Nothingness for newness
An article on "newness." That is a great topic to get involved with. At the same time, the "thought" for today was "nothingness," which unexpectedly brought an unusual realization.
There is newness as long as we are nothing.
The word "nothingness" is usually not well understood in a culture when being "something" is taught and believed.
A 3 year old baby is "nothing." There is no conceptual idea of himself in him. There is no comparison going on; thus all experiences are "new."
Serious, genuine spirituality is there to take away all those things which makes us believe that we are "something."
Being "nothing," is taught by spiritual teachers with different words.
For example when a spiritual teacher talks about "merging with God," there is no way that "I" with all its content (something-ness) can merge with God. But, if "I" is nothing, in that there is already that "merging with God."
That is why a "child is more elevated than a "mahatma"," because a child is closer to God's nature.
As we grow up, we forget to be "nothing." Then ego (something-ness) appears out of that growth. Then, that "nothingness" creates a personality full with "something-ness."
"I" am a doctor. "I" have 3 cars a house with a Jacuzzi in a very selective neighborhood, a beautiful wife a dog and 4 kittens ;" or the ego of having "nothing," as in: "I" only possess a set of clothes and my bowl to beg for food. "I" don't have anything.
See how that pristine "nothingness" disappears by creating "something" to be, an individual.
The same happens when in relationship with "others." If "I" am a movie star, then everyone around me will make me believe that "I" am "special." If "I" am in a work setting when no one cares for my input, then "I" believe that "I" am not worthy.
As long as there is some sort of psychological content, in "me;" there could never be the experience of "newness."
Why?
Because everything "I" perceive will be tinted from that perspective of being "something." Everything will start from the vision of the "same old thing."
That is how we believe to be of a particular "social status." According to that belief, we will put an environment around us. That environment is not real, it does not exist but only in our minds.
We have created a society under those premises of being "something." Being "something" allows for division to take place, segmentation based on a particular characteristic:
Skin color, accent, religious beliefs, handicaps, education, sexual orientation, age, etc.
Please see that the "ideal" of a young, wise, loving, saint millionaire who looks like a movie star; does not exist; however, our ideal drives our behavior and "efforts" to "be" that.
That is the insanity of being "something."
Newness is always in being nothing. When "I" am nothing; then "I" could be merged with that changing world as a baby does; there is always "newness" for a baby. There is no baby who is "bored to death" of the same old thing.
Boredom appears when "something" (a personality) arises with their own expectations and desires.
Being "nothing" is sometimes referred to as being empty; that is "empty" of content, which brings usefulness to "everything," the world.
"Thirty spokes share the wheel's hub;
It is the center hole that makes it useful.
Shape clay into a vessel;
It is the space within that makes it useful.
Cut doors and windows for a room;
It is the holes which make it useful.
Therefore profit comes from what is there;
Usefulness from what is not there."
"The highest truth cannot be put into words. Therefore the greatest teacher has nothing to say. He simply gives himself in service, and never worries."
"Knowing nothing, you will be aware of everything. Remember: because clarity and enlightenment are within your own nature, they are regained without moving an inch."
"To manage your mind, know that there is nothing, and then relinquish all attachment to the nothingness."
Spirituality is not ritualistic. Newness is not in "doing" but in "being."
Being Nothing.
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