True Love is IN-dependence

“Exclusive contemplation of the Heart,

is inclusive of everything else.” 

- A. Ramana

Each year at this time, in Canada and in the USA, we celebrate our country’s Independence (July 1^st & July 4^th).   Our freedom has given us the rights and liberties that we all enjoy and are grateful for.  So, yes, it is a good time to count our blessings. 

I’m still here in Mexico being with this celebrated time, and something came up to share…

Many years ago I made an admission, to myself and my closest friends, which was the beginning of true independence for me.  I admitted that I was addicted to thinking.  At the time it was very insightful.  It was very clear that thoughts were what was predominant in directing my actions and not fully the wisdom of the Heart…the Being that I am (we are). 

This turning point was the beginning of a genuine “seeing” of what was really true in the moment.  At that time it was revealed that I was no longer the roles and thoughts about who I am, but that which is seeing these roles and thoughts.  This perspective provided a clear space in which to operate from -- one that is true wisdom and intelligence.   Yes, it was vulnerable and what began to be seen was the configuration of Elizabeth totally naked.  All of what had been hiding out in this fog of thoughts and experiences was being brought out into the open to be fully seen all the way through. 

Even though it was revealing and significant at that time, what I see now actually took place was a shift into 
"IN-dependence" ... surrendering into no longer relying on anything objective for everlasting freedom and true joy ... utterly dependent on what is within us all ... honoring the Source out of which everything arises.  And, a complete surrender to loving and embracing whatever is arising ... whatever is coming and going in my awareness. 

As my teacher so clearly puts it, "Exclusive contemplation of the Heart is inclusive of everything else."  All is included in this embrace of Love ... it is inclusive ... everyone and everything is being enfolded in love.

From here, life is free to happen in it's own natural way without me directing it and true vigilance begins.  In each moment, where do I choose to put my attention …  is my attention on what is arising or on that which is seeing what is arising?  This requires vigilance in being awake and present with everything that is occurring in each moment. 

When I was with Papaji, at his ashram in India prior to his passing, he emphasized in his talks how it was all about being vigilant with our attention.  Later, when I sat with him privately, I asked him:  “Papaji, even though you have fully realized and are living the truth, do you also need to be vigilant?”  His response left an indelible impression.   He looked me deeply in the eyes and said,  “Until my dying breath.” 

The puzzle pieces come together … there is no time to rely on our position in life, our roles, our past experiences, or, people, places or things in life … there is only this Love that I am and give over to in each moment.   This is my true in-dependence.

Ganesanji, shared this quote in italics of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi from his book,  “Ramana Periya Puranam,” which was his first teaching and summarizes the entire teaching of Ramana Maharshi in a concise and simply way …

“That which is not destined will not happen despite every effort. What is destined to happen is bound to happen.” 

Then, what is the role of an individual?  If everything is predestined and everyone is acting according to how he or she is being directed to act, then what is the reality of the individual?  

This doubt raises the fundamental question, “Who am I?”

With the next sentence, this is certain.  Bhagavan gives a stamp of authority, of certainty, for the mind needs the anchor of certainty. The last sentence is,

“Therefore, the best course is to remain silent‟.

To remain in silence is a positive step towards surrender. The first step is to surrender.   

[And, further in this work, Sri Bhagavan says:]

"Fix the mind in your Heart.  If you keep your attention on the source from where all thoughts arise, the mind will subside there at the source and reality will shine forth."  And, from here,  "Allow life to take its own course."

[For a copy of “Ramana Periya Puranam” go to : www.aham.com/RamanaPeriyaPuranam/index.html]

We meet here in Love ... in stillness and silence ... always,

  

Loving you,

Elizabeth