The third source of transformation according to John G. Bennett is sacrifice. Sacrifice is a misunderstood concept, to say the least, and perhaps is more easily understood by doing it. There is a reason the idea and act of sacrifice comes after learning and struggle. It requires more from us. We come to know what we can bear and when we bear something, great rewards ensue. We cannot, however, approach sacrifice with the idea of reward in mind for then it is no longer a sacrifice. The very definition of sacrifice is deliberately releasing attachment without any expectations. The other … [read more]
Identification
Right Effort and The Power of Struggle
Right effort and the power of struggle is the second source of transformation in John Bennett’s book, Transformation. There are countless writings on right effort from the Zoroastrian tradition to Buddhist teachings. We all struggle with something, but much of that is avoidable, if we learn the deeper meaning of right effort. To intentionally struggle with our own negative states is the path, but this gets completely misunderstood. This article is an attempt to clarify the meaning of conscious labor and intentional suffering. We are familiar with the saying no pain, no gain, but many frown upon this in the … [read more]
Energetic Scapegoats
Recent performances have led me to study the energetic scapegoat within myself. The energetic scapegoat unconsciously takes on the shadow of others. We are all familiar with the concept of the scapegoat, whether it is in a family, a community or a group of people in society. They take on the shadow aspects of the group whether they have agreed to this or not. They are blamed for the things that don’t run smoothly. They are criticized. They also learn to take on this shadow for others because of deep identification with internalized societal or parental definitions of themselves even … [read more]
What Happens When You Don’t Listen To Intuition
Sometimes life’s common occurrences knock you right back into knowing there is always work to do.
Bypassing and The Second Force
The second force can be understood in terms of opposition, struggle, intentional suffering, and is experienced as a phenomenon that pushes against an affirming or active force. It may be implemented by us in the form of work on oneself or it can come from the outside in the form of conscious shocks. There are always two opposing forces, often unnoticed by most unless the resistance is so strong that to have something come to fruition, one must push beyond normal efforts. To study the effects of these laws within us enables an awareness of a third force which serves … [read more]
Fear Is The Mechanism, The Shadow, and The Key
I recently had a three day retreat alone in the woods and experienced deep fear within myself rising to the surface. I felt as though the land was assisting with this release in a rather mysterious way. I have not experienced fear like this in a very long time. It was as if I had reverted to a time before I started meditating thirty years ago. A time when I was constantly questioning myself and my worth. I walked an anxiety tightrope that would not let up. I learned to function in spite of this gripping fear. It was not … [read more]