Krishna’s Dictum
Krishna’s Dictum
The upside of the Flu was quiet time. No TV, no computer, light classical music, books, articles, my thoughts and meditation.
One of the articles I read mentioned, “Krishna’s Dictum”, a saying from about 5000 years ago. It’s safe to say that the Dictum has stood the test of time.
“The best thing you can give to humanity is the perfection of yourself”.
The way Jesus teaches this same principle is recorded in Matthew and Luke,
Matthew 7:3-5 , Luke 6:40-41
Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye.
Taking the log out of my own eye first is a life long process. I’d love to create a new Lutheran Church and call is, “Log in your Eye Lutheran Church”. Where do you go to church….I go to Log in my Eye Lutheran……I like that.
Although I am not a therapist, I offer one consistent piece of advice to all people who are struggling with life, I say, “The best thing you can give the world, or your kids, or your spouse, is a GOOD YOU!” It begins with You! That sounds “New Age”, doesn’t it? Its ancient wisdom! The problems of the world begin with me. If only we all will embrace these spiritual truths.
Worldly satisfaction is fleeting. Money, power, ego, climbing the latter of achievement, all have their potential but never satisfy the soul. The inner work of the spirit where life is lived. The great spiritual teachers and religions teach this…and in a world that finds success measured in dollars and cents, in growth and financial returns, we best turn inward where there exists unlimited potential rather than believing that the earth and capitalistic ventures can produce endlessly more bounty for more and more people to profit. The Earth is finite. We cannot keep growing and getting bigger, the earth is limited. We can focus inward, infinitely, and find contentment with what is.
Western Civilization has produced some wonderful results for a vast majority of people. At its best; high education levels, human rights for all people, medicine to cure illnesses, freedom to travel, think, write, and be who you want to be. It is a wonderful system! Much of Western Civilization has focused on economic results rather than inner maturity. Individualism rather than community. We are at a wonderful time in the history of humanity to embrace ancient wisdom as the salve for our wayward spirits.
Christianity is a great diagnostic tool; do not judge, love your neighbor as yourself, turn the other cheek, forgive 7 times seventy. HOW DO YOU LEARN TO DO THAT? What are the steps of increasing ones generosity? Improving patience? Developing a mind that does not judge? How do we learn to forgive? We need to embrace ancient Christian practices as well as other traditions like Zen Buddhist meditation to shape our heart into that of Jesus.
It’s one thing to know what ails us, it another to rectify the problem! Christianity of the future will inspire followers of Jesus to grow hearts, minds and eyes of Jesus.
We need to be part of the solution. It begins with you! The best thing you can give to humanity if the perfection of yourself.