From Buddha to Lao Tsu to Jesus the Christ, every great spiritual teacher speaks mostly of the constant and inexorable nature of change, and how to deal with it.
I am often struck by the similarities between the teachings of Jesus and the teachings of the Buddha and Lao Tsu. There are 20 years, give or take, when we do not know where Jesus was. Many have speculated. Was he in an ashram, a monastery? Traveling with Uncle Joe to Glastonbury, England? Traveling to India? Persia? Mystery schools?
Here’s an interesting take on Jesus’ missing years:
http://www.thetruejesus.org/jesus/jesus_studies.htm
I’m digressing though. I’ll want to cover some of the more esoteric aspects of Jesus in another post but for now, I just want to share my morning ruminations about change.
The wheel is turning
and you can’t slow down
You can’t let go
and you can’t hold on
You can’t go back
and you can’t stand still
If the thunder don’t get you
then the lightning will !
Lao Tsu speaks of the only constant in existence, which is change. So do contemporary quantum physicists.
We can’t hold on, and keep change from happening, and we can’t let go of the wheel, it drags us, pushes us, pulls us along. Lao Tsu mentions the dusty world, everything rises and falls, nothing is permanent, not even Lao Tsu. Or his teachings.
There are so many allegories for change…rivers come to mind. Buddha speaks of the river. The river is there, but always different. Nothing lasts. Form is an illusion, form itself is constantly changing.
So how do we deal with it?
I’ve found that when I hold on and try to keep change from happening, I only suffer fear and frustration.
When I can let go and ride the change, it’s a thrilling roller coaster, it’s a whitewater rafting trip. The best way to enjoy the roller coaster (or whitewater!) is to relax and enjoy the suddenness of change. Love is the key.
When Jesus is in the Garden, he prays to His Father to let him avoid the wrenching changes about to happen. He is afraid, as we all are. This is what is so beautiful about the Passion;Â Jesus shows his humanity so that we can realize it is OK to fear change, but we have to go through with it.
Then Jesus literally sacrifices himself on the Cross of Change, the cross of earthy existence to show us that we too must willingly and lovingly sacrifice ourselves to change and to love. We must die to the world in order to transcend the world.
We must let God’s will take us where it will take us, and practice Love, the greatest gift we have to give to each other. When we fully surrender, change is….doable (to use some 21st Century slang).
So, I’ve not revealed anything new here, there is nothing really new under the sun. I’ve mostly reminded myself of the nature of existence, and change, and the way to deal.
1 Corinthians 13 comes to mind. Here it is. I love you!
1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
9For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.
11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Hey Jeff,
It’s all about entropy Brother.
When Marija died, I searched high and low for meaning in it. Though not religious, I ironically found great comfort in Job1:21:
“And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I
return; the LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away;”
I view this as an allegory of the way the Universe works. Life ultimately is about change–the one thing in life that is common to all humanity is the transition from non-existence to life to death. I don’t mean that any dark or sinister sense by the way. It is simply the way it is.
And it is not for us to understand it–how could we possibly? The real lesson is to *accept* it for what it is, and have faith that the Universe is working as it should (I even hesitate to use the word “should” here as that connotes a human judgement that is entirely meaningless in this context, but sue me.).
Having read what I wrote above I realize that I have written something that I would call oxymoronic in that it is “superficially deep.” Or rather, I am sufficiently self-aggrandizing to think of it that way!
Blessed be.
What you said…
I like that phrase: “Superficially deep”. You’ve just described this blog!
You know Roland, after reading this again, I’d say life is about cycles of entropy and organization. The very stuff that life is made of comes from entropy.
Hi there, I discovered your site by way of Google at the
same time as looking for a comparable topic, your website got here up,
it appears good. I have bookmarked it in my
google bookmarks.
Hello there, simply became alert to your weblog thru Google, and found that
it is really informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels.
I’ll be grateful when you continue this in future. Lots of
people will likely be benefited out of your writing.
Cheers!
This is a really good tip especially to those fresh to the blogosphere.
Brief but very accurate information… Thanks for sharing this one.
A must read post!
I loved as much as you will receive carried out right
here. The sketch is attractive, your authored material stylish.
nonetheless, you command get bought an edginess over
that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again as exactly the same nearly very
often inside case you shield this increase.
I think that is among the so much important information for me.
And i’m glad studying your article. But want to commentary on some basic things,
The web site taste is ideal, the articles is really excellent : D.
Just right process, cheers
First off I want to say wonderful blog! I had a quick question which I’d like to ask if you do not mind.
I was curious to know how you center yourself and clear
your thoughts prior to writing. I’ve had a hard time clearing my
thoughts in getting my ideas out. I do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first
10 to 15 minutes are usually wasted simply just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations
or tips? Thanks!
I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your
blogs really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website
to come back down the road. Cheers
If some one needs expert view concerning blogging and site-building afterward i
suggest him/her to pay a quick visit this blog, Keep up the pleasant work.
Heya i’m for the first time here. I found this board and I in finding It really
helpful & it helped me out a lot. I am hoping to give something again and aid
others like you helped me.
Hey are using WordPress for your blog platform? I’m new to the blog
world but I’m trying to get started and create my own. Do you require any html coding expertise to make your own blog?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Hello, I read your new stuff like every week. Your story-telling style is awesome, keep
doing what you’re doing!
Having read this I thought it was rather informative.
I appreciate you spending some time and effort to
put this information together. I once again find myself
spending a lot of time both reading and leaving comments. But
so what, it was still worthwhile!
It’s not my first time to go to see this website, i am visiting this site
dailly and get fastidious facts from here everyday.
Fantastic site. Plenty of useful information here. I am sending it to
a few friends ans also sharing in delicious. And of course, thank you in your effort!
Great work! That is the type of info that are supposed to be shared around the net.
Disgrace on Google for now not positioning this submit upper!
Come on over and talk over with my site .
Thanks =)
When someone writes an piece of writing he/she
retains the thought of a user in his/her mind that how a user can be aware
of it. Therefore that’s why this paragraph is perfect.
Thanks!
Hi to every body, it’s my first pay a quick visit of this weblog; this web
site includes remarkable and genuinely fine data for readers.
Please let me know if you’re looking for a writer for your site.
You have some really great posts and I feel I would be a good asset.
If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d really like
to write some articles for your blog in exchange for a
link back to mine. Please send me an email if interested.
Many thanks!
What’s up, the whole thing is going nicely here and ofcourse every one is sharing data, that’s really
excellent, keep up writing.
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I have
truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts.
After all I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write
again very soon!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on copenhagen pendant light.
Regards
I every time emailed this web site post page to all
my contacts, for the reason that if like to read
it after that my links will too.
Excellent goods from you, man. I have take note your stuff prior to and you’re just
too magnificent. I actually like what you’ve obtained here, really like what
you’re saying and the best way in which you assert it. You’re
making it enjoyable and you continue to take care of to
keep it wise. I cant wait to learn far more from you. That is really a great website.
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for orb hanging lights
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and
was curious what all is needed to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
I’m not very internet smart so I’m not 100% certain. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Appreciate it
you’re in reality a good webmaster. The web site loading velocity is incredible.
It kind of feels that you’re doing any distinctive trick.
Also, The contents are masterpiece. you’ve done a fantastic task in this subject!
Keep this going please, great job!
These are truly great ideas in on the topic of blogging.
You have touched some nice points here. Any way keep
up wrinting.
What a information of un-ambiguity and preserveness of valuable familiarity on the topic of unpredicted feelings.
I know this website presents quality dependent articles or reviews
and other information, is there any other website which offers such information in quality?
Great blog right here! Additionally your web site lots up very fast!
What host are you the use of? Can I am getting your associate link in your host?
I desire my site loaded up as fast as yours lol
Hello would you mind letting me know which web host you’re using?
I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different web browsers and I must
say this blog loads a lot quicker then most.
Can you suggest a good hosting provider at a honest price? Thank you, I appreciate it!
I blog often and I really appreciate your content. The article has really peaked my
interest. I am going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new information about once a week.
I opted in for your Feed as well.
Thanks for your marvelous posting! I truly enjoyed reading it, you might be a great author.I will always bookmark your blog and will eventually come back very soon. I want to encourage
yourself to continue your great work, have a nice holiday weekend!
Wow, this article is good, my younger sister is analyzing such things, thus I am going to inform her.
Wonderful goods from you, man. I have understand your
stuff previous to and you’re just extremely excellent. I actually like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you’re saying and the way in which you say it.
You make it entertaining and you still take
care of to keep it wise. I can’t wait to read much more from you.
This is really a tremendous site.
I go to see day-to-day some web pages and websites to read
articles, but this website gives feature based posts.
Inspiring quest there. What occurred after? Thanks!
Appreciation to my father who stated to me concerning this weblog, this website is genuinely amazing.
Hi! Quick question that’s completely off topic.
Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My site looks weird when browsing
from my iphone 4. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able
to correct this issue. If you have any recommendations,
please share. With thanks!
I do not even understand how I finished up right here, but I assumed this publish
used to be good. I don’t understand who you’re
but certainly you’re going to a famous blogger
in the event you are not already. Cheers!
Very shortly this web page will be famous among all blog viewers, due to it’s pleasant articles or reviews
Appreciating the hard work you put into your site
and in depth information you provide. It’s
great to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same old rehashed material.
Wonderful read! I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to
my Google account.
Good article. I certainly appreciate this site. Thanks!
An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who was conducting
a little homework on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I found it for him…
lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!!
But yeah, thanx for spending some time to talk about this matter here
on your blog.
I was able to find good info from your blog posts.
I just like the helpful info you provide to your articles.
I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again right here regularly.
I am slightly certain I will learn many new stuff right here!
Best of luck for the next!
Nice blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
A design like yours with a few simple adjustements would
really make my blog stand out. Please let me know where you got your
design. Thanks
Peculiar article, exactly what I needed.
I’ve been browsing online more than three hours today, yet
I never found any interesting article like yours.
It’s pretty worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all site owners and
bloggers made good content as you did, the web will be much more useful than ever
before.
Yesterday, while I was at work, my sister stole my apple ipad and tested to see if it can survive a
40 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is
now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is entirely off topic but
I had to share it with someone!
It’s an amazing post in favor of all the internet users;
they will obtain advantage from it I am sure.
hi!,I love your writing very much! share we communicate extra approximately your article on AOL?
I need an expert in this area to unravel my problem. May be that
is you! Looking ahead to peer you.
I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you make this website yourself or did you hire someone to
do it for you? Plz answer back as I’m looking to design my own blog and would like to find out where u got this from.
thanks a lot
I read this post completely concerning the difference of hottest and previous technologies, it’s awesome article.
It’s remarkable to pay a visit this website and reading the views of all friends about this
post, while I am also zealous of getting experience.
What’s up, after reading this amazing post i am as
well happy to share my experience here with friends.
I couldn’t refrain from commenting. Exceptionally well
written!
After looking at a few of the blog articles on your site, I truly appreciate your technique of blogging.
I saved it to my bookmark website list and will
be checking back in the near future. Please check out my web site too and let me know what you think.
whoah this blog is wonderful i really like
reading your posts. Keep up the good work! You realize, lots of
persons are hunting around for this info, you can aid
them greatly.
Howdy, I do think your web site could possibly be having web
browser compatibility issues. Whenever I look at your site in Safari,
it looks fine however, if opening in Internet Explorer, it
has some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to provide you
with a quick heads up! Other than that, fantastic site!
Hi outstanding website! Does running a blog similar to this require a massive amount
work? I have virtually no knowledge of computer programming but I was hoping to start my own blog in the near future.
Anyways, should you have any recommendations or techniques
for new blog owners please share. I understand this is off topic
however I just wanted to ask. Kudos!
When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added
I get three emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service?
Appreciate it!
Hello there I am so glad I found your blog, I really found you by mistake, while I was browsing on Google for something else, Regardless I am here now and would just like to
say thanks a lot for a marvelous post and a all round entertaining blog (I also love
the theme/design), I don’t have time to browse it all at
the minute but I have bookmarked it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back
to read a great deal more, Please do keep up the fantastic b.
I like what you guys are up too. This type of clever work and coverage!
Keep up the very good works guys I’ve included you guys to my own blogroll.
You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be actually something that I think I would
never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me.
I’m looking forward for your next post, I will
try to get the hang of it!
What’s up, this weekend is fastidious in support of me, since this occasion i am
reading this wonderful educational piece of writing here at my home.
Fantastic goods from you, man. I’ve take into account your stuff previous to and you are
simply extremely excellent. I actually like what you have acquired right here, certainly like what
you are stating and the way during which you assert it.
You make it enjoyable and you continue to take care of
to keep it wise. I can not wait to learn far more from you.
That is really a terrific site.
You made some good points there. I checked on the net for more info about the issue and found
most people will go along with your views on this site.
Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you
wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do
with a few pics to drive the message home a bit, but
instead of that, this is fantastic blog. An excellent read.
I’ll definitely be back.
I am sure this article has touched all the internet visitors,
its really really good paragraph on building up new web site.
What’s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve
found It positively useful and it has helped me out loads.
I hope to give a contribution & aid other users like its aided me.
Good job.
What’s up, all is going perfectly here and ofcourse every one
is sharing data, that’s truly excellent, keep up writing.
Hello to all, the contents present at this web site are truly
awesome for people knowledge, well, keep up the nice work fellows.
whoah this weblog is magnificent i really like studying your posts.
Stay up the great work! You recognize, lots of persons are hunting around for this information, you could help them
greatly.
Hi would you mind letting me know which web host you’re using?
I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different web browsers and I must say
this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you suggest a good
internet hosting provider at a fair price? Kudos, I appreciate it!
Magnificent beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend
your web site, how can i subscribe for a blog website?
The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit
acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear concept
Why people still make use of to read news papers when in this technological globe all is
presented on web?
Wow, this piece of writing is good, my younger sister is analyzing such things,
so I am going to inform her.
Hi, i feel that i saw you visited my web site thus i came to return the favor?.I am trying to find issues to enhance my website!I assume its ok to make
use of some of your ideas!!
Excellent web site you have got here.. It’s hard to find excellent writing like yours nowadays.
I truly appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!
I like the helpful info you provide in your articles.
I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here frequently.
I’m quite sure I’ll learn many new stuff right here!
Good luck for the next!
I’m extremely pleased to discover this great site.
I wanted to thank you for ones time for this fantastic read!!
I definitely really liked every bit of it and i also have you book-marked to look at new information in your site.
Hey this is kinda of off topic but I was wondering if
blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually
code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have
no coding know-how so I wanted to get guidance from someone with
experience. Any help would be enormously appreciated!
I relish, result in I discovered exactly what I used to be having a look for.
You have ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man.
Have a nice day. Bye
Howdy outstanding blog! Does running a blog similar to this require
a large amount of work? I have very little understanding of programming
however I was hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyhow, should
you have any ideas or techniques for new blog owners please
share. I know this is off topic however I simply needed to ask.
Thank you!
This is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am actually pleassant
to read everthing at alone place.
For the reason that the admin of this site is working,
no doubt very quickly it will be well-known, due to its feature contents.
This info is priceless. When can I find out more?
For newest information you have to visit internet and on world-wide-web I found
this web page as a finest website for most up-to-date
updates.
Asking questions are actually nice thing if you are not understanding anything completely, however this piece of writing provides pleasant understanding yet.
It’s nearly impossible to find knowledgeable people about this subject, but you seem
like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
Hello would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re using?
I’m looking to start my own blog soon but I’m having a difficult time selecting between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique.
P.S Sorry for being off-topic but I had to ask!
Hi to all, as I am truly eager of reading this
blog’s post to be updated regularly. It includes good material.
Terrific post however I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this topic?
I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit
more. Cheers!
I savor, result in I found just what I used to be looking
for. You’ve ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day.
Bye