What is the use of running when we are on the wrong path? (Gandhi)

Would You like to comment on this saying?

 I like to do that.

Gandhi says, ask yourself what you're doing and why? And then could you get sometimes surprising answers. Why surprising? Because the issues of the day are still powerful, even in these times where people are educated, hear the world news and seem to have a choice.
But this is not often the case, having a choice.

Much of what modern man does is more defined by the ads, by the compulsion to enjoy a lot and the feeling that is forced upon everyone that your present life really is not satisfactory, actually is boring. The suggestion is supreme, that life really is not as dynamic without bungie jumping, without an exotic trip or without the latest smartphone.

And by wondering why you do the things you do, an honest answer is: because it has to, because everyone is doing it, because you would lack otherwise.

And if you wonder quietly why you do the things you do, why you are running, why you're in such a hurry, it turns out to be because you are expecting a big job, a nice car, a long journey to make you happy.

Because getting the object of your desire will make you happy.
And it is not true, simply not true.

Oh world of longing, with its ever-receding horizon.

Oh world of longing, which causes you can only be happy when you pursue the desire, you can only be happy if you can finally satisfy the desire.
And that is certainly a big moment.
But shortly after a new desire is starting to come up.

Why? Because the habit of chasing desires is bigger than the habit not to.

Because the ego has started to believe (a new religion!) that the pursuit of desires gives happiness. But it does not give happiness only temporary relief. And the relief has become manifest only because one is one moment in the here and one has one moment no desire anymore, for one moment just being is the case. Because for a short moment there is nothing to do. Because for a short moment one can relax.

But then it starts all over again.

And that is why Gandhi says: stop running on a path that does not comply.
And I say, take another path, that of peace, of silence, of the here and now, of the inner self,  that of God. Because that's where desires have come to rest, that’s were one has stopped the pursuit of desire. That’s where one can discover and experience, that happiness is more dependent from letting go than from grabbing, more from being than from having, more from inner peace than from outer experiences.
Gandhi is blessed.

My blessings to you all

Nr. 328

Are we counting our blessings enough?

Lately I was really touched by something.
I spoke to someone who had become blind later on in her life.
And it hit me in particular because she was handling it all beautifully .
She does not complain, always acts very gently  and seems to really enjoy life (intentionally). So that kept me busy, she had just made a great impression on me as a person and in her attitude.

One day I took the bull by the horns and did the following, once when I was home alone. I imagined that I was blind. I walked through the house, went into the garden to smell the scents. I poured myself a glass of water and even did a pee on the toilet, quite carefully actually. In short, I tried to hang out the blind and to imagine how that would be. I managed for at least a quarter of an hour and it was horrible. I was not only overcome by a great helplessness but I also found it all quite oppressive.

I said to God: "My God, if this would ever happen to me, I would ask You to heal me because I find it unbearably difficult. I hate it and I promise you to carry all the other problems in my life with gusto. I will never complain, carry everything with patience, will endure everything with courage. But please not this one. I'm so sorry for not being able to see Your beautiful creation. The dew on a leaf, a flower, the skies, the faces of the people I talk to, it's too bad. Please will You heal me? "

And then I opened my eyes and saw all again. Your wonderful creation, the environment, the skin of my hands, everything, everything, everything. And I was so grateful with life, so grateful for just seeing, for just seeing.

Would You like to comment on this?

Actually, it's not necessary.

You have shown on a beautiful way that man hardly realizes or not at all how much in life consists of gifts, talents, special features that are not obvious at all. Your story is an incarnated "count your blessings".
It would be nice if more people would more often practise this exercise.
One would be happier, more grateful, more gentle and more loving.
You are blessed for your action.

My blessings for you all

Nr. 326