In Sanskrit, there is a phrase: TAT TUAM ASI. Roughly translated, it means: THOU ART THAT. The concept is that just as we cannot live in joy or anger without joy or anger living within us, we cannot live in this universe without this universe existing within us. From the simplicity of the elements we share to the too-impressive-to-fathom spark of life that lights all beings, everything under the sun is reflected in the microcosm of ourselves.
It may sound elementary on one hand and whimsical on the other, but can it be pertinent to our everyday?
The fact is that in today’s global environment, the idea is more pertinent than ever. Right now we’re provided every opportunity to distract ourselves and to consume wildly, without once having to consider what voids we are really attempting to fill. Society seems to be increasingly based on self absorption and lack of reflection, a path that is leading us progressively farther from our true selves, each other, and our place in this universe.
The message of TAT TUAM ASI is a simple but powerful one, and I ask that you try on this perspective for a minute or two.
Remember:
- We are every puddle; simultaneously a whole and a collection of drops.
- We are every tree; firmly planted through our storms and transformations.
- We are every person who we perceive as hateful, ignorant, selfish, impatient, etc. We dislike in others reflections of qualities that we are shameful of in ourselves, it’s just easier to point fingers than be honest about our own shortcomings. Negative feelings are natural and necessary, it’s how we react to and manifest these feelings that we’re in control of. Today, recognize that we all have our ugly moments, but we are not ugly people. Take the opportunity to react to the negativity of others in a positive way.
- We often react to the joys of even our dearest friends with a modicum of jealousy and bitterness. Remember that the joy of others can serve to remind us of our own capacity for joy; their luck indicative of the our own waves of fortune. Be happy for the joy of others. Smile at a stranger, so that they may remember to smile.
I know it may sound corny (stop sneering, or your face will stick like that). But honestly, if we close ourselves to the positive possibilities of the universe what are we left with?
12 comments:
This sounds like a percursor to the golden rule, and theoretically beautiful, BUT things are complicated because humans are just a mass of variable so combining two, and any relationship is an overlap of persona multiples both permutations until you have this web of interaction...
slacking write or be written...
Yeah, the Golden Rule is a personal fave. As to the second comment....um....I don't really get it, but if it's a call to post, sorry for the delay, I've been quite busy with the new place and all. I'll be back on track ASAP. =)
Thanks for the great lesson...+ reminder!
Genial fill someone in on and this mail helped me alot in my college assignement. Thanks you as your information.
I love this game :)
how many time i do not do what i want to do but do what i dont want to do
Hey there
Hey right back :)
Thanks for the sensible critique. Me & my cousin were just preparing to do a little research about this. We grabbed a book from our area library but I think I learned better from this post. I'm very glad to see such excellent info being shared freely out there.
I'm so glad I was able to help! Thanks for taking the time to write :)
Hi, I do think this is a great blog. I stumbledupon it ;)
I will come back once again since i have saved as a favorite it.
Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to
help other people.
Post a Comment