two my

35:48 says I am everything. Between the two my life flows.