Before you roll your eyes thinking this blog is turning into Religion Central, please humor me, and solely read for entertainment value. The following parable is as an allegory of the perpertual struggle between the forces of dark and light. This is similar in concept to the plot of Star Wars, in regards to the power play between Darth Vader vs. Luke Skywalker and Chewbacca; or simply the polarity of negative and positive energies.
As merely human, every one of us will at some point in life face a fork on the road. A choice must be made.
Therein the conflict ensues - with ourself.
If someone had asked several years ago that if I found money, would I keep it? I would have answered: perhaps. At this stage, I am acutely conscious of the consequences of thought and action, which extend beyond those sanctions imposed by law. Now, I would answer: no.
However, "one must never say never.” Perhaps one may be severely tested. One can’t always say one is a victim of circumstance, or a pawn in the game of life, for we do enjoy free will. We are aware that most of our actions or inactions, will dictate to a large extent the direction of our life.
However, "one must never say never.” Perhaps one may be severely tested. One can’t always say one is a victim of circumstance, or a pawn in the game of life, for we do enjoy free will. We are aware that most of our actions or inactions, will dictate to a large extent the direction of our life.
Yet, let’s just pretend for a moment, we had a difficult choice to make, which would entail selling a fraction of our spirit so that our flesh does not perish - or of a loved one.
What if... one contemplated briefly the idea of revenge, "an eye for an eye" per say.
What if... the very foundation our of being was shaken so profoundly that one is forced to wrestle with our concept that we are good, law-abiding folk? Then is when the plot thickens.
I've always been fascinated by the legend of Colonel Francisco Bolognesi. He was outnumbered 3-1 at The Battle of Arica in 1880. He was advised by the enemy to surrender the strategic port of Arica, to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. His army of 1,600 was no match for the 5,300 of the Chilean enemy, with naval back up.
I've always been fascinated by the legend of Colonel Francisco Bolognesi. He was outnumbered 3-1 at The Battle of Arica in 1880. He was advised by the enemy to surrender the strategic port of Arica, to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. His army of 1,600 was no match for the 5,300 of the Chilean enemy, with naval back up.
Colonel Bolognesi is quoted as saying: "I have sacred duties to fulfill, and I will fulfill them until I fire the last round of ammunition!” Legend has it that upon defeat, to avoid having his beloved flag desecrated, he rode to his death by jumping off a precipice, clutching the Peruvian flag.
One may choose to retreat, or move forward regardless of paralyzing fear. One can only hope that each wretched soul encounters mercy, in the counsel of Wisdom.
One may choose to retreat, or move forward regardless of paralyzing fear. One can only hope that each wretched soul encounters mercy, in the counsel of Wisdom.
Error in Heaven
One time I asked Ramesh, one of my teachers in India:-Why there are people who leave easily the most complex problems, while others suffer from problems very small, dying drowning in a glass of water?... He just smiled and told me this story ...
It was a man that lovingly lived all his life. When he died, everyone said that he would go to heaven. A man as caring as he, could only go to Paradise.
At that time, heaven did not yet have total quality control program. The reception was not working very well. The girl who received him gave a quick glance at the files on the desk, and did not see his name of the list, and directed him to Hell. In hell nobody needs invitation an card; anyone who comes is invited to enter. The good soul entered hell.
A few days later, Lucifer was furious at the gates of Paradise to seek an explanation from Saint Peter: - This is sabotage! I never imagined that would be capable of such baseness!
Without knowing the reason for all this fury, St. Peter asked, surprised, what was involved. Lucifer, upset, shouted: "You sent to Hell this soul and he was doing a real disaster there!
He came to listen to people, looking at them directly into their eyes, conversing with them.
Now, the whole world is talking, hugging, kissing. That Hell is unbearable, it seems like Paradise! And then he implored: " Peter, please take this soul and drag him back here! "
When Ramesh finished telling this story, he lovingly looked at me and said: -" Live with so much love in your heart, as if by mistake, you were to stop in Hell, the very devil would lead you back to Paradise. "
"Problems are part of our lives, but don't let those transform you into a bitter person. Crisis always happens and sometimes you do not have an option, but you can choose how to resolve them. And at the end, when the problems are solved, feel pride for having found a solution, and you will have pride in yourself. "
~Author Unknown
A few days later, Lucifer was furious at the gates of Paradise to seek an explanation from Saint Peter: - This is sabotage! I never imagined that would be capable of such baseness!
Without knowing the reason for all this fury, St. Peter asked, surprised, what was involved. Lucifer, upset, shouted: "You sent to Hell this soul and he was doing a real disaster there!
He came to listen to people, looking at them directly into their eyes, conversing with them.
Now, the whole world is talking, hugging, kissing. That Hell is unbearable, it seems like Paradise! And then he implored: " Peter, please take this soul and drag him back here! "
When Ramesh finished telling this story, he lovingly looked at me and said: -" Live with so much love in your heart, as if by mistake, you were to stop in Hell, the very devil would lead you back to Paradise. "
"Problems are part of our lives, but don't let those transform you into a bitter person. Crisis always happens and sometimes you do not have an option, but you can choose how to resolve them. And at the end, when the problems are solved, feel pride for having found a solution, and you will have pride in yourself. "
~Author Unknown
