FROM A SITE VISITOR: Do you think that the realized should be able to tolerate any kind of environment or any kind of people? It sounds like you are saying that. I’ve been reading your writings for several months and lately, there are people I spent a lot of time with before but now I’m not spending time with them at all. I’m not realized, but even if I were, I feel certain that there are some people I just wouldn’t want to be around. Art
F.: Hello, Art. What you describe is typical when the consciousness re-purification process begins to happen. Since non-Realized persons function along a thought-word-deed continuum, it seems logical that when the content of the programmed and conditioned “mind” is allowed to fade away, then all those thoughts that it had generated will fade away. Then, the use of words will be diminished. Thus, deeds / actions cannot remain the same.
Few would question whether or not my teacher was Realized, yet he threw out many people who entered the loft where he offered satsanga (especially those showing up in garb that indicated they had added new personas while thinking they were free of all personas). He also sent packing those who only showed up to show off; thus, even Realized, there were "certain people that he didn't want to be around," but that was based in the fact that they were not ready or were not truly seeking.
Those types are sent on their way on this site as well, inspiring some to think that “floyd is all about tough love” or “floyd doesn’t even know what love is.” Those who prefer emotionally-intoxicated teachers and an emotionally-charged “life” can find both, and often do.
The fact is that the readiness is all, and a Realized teacher will determine before offering a pointer to any given seeker (a) which step the seeker is on or (b) whether or not the seeker is even ready to begin a “journey.” To begin the “journey” before the readiness has manifested can set the seeker back for years or can prevent Realization from happening at all.
That having been said, understand that among the Realized, there is no question of “tolerating” or not; however, there is an aspect to the movement along the “path” to Realization which can physically remove the body from the “company of others.” That stage has been called “the forest dweller stage” by some teachers in India or among the indigenous peoples of the “Americas.” (Maharaj tried that for a time until he was informed that he need not isolate in the wilderness but should return to Bombay, should teach, and should live naturally.)
That stage happened with this speck for a 25-month period, and it happens with many specks, yet it is certainly not a requirement. Another element of the “journey” and its outcomes is that the Realized automatically gravitate toward the silence, and even if employment continues in workplaces, there are often quiet locations that can be found. If not, one can be quiet wherever one is and not contribute to the noise. That will never be the case among those trapped in ego-states and egotism. Why?
Because the ego is infatuated with noise. Examples include the look-at-me driver of the car who forces all within several blocks to listen to his music; the non-Realized who gather regularly in buildings with loud organ music and loud choirs and who sing loudly and recite and chant words in unison; or those who attend meetings where their self-absorption can be massaged by having a captive audience to listen to their thought-generated, egotism-inspired words.
As for the Realized “being able to tolerate,” or not, notice that the movement only appears to be away from the noisy, the egotistical and the arrogant. The modified deeds/actions are not as much about intolerance or moving away from anything.
Are your current deeds inspired by your own arrogance, judging others and deciding they aren’t worthy of your company? Or is the movement you reference simply happening spontaneously as You move toward the silence…toward an ego-less environment…toward humility? See the difference? Please enter into the silence of contemplation. (To be continued)
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