this weird world of stories

some things just stubbornly insist on happening, mo matter how many
corrective measures we take in full sincerity of purpose to change
the outcome. we do all that we know how to amend it, without result.

we term it destiny, fate, karma, yet still we determinedly work to
change it to a desired agreeable outcome. we are called proactive,
take-charge, fired-up, & are encouraged in our actions by the opinions
of others near us & by all we have ever learned in society.

repeatedly we throw ourselves into doing what it seems to take to
obtain our chosen outcome, yet somehow again, so strangely, still nothing
changes in a fundamental way. words are said, promises are made, new
plans are put in place & yet, amazingly, nothing different happens.

this is the point at which we need to realize that vaster forces are
in motion & they are beyond individual efforts to change, no
matter how sincere our urges or how deserving of merit we are.

we are now in the midst of a lesson we need to learn, although we may
not be aware of it. this is the time to be the detached observer
& to stand back, unattached, as events play out, watching carefully for
our cue to act & the timing of the action. we are not in control
of events, although we can learn to adapt & flow without resistance.

we learn to be grateful that we can grow in awareness & compassion,
even here in this audience participation comedy-drama.
it's called maya lila, the laughter & play of this weird world of stories
that hint not to take it all dead seriously. a strong sense of humor
becomes an excellent survival strategy down here in the maya
of jagat, a place where we must learn to turn to the higher powers for
help. the whole universe is waiting for us to mature & take our place
as co-creators with the Holy Ones, such as Shiva, who is no doubt
cheering us on at this very pregnant moment of opportunity.

other levels of the game

internet image
if i were to immerse myself in a cyberspace virtual world,
it would be akin to what i am doing here in this world of the
western mindset. here i train the body to be the compassionate
detached observer of life's unfolding events through the various
daily dramas. i seek to navigate them consciously & kindly.
this brings the exit door of maya's theater of thrills into view
& more options become available, other levels of the game.

i search for the source & essence of that which captivates my desire.
where does all this creation come from? how does it originate? how
else to find out than to venture deeply within, beyond the realm of
maya's dramas to the emanating inner point of awareness?
by way of immersion into the secret chamber of the heart, i
find Shiva, the lord of the animal body, who abides therein.
He shepherds me through the iterations of change to the very source.

Shiva has various names & forms & they are all teachers & guides.
when i turn my focus inwards, away from the changing outer world
towards the realm within myself, Shiva likewise turns His face to me
in the way that i can best resonate with & respond to. i have
guidance & the warm sustenance of subtle divine companionship.

Shiva is the steward of virtual reality, counting this
one i find myself in at the birth of this body. He is quite set
upon awakening me to my full potential of awareness.
i accept His offer! Let the good times roll in total immersion!

mind & body dance in partnership

the body is temporary. that which enlivens it is eternal.
i am that enlivening spark, knowing the body as a beloved
companion animal, responsibly attending to its basic needs.

here's the challenge: the mind interprets the body's needs very broadly, hence
alertness is called for. the body's genuine needs are not so pressing
as the mind's elaborations. discrimination is needed. mind
& body dance in partnership &, as the detached observer of them both,
a balance of discipline & care evolves. sometimes the body simply
cannot have what it wants. the mind defends the body's desires,
hence alert observation, detachment & firmness is necessary.

just as mind & body dance in partnership, Shiva, so You dance with me
in this continuing sadhana, this fierce unfolding blessing from You.