by Fu-Ding Cheng: Now in the midst of Spring with new growth sprouting everywhere, it is time to flow with the rhythms of Mother Nature, take action and plant seeds for all we wish to manifest. Sometimes it can feel futile given the plight of our society with so much chaos, contradictions and gridlock all around. And yet, as Gandhi had said, “What we do may sometimes feel ineffective, but still we must do it.“
What are the guidelines for enlightened action?
The first guideline is to make sure we attune ourselves to Spirit. This we can do by asking ourselves, “What we choose to manifest, does it serve the ego or the heart?” Such questions, simple as it may seem, can set things in motion that changes our entire life. By following a path of heart, we open ourselves to feelings, intuition and dreams, which in turn allows us access to dimensions well beyond the normal limitations of reason and the ego. It allows us to tap into the ultimate source of our energy, consciousness, and love.
The next guideline is to practice detachment. Whatever we choose to do, be in the moment enjoying the process, instead of falling prey to needless worry over what may or may not happen. The tremendous amount of chi (personal power) we save can then be redeployed for supporting our heart’s desires. On a deeper level, detachment frees us from the illusion of form and the world of appearances.
The third criteria is to clean up inner demons that sabotage us from within. Look into those heart wounds that spawn debilitating habits, attitudes and judgments that distort our efforts. For example, refraining from judgments can completely shift our point of view about the whole world. We gain “beginner’s mind” as the Buddhists say, and all we experience becomes fresh and new just like when we were kids.
To that perennial question whether we should “let go and let God,” or take action and be self-reliant because “God helps those who help themselves,” I love the explanation that the esteemed saint of India, Ramakrishna, gave: “The sailor may have to use his own effort to pull the sails up twenty feet, but the wind of Spirit will then carry him a hundred miles.”
Good luck with your adventure.
Fu-Ding
