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Story
The 12th century philosopher and Sufi, Imam el-Ghazali, tells of a tradition from the life of Isa ibn Maryam.
Isa saw some people sitting miserably on a wall by the roadside. He inquired, "What is your affliction?" They replied, "We have become like this through our fear of hell." Isa proceeded on his way, and he saw a group of persons gathered disconsolately in various postures by the wayside. He asked, "What is your affliction?" They responded, "Desire for Paradise has made us this way." Isa traveled on until he say a third group of people. They looked like persons who had endured much, but their faces were aglow with joy. Isa asked them, "What has made you like this?" They replied, "The Spirit of Truth. We have seen Reality, and this has made us oblivious of all lesser goals." Isa spoke, "These are the people who attain. On the Day of Accounting, these are the ones who will enjoy the Presence of God."
Comments
This story, adapted from Idries Shah, Tales of the Dervishes, provides insight into the human journey. A-Hameed Ali, in his Diamond Heart-Book One, explains the three groups Isa meets. The first group fears hell; some persons create much suffering for themselves by trying to avoid suffering. These persons create a personal hell by trying to escape the pain, the conflict, and the anxiety that are a part of life. The second group tries to get to Paradise; some persons live their lives attached to attaining some heavenly, pleasurable life here on earth and in the hereafter. Ironically, these persons suffer as much as the first group.
As Ali writes, "You can't get out of a sticky situation by becoming stickier." Unrealistic expectation, or denial of Reality, makes for more anguish in our lives, relationships, and world. And, as Ali notes, the personality is built on the pleasure principle: avoidance of pain and greed for pleasure.
There is no salvation, or wholeness, in such egocentricity.
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The third group is joyous, for they seek the Truth. What is the Truth? The Truth is what is. This group has transcended attachment to the pleasure principle. They are not seeking avoidance through getting high on religion, spirituality, alcohol, over-the-counter drugs, work, sex, television, sports, ...
Hell and Heaven are within Reality. Suffering and pleasure are natural facets of our present experience. The means to joy is through accepting the Truth of things as they are. This does not mean we do not work for a better life or world; it does mean that we begin with a faithful acceptance that both suffering and pleasure are valid human experiences. Otherwise, we simply suffer more and deny ourselves opportunities for joy, a joy that encompasses life as it is--Reality--and fills our heart with strength, humbleness, and gratitude.
It is from such humble acceptance that the suffering in the world is lessened and gratitude and love increased for all. For to reject life as it is and has to be is counterproductive to bringing more Heaven~Presence of the Divine~into our Kosmos. Central to our Purpose as human creatures is bringing more of the manifestation of the Light into this world.
Suggested Reflection
What are ways you bring more of the Presence of Christ~Heaven~into this world?
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