Happiness and distress

[aroundthetable]

The Bhagavad Gita states that happiness and distress come and go like the winter and summer seasons. Happiness follows distress follows happiness follows distress etc etc. So it recommends steadiness throughout both, to not become entangled in fits of elation followed by bursts of sadness. Psychologically, i have found this a much more peaceful way of thinking and an increase in the kind of happiness that is permanent, transcendental to swings of the material mind. Spiritual happiness, happiness you can trust.

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[Greybeard]

An Indian expression
"Your brother your killer"
That which give you pleasure gives you pain.
The moment you have expectation of something or some one to make you happy then it owns you.
The end result is always disappointment.
So much wisdom in ancient teaching
Chris

[aroundthetable]

Thanks Chris, happiness follows distress follows happiness etc, like clockwork. It is important however to make the clear distinction between this material cycle and the permanent nature of spiritual happiness, this does not die when the body dies.

[aroundthetable]

The Vedas state that distress comes from three different areas.

One, from other living entities ( mosquitos, humans etc etc)
Two, From ones own mind (anxiety, sadness, depression, confusion etc)
Three, from natural disturbances ( earthquakes, floods, hurricanes etc)

Whilst in the material world there is no escape from these three disturbances, we simply have to accept them and focus on getting out of the cycle of birth and death.

[Greybeard]

Thanks Chris, happiness follows distress follows happiness etc, like clockwork. It is important however to make the clear distinction between this material cycle and the permanent nature of spiritual happiness, this does not die when the body dies.

Some sages call it the joy body if I recall correctly.
Its a while since I read the Bhagavad Gita --- I lent it - a fatal thing to do laughing.
Most of my good books have gone that route never to return.

[aroundthetable]

Lol Chris, many of my dvds have gone the same way The link i sent you for VIHE has many many lectures and talks concerning the Bhagavad Gita as it is.

[Aroha]

Over time of acquainting oneself with such attitudes to things.. which one comes upon along the way.. the proficiency in the management of contrasting emotional experiences, becomes itself a thing to be careful of perhaps. It has a tendency to make one somewhat 'emotionless'. In a way where the extremities are rounded off, leaving the individual never too bright and never to dark. Never to this, never to that. The middle bowl of porridge. Maybe just right then? :=)

[Paddle]

The search for permanent spiritual happiness and transcending the material mind. 'Escaping' the cycle of birth and death and striving to not become 'entangled' in fits of elation and bursts of sadness.
I join this discussion primarily because this perpsective is, I think, indicative of the polarity I have found amongst many people when contemplating one's own personal approach to the human experience. It is, I believe, a clearly defined difference between us.

Some of us have incarnated with a will to incarnate and to continue doing so, for the experience of the elation and sadness, the disconnect from the transcendent. To explore the vehicle of experience, which some call the ego, and to ride the waves that are sent to afford the experience of equilibrium and disequilibrium.

Must we 'escape'?

Is permanent spiritual happiness the end of growth? I guess that is my question.

The difference among us is, perhaps, that some of us wish to cease playing, whilst others have a will to continue. This is what I find fascinating when contemplating the psychological variance behind such polarised stances.

[Greybeard]

Over time of acquainting oneself with such attitudes to things.. which one comes upon along the way.. the proficiency in the management of contrasting emotional experiences, becomes itself a thing to be careful of perhaps. It has a tendency to make one somewhat 'emotionless'. In a way where the extremities are rounded off, leaving the individual never too bright and never to dark. Never to this, never to that. The middle bowl of porridge. Maybe just right then? :=)

On the face of it it appears that way but nothing could be further from the truth.
The moment ego is tamed fear goes and one becomes more adventurous, life becomes more beautiful, harmonious, full.
Not motivated by success or scared of failure its amazing what one can do.
Chris

[aroundthetable]

Over time of acquainting oneself with such attitudes to things.. which one comes upon along the way.. the proficiency in the management of contrasting emotional experiences, becomes itself a thing to be careful of perhaps. It has a tendency to make one somewhat 'emotionless'. In a way where the extremities are rounded off, leaving the individual never too bright and never to dark. Never to this, never to that. The middle bowl of porridge. Maybe just right then? :=)

Nice thoughts, thanks. Definately we should not become emotionless, infact this is impossible and undesirable, spiritual life is full of emotion and substance, the difference is it is permanent, whereas the material world and the material outlook is temporary i.e fleeting.

[Aroha]

Thanks Leather. Made me think of how such polarities are two. Yet within each 'side' of the polarity are participants categorised as such, but for completely polar opposite reasons.

Add.. Ah thanks Chris and aroundthetable.
Must add I have always been one to think from so many sides it usually puts things at a standstill.
There are no certainties, therefore there is no logic. In personal interactions, the factors leading to distortion from either party will make conflict and adoration both possible misunderstandings..
Of course there is better communication. But cross paradigm.. Maintaining conversation or interaction with our surroundings can sometimes be condoning of ill communication. Perpetuation.

Sorry for the writing style. Just trying to describe the thoughts without getting lost in description. Hehe.

[aroundthetable]

The search for permanent spiritual happiness and transcending the material mind. 'Escaping' the cycle of birth and death and striving to not become 'entangled' in fits of elation and bursts of sadness.
I join this discussion primarily because this perpsective is, I think, indicative of the polarity I have found amongst many people when contemplating one's own personal approach to the human experience. It is, I believe, a clearly defined difference between us.

Some of us have incarnated with a will to incarnate and to continue doing so, for the experience of the elation and sadness, the disconnect from the transcendent. To explore the vehicle of experience, which some call the ego, and to ride the waves that are sent to afford the experience of equilibrium and disequilibrium.

Must we 'escape'?

Is permanent spiritual happiness the end of growth? I guess that is my question.

The difference among us is, perhaps, that some of us wish to cease playing, whilst others have a will to continue. This is what I find fascinating when contemplating the psychological variance behind such polarised stances.

Nice, and so much further discussion. To be concise, 'is permanent spiritual happiness the end of growth?' No, it is the beginning of growth, in the spiritual world happiness increases forever, the spiritual world is full of variety and exchange of loving 'rasas' tastes.

[Greybeard]

Yogananda was question re his bliss state Was he not bored with being in perpetual bliss ?

His answer "It is ever new bliss"

Those who are enlightened have an amazing sense of humor too.

Chris

[Aroha]

Choice. Being in the position to recognise one has a choice on which wave of emotion to ride. But then 'forgetting' in a way in which to attempt to avoid riding a more contrived version of the wave.

[noxon]

Yes, !?$!?$!?$!?$ .. (fukc it) ...

An Indian expression
"Your brother your killer"
That which give you pleasure gives you pain.
The moment you have expectation of something or some one to make you happy then it owns you.
The end result is always disappointment.
So much wisdom in ancient teaching

....

It seems we are past (also) that, now, Chris .

Too much wisdom can make you
very confused ....

D best Possible Way .

Anyway:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwWUOmk7wO0&NR=1

All Well.
nm