The master koan

Posted on September 27, 2010 by Michaela

Stairway to heaven

Leading a spiritual life means to get comfortable living paradoxes. So what is a paradox then ? Basically it is a statement of an apparent contradiction that expresses a non-dual truth. Puzzlement is the new clarity and “There is nowhere to go” is the master koan of spirituality.

“There is nowhere to go” is the weary sigh of the spiritual teacher, facing the impossible task of coaxing zealous seekers away from the mirage of spiritual delusions.

“There is nowhere to go” is the anxious defence of the spiritual faintheart when facing the choices of actually living an authentic live.

“There is nowhere to go” is the only direction sign one should ever follow, because there is no “there”, only a “here”.

Continue reading →

Posted in The Window Seat | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Questions of Life

Posted on September 26, 2010 by Michaela
You always say there is nowhere to go.
Is it an excuse to stay where you are ?


Questions of Life are a tool for reflection. Let the question be with you and go deep. Make note of the answers.
Posted in Quotes & Mantras | 1 Comment

On the sofa with Randy & Sheila

Posted on September 26, 2010 by Michaela

Everyday miracle

Conversation between Randy O, Sheila, Angelika and Michaela

Theme: Do men and women face different challenges on the journey of awakening ?

M: Good morning, good midday, good afternoon, everyone. This is the first time we try a 3-way conversation. I have also invited Geli. Unfortunatlely I have mixed up times and have to leave in 3/4 of an hour. Geli will take over from me.

R:  Time is funny like that.  No matter what we think or do, in the forum and interacting with our world, time is something that does come into play. ***smile*** Hello!

Posted in On the sofa | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The wisdom of Rumi

Posted on September 26, 2010 by Michaela

Cobalt of Jinja, Uganda

Love dogs

One night a man was crying Allah ! Allah!
His lips grew sweet with the praising,
until a cynic said, “So!
I have heard you calling out, but have you ever
gotten any response?”
The man had no answer for that.
He quit praying and fell into a confused sleep.
He dreamed he saw Khidr, the guide of souls,
in a thick, green foliage.
“Why did you stop praising?” “Because
I’ve never heard anything back.”

“This longing you express
is the return message.”
The grief you cry out from
draws you toward union.
Your pure sadness
that wants help
is the secret cup.
Listen to the moan of a dog for its master.
That whining is the connection.
There are love dogs no one knows the names of.
Give your life to be one of them.

From: The Essential Rumi
Translation by Coleman Barks
Posted in All things Rumi | 1 Comment

Dropping out

Posted on September 25, 2010 by Michaela

Conversation with Solveig

Life on the River. Dhaka, Bangladesh. Photo by Solveig

Solly is a friend of mine who has been walking on the path with me  for some years now. Currently she is stationed in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Two weeks ago she quit her corporate job and is now enjoying the free fall.

M: Hi Solly. Good afternoon to Dhaka. What shall we talk about today ?  You just quit your job – so “dropping out” would be an appropriate subject, don’t you think ?

S: Good morning to Vienna. “Dropping out “ sounds good. But what does that mean?  Dropping out of my job, my life, my relationship…

Continue reading →

Posted in On the sofa | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The wisdom of Rumi

Posted on September 25, 2010 by Michaela

 

Lotti keeps searching too

Keep searching

Even though you’re not equipped
keep searching:
equipment isn’t necessary on the way to the Lord.
Whoever you see engaged in search,
become her friend and cast your head in front of her,
for choosing to be a neighbour of seekers,
you become one yourself.
protected by conquerors,
you will yourself learn to conquer.
If an ant seeks the rank of Solomon,
don’t smile contemptuously upon it’s quest.
Everything you possess of skill, and wealth and handicraft,
wasn’t it first merely a thought and a quest ?

Mathnawi  III: 1445-1449
Rumi, Jewels of Rememberance
Posted in All things Rumi | 1 Comment

Wisdom from the smiling sage

Posted on September 25, 2010 by Michaela

Ramana Maharshi

Question : How does one get rid of fear ?

Ramana Maharshi : What is fear ? It is only a thought. If there is anything besides the Self there is reason to fear. Who sees things separate from the Self ? First the ego arises and sees objects asexternal. If the ego does not rise, the Self alone exists and there is nothing external. For anything external to oneself implies the existence of the seer within. Seeking it there will eliminate doubt and fear. Not only fear, all other thoughts centred round the ego will disappear along with it.

Posted in Quotes & Mantras | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Come, sweet death

Posted on September 24, 2010 by Michaela

Schubert's glasses ( Schubert Geburtshaus Vienna)

Franz Schubert left this world when he was only 31 years old. A few months before his death, in the summer of 1828,  he composed his   final instrumental work, the String Quintett in C Major.   At the time Schubert’s health was failing and he confided to friends that he feared his near death. At the beginning of November he again fell ill and  his condition worsened. Schubert died in Vienna,  on November 19, 1828.

https://room4truth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/02-2-adagio2.mp3

Schubert Streichquintett C Dur, Alban Berg Quartett, Adagio

Continue reading →

Posted in Classical Music, Music & Movies | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Welcome the unease

Posted on September 24, 2010 by Michaela

Autumn

What is this fear of awakening all about ? What is so scary about letting  go of old beliefs and living one’s full potential?

Indeed. Why rather hold on to suffering, to pain and frustration than simply – change?

Just think of real life examples – the difficult relationship, the addiction, the physical pain, the chronic disease, the frustrating job, the irritating friend…and so on. So why are we hanging on to it?

Continue reading →

Posted in The Window Seat | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

The wisdom of Rumi

Posted on September 24, 2010 by Michaela 
Ghazal 2133


Time to wake up


wake up, wake up
this night is gone
wake up

abandon abandon
even your dear self
abandon

there is an idiot
in our market place
selling a precious soul

if you doubt my word
get up this moment
and head for the market now

don't listen to trickery
don't listen to the witches
don't wash blood with blood

first turn yourself upside down
empty yourself like a cup of wine
then fill to the brim with the essence

a voice is descending
from the heavens
a healer is coming

if you desire healing
let yourself fall ill
let yourself fall ill

From: Rumi, Fountain of Fire
Translated by Nader Khalill 
Posted in All things Rumi | Tagged , , | 4 Comments