Cook Your Own Meal

An excerpt from a recent talk.

Why do you feel the need for preparation in your so-called spiritual life? Is it to have enlightenment in the future? Do you look to that future and think, somehow, you might be able to touch it through your effort?

Do you think you'll be able to replicate experiences someone else told you about?

Perhaps if you read the correct book, or hear the right collection of words coming from the perfect, smiling set of teeth, or if you sit in silence long enough it will come to you, wrapped up exactly as they have said, in the same precise shape as they have described.

But this is not preparation. It is prevarication.

How much knowledge does freedom need? How much experience must freedom have? Why must you wait, bound at the feet of another, praying for their table scraps?

Don't wait for someone else to feed you. Pick yourself up off the floor, walk your ass into the kitchen, and cook your own meal.

Breathe. Live your life. Freedom will take care of itself.

6 comments, since June

Evan
June 13, 2011

I think I understand what you are saying and agree with it. On the other hand surely we can learn valuable things from others.

takuinAuthor
June 14, 2011

Thanks, Evan.

You are absolutely right, of course. ;-)

I don't have a philosophy per se, but I have said many times (ad nauseam?) to listen to everyone, but follow no one. Besides, learning is something that does not really 'end' in the same sense as physical phenomena. There is a constant ongoing transformation there not dependent upon conclusion.

It seems we are more open and flexible in learning when we do not rely on others to learn it for us, if that is the right way to say it.

Masi
July 5, 2011

I'm getting the same message from all over!! Glad to have it also come through an old friend ;-) I am starting to realize the preparation of years past have been yet another illusion of the mind. Better use my energy instead to enjoy life, while I can.

Thank u Takuin :-)

takuinAuthor
June 25, 2011

Thank you, Nitin...good to see you!

takuinAuthor
July 6, 2011

Thank you, Masi.

It sounds like you will have a good life. :-)

Nitin
June 22, 2011

Good day Takuin, Very simple and straight forward. we all want ready made answer to like question and waiting for the miracle which will never take placed. Sure we all can learn from others, I have just learned from Takuin. 'There is a constant ongoing transformation there not dependent upon conclusion.' How true ! it keep unfolding with no end ! Thanks. Cheers Nitin

Leave a reply — new comments post immediately.
Protected by an invisible check, not a puzzle. Abusive comments are removed after the fact, not held for approval.