Dangerous Blessings
On the spiritual journey, nothing is more dangerous than blessings.
Getting good things tempts us to put down roots and stop walking, in an attempt to make the good feelings of the moment last forever. The gift in the sparkly wrapping paper, rather than the actual Gift Giver, absorbs our attention. The thrill of deep experiences demands that we savor the gift again and again, slowly losing our awareness of other things.
Good things are good things, and so worthy of enjoyment, but never as the center of life. With every good thing comes the very real danger that we will cling to it and make it the focus of our desire. And when that happens, the good thing eventually loses its savor, like food left out to spoil on the counter. Leave it out for a bit, and it will sicken you. Leave it out long enough, and it will kill you.
I don’t think it an exaggeration to say that people focused on their own gratification – even in what could be considered a good or “average” way -- has caused more damage than those actively bent on hurting others. Chasing down a religious experience, wanting to feel “in love” with someone, wanting even the average hallmarks of success: When these things become central rather than icing on the cake, they taint the rest of life.
When I opened presents under the tree on Christmas morning, which did I love more? The present itself, or my parents, for giving me the present? Which should I have loved more?
And which, ultimately, is worth pursuing?
Getting good things tempts us to put down roots and stop walking, in an attempt to make the good feelings of the moment last forever. The gift in the sparkly wrapping paper, rather than the actual Gift Giver, absorbs our attention. The thrill of deep experiences demands that we savor the gift again and again, slowly losing our awareness of other things.
Good things are good things, and so worthy of enjoyment, but never as the center of life. With every good thing comes the very real danger that we will cling to it and make it the focus of our desire. And when that happens, the good thing eventually loses its savor, like food left out to spoil on the counter. Leave it out for a bit, and it will sicken you. Leave it out long enough, and it will kill you.
I don’t think it an exaggeration to say that people focused on their own gratification – even in what could be considered a good or “average” way -- has caused more damage than those actively bent on hurting others. Chasing down a religious experience, wanting to feel “in love” with someone, wanting even the average hallmarks of success: When these things become central rather than icing on the cake, they taint the rest of life.
When I opened presents under the tree on Christmas morning, which did I love more? The present itself, or my parents, for giving me the present? Which should I have loved more?
And which, ultimately, is worth pursuing?
posted by Fortunato at 12:51 PM
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