From Lieh-Tzu, A Taoist Guide to Practical Living, by Eva Wong (Shambhala Publications, 1995):
An eye that is about to lose its sight tends to be extremely sharp in making out details. An ear that is about to become deaf tends to be very acute in its hearing. A tongue that about to lose its sensitivity can make out the differences between water from two sources. A nose that is about to lose its ability is most sensitive to fragrances. It is as if the senses are fighting to maintain their usefulness. However, no matter how hard they fight, they will eventually lose their effectiveness.
It is the same with people. People who are beginning to weaken will push their bodies to the limit. People who are about to lose their minds will become unusually argumentative. This is because they are not willing to admit that all things must end, and they want to make a show of their strength to cover their weakness.
On the other hand, enlightened persons accept the natural course of things. They do not force their bodies to display strength or their minds to show cleverness. Knowing that there are some things that they can’t fight, they accept what comes. That is why they can embrace life and accept death.
Moving On Up a Little Higher 
Uptone sensibility.
Thanks Marty.
I’ve been in near a death situation and all those things do happen (and at the time I knew why). I also knew I was not ready & it was something I could fight (I won the argument with myself) so here I am. Yes, accept the natural course of things in the case one can not fight. But don’t give up if one can fight! I have not been in a situation I could not fight like a bear or tiger attack, plane crash etc. I was in a situation I could not immediately fight in the church on SO staff but one can change positions. I’m not an enlightened person yet but I don’t think I would have stayed and died there 🙂
My friends that died early (most with cancer) felt they could not fight so I live for them too and I do that knowing what I am doing.
I don’t let the free radicals take over in my body. These come about partially from what Ron called ‘entheta’. I work to keep a balance in the universe so I can finish what I started. The truth is what is helping keep the balance the most. I’m at chap 25 of your last book and have a lot more to learn to understand. I eat good food, go for lots of walks and keep good company. I do allot of cleaning and sorting out MEST. I’m putting photos on CDs now for my kids then it’s the admin for maybe a book. You know I left that place with a stack of KRs that would be a 16 foot high stack. I thought I might need them to prove myself ‘right’ at some point – It was fun tossing them in the dumpster when I got to the point that my past was only important to me.
Reaching enlightenment – yes, that is a good goal to have.
Cece
Personally, I do not view a person who is continuing to fight (regardless of the motivation), who is accepting the ‘natural’ course of things, who is embracing life and accepting death…as being an enlightened being or even ‘person.’ Instead, I view such a person as this as being a reflection of the fragmented SELF that does not recognize what SELF is. To me, the acceptance that is being spoken of in this excerpt is not acceptance but is actually compromise.
Gosh, how can one say anything significant to follow that. I think I will reread it a lot.
I interpret this that you want to leave soon.
Could be the necessity level goes into high gear which might
work in the opposite direction if you do not watch it. A frantic-
ness might ensue. I can see DM now having a very difficult
time getting to sleep with all the wildfires surrounding him.
Is this idea any different from fatalism?
It’s not exactly don’t go easily into that good night, and opposite from how a lot of us were raised.
indeed.
The Scientology culture didn’t allow for such an approach , since to qualify for the title one has to be on top of everything , at all times and winning no matter what , displaying delusion when “all is not going so well”.
How good it is not to be part of this madness! or at least enough on the outside to see it for what it is and planting seeds of sanity for others less fortunate.
Wise counsel. I have found most of my personal gains in being correctly wrong. The statement has been presented to me as a sentence, on inspection, which describes my thoughts:
accepting being wrong comfortably is a very healing way of feeling right.
Of course, it is important to know what is inevitable and what isn’t.
Yes, because instead of fighting natural things you allow them to flow and still experience what is here and now. Scarcity could be one factor in the fight others offer against what is naturally to end anyway, so let it flow.
Empty your mind of all thoughts. Let your heart be at peace. Watch the turmoil of beings, but contemplate their return. Each separate being inthe universe returns to the common source. Returning to source is serenity. If you dont realise the source, you stumble in confusion and sorrow. When you realise where you come from, you naturally become tolerant, disinterested, amused, kind hearted as a grand mother, dignified as a king. Immersed in the wonder of the Tao, youcan deal with whatever life brings you, and when death comes, you are ready. Lao Tzu
“The most exquisite paradox… as soon as you give it all up, you can have it all. As long as you want power you can’t have it….The minute you don’t want power you’ll have more than you ever dreamed possible.”
Ram Dass
There’s some wisdom here. It reminds me of the Serenity Prayer…
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.”
Yet there is that part of me that likes a ‘good’ fight concerning those ‘can’t change things’.
Clif High from Half Past Human the other day offered up a solution. So far as of today it seems to work for me. I’ll provide the link for an emboldened enlightenment action:
http://halfpasthuman.com/essays/twowires.html
By the way it’s titled, Shit on the ‘Royals’.
Ah, my old master Po.
That is so – anyone enlightened enough to be able to keep a viewpoint outside of all games will understand that losses must sometimes occur or else the game would be too trivial to be worth playing. One loses, smiles, and is free to start another game (or not).
‘Do not go gentle into that good night’ is more the attitude of a compulsive games player.
When you are fighting, are you not then fundamentally fighting yourself?
Or should I say, Fighting yourSelf?
+1
The Sociopath is one of those things you just can’t fight. The typical traits listed below explain why:
The Hare Psychopathy Checklist – Revised
GLIB and SUPERFICIAL CHARM — The tendency to be smooth, engaging, charming, slick, and verbally facile. Psychopathic charm is not in the least shy, self-conscious, or afraid to say anything. A psychopath never gets tongue-tied. They have freed themselves from the social conventions about taking turns in talking, for example.
GRANDIOSE SELF-WORTH — A grossly inflated view of one’s abilities and self-worth, self-assured, opinionated, cocky, a braggart. Psychopaths are arrogant people who believe they are superior human beings.
NEED FOR STIMULATION or PRONENESS TO BOREDOM — An excessive need for novel, thrilling, and exciting stimulation; taking chances and doing things that are risky. Psychopaths often have low self-discipline in carrying tasks through to completion because they get bored easily. They fail to work at the same job for any length of time, for example, or to finish tasks that they consider dull or routine.
PATHOLOGICAL LYING — Can be moderate or high; in moderate form, they will be shrewd, crafty, cunning, sly, and clever; in extreme form, they will be deceptive, deceitful, underhanded, unscrupulous, manipulative, and dishonest.
CONNING AND MANIPULATIVENESS — The use of deceit and deception to cheat, con, or defraud others for personal gain; distinguished from Item #4 in the degree to which exploitation and callous ruthlessness is present, as reflected in a lack of concern for the feelings and suffering of one’s victims.
LACK OF REMORSE OR GUILT — A lack of feelings or concern for the losses, pain, and suffering of victims; a tendency to be unconcerned, dispassionate, cold-hearted, and non-empathic. This item is usually demonstrated by a disdain for one’s victims.
SHALLOW AFFECT — Emotional poverty or a limited range or depth of feelings; interpersonal coldness in spite of signs of open gregariousness.
CALLOUSNESS and LACK OF EMPATHY — A lack of feelings toward people in general; cold, contemptuous, inconsiderate, and tactless.
PARASITIC LIFESTYLE — An intentional, manipulative, selfish, and exploitative financial dependence on others as reflected in a lack of motivation, low self-discipline, and inability to begin or complete responsibilities.
POOR BEHAVIORAL CONTROLS — Expressions of irritability, annoyance, impatience, threats, aggression, and verbal abuse; inadequate control of anger and temper; acting hastily.
PROMISCUOUS SEXUAL BEHAVIOR — A variety of brief, superficial relations, numerous affairs, and an indiscriminate selection of sexual partners; the maintenance of several relationships at the same time; a history of attempts to sexually coerce others into sexual activity or taking great pride at discussing sexual exploits or conquests.
EARLY BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS — A variety of behaviors prior to age 13, including lying, theft, cheating, vandalism, bullying, sexual activity, fire-setting, glue-sniffing, alcohol use, and running away from home.
LACK OF REALISTIC, LONG-TERM GOALS — An inability or persistent failure to develop and execute long-term plans and goals; a nomadic existence, aimless, lacking direction in life.
IMPULSIVITY — The occurrence of behaviors that are unpremeditated and lack reflection or planning; inability to resist temptation, frustrations, and urges; a lack of deliberation without considering the consequences; foolhardy, rash, unpredictable, erratic, and reckless.
IRRESPONSIBILITY — Repeated failure to fulfill or honor obligations and commitments; such as not paying bills, defaulting on loans, performing sloppy work, being absent or late to work, failing to honor contractual agreements.
FAILURE TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR OWN ACTIONS — A failure to accept responsibility for one’s actions reflected in low conscientiousness, an absence of dutifulness, antagonistic manipulation, denial of responsibility, and an effort to manipulate others through this denial.
MANY SHORT-TERM MARITAL RELATIONSHIPS — A lack of commitment to a long-term relationship reflected in inconsistent, undependable, and unreliable commitments in life, including marital.
JUVENILE DELINQUENCY — Behavior problems between the ages of 13-18; mostly behaviors that are crimes or clearly involve aspects of antagonism, exploitation, aggression, manipulation, or a callous, ruthless tough-mindedness.
REVOCATION OF CONDITION RELEASE — A revocation of probation or other conditional release due to technical violations, such as carelessness, low deliberation, or failing to appear.
CRIMINAL VERSATILITY — A diversity of types of criminal offenses, regardless if the person has been arrested or convicted for them; taking great pride at getting away with crimes.The word psychopath can be replaced with the word sociopath throughout this page. The meaning is very similar, if not the same.
These are simply damaged beings.
Very well put my friend… Love your posts.
I agree. This quote appears to possibly be describing a condition of personal treason. The remedy for that if one was desired might be to find out that one actually does exist. ,,,,,And then continue with the journey by discovering exactly WHO it is who has existence.
Etc.
Or, if I was giving Eva Wong the benefit of the doubt, maybe this quote is meant to be a poetic way of recommending pan-determinism rather than “having to have” what one desires.
But I think that the former is more likely from the wording used.
The Title reminds me of the AA prayer, which embodies a lot of wisdom in one sentence. It reads;
“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference”.
Thanks brother.
Reading this excerpt from Lieh-Tzu, A Taoist Guide to Practical Living, by Eva Wong that Marty has chosen as his blog post, could be likened to entering a room that has numerous doors on its walls. Each door opens to a specific path of exploration that one intuits, if followed to the end, will wind up in the same place where all the other paths wind up. The participants that frequent Marty’s blog could easily spend days, even months exploring what’s behind these doors. Some of the door headings I see are:
Fighting to…
Sense Perception
People
Bodies
Losing the Mind
Willingness
Strength and Weakness
Enlightenment
Acceptance
Natural Course of Things
Life
Death
In many of the comments I post I make reference to A Course in Miracles. The course is my primary ‘raft’ that I’m using in this particular crossing I’ve embarked upon. However, throughout this crossing I do pull up alongside many other rafts that I visit for varying lengths of time. It’s all part of my process of integration, evolutionary transformation and transcendence. There is no “one and only” raft for me anymore
For sometime after I left SC every ‘raft’ that I would explore I would notice myself translating the specific nomenclature peculiar to each raft into the nomenclature of SC. It seemed that I needed to do that in order to be able to understand what was going on in the raft. There was a point, though, where this ‘need’ fell away and I began to experience being able to move beyond my attachment and focus on symbols and direct my attention to content (purpose). But, I must say, there are still occasions where the symbols will suck me in and I find myself reacting. In any event, having his transformation out of an attachment to symobls to the degree I have has made a marked difference in how I experience my journey.
This morning I watched a David Hoffmeister video on YT. David is one of many facilitators of A Course in Miracles and he has a style and manner that I enjoy listening to. The particular video of David’s that I watched this morning surprisingly (but not really) addressed more than a few of the ‘door headings’ that I listed out above. That noted, here’s the video:
Very interesting list, TO. I saw something the other day which made me wonder about the tech on SPs. Cat Daddy posted a link to Wikipedia or somewhere (sorry I don’t recall exactly) on the subject of Sarah Northrup – LRH’s “second wife”. The ‘second wife” that he denied having, and in respect of which marriage he had a daughter Alexis whom he had denied was his child, but evidently was most certainly his daughter (per Marty’s book and Wikipedia). What surprised me was the date of that marriage (I hope I recall correctly) – 10 AUGUST 1946. Years later, on 10 August LRH wrote up the policy letter which we all know as a “10 August”. It made me think that Sarah informed LRH possibly more than any one else (by her conduct), of the SP personality. He was in love with her, but really tried to “not is” her. He also seemed to have been ill around the time he was connected to her or disconnecting from her. I find this fascinating. If ever he came up against “some things you can’t fight” – I reckon this was what LRH could not fight and had to walk away. The letter from LRH to Sarah (also known I think as Betty), was angry and threatening to cut off the child if she went with her mother. But the letter ends with an “I love you”. Fascinating.
Sarah apparently had an affair with her sister’s husband (Jack Parsons) before she re-directed her attention to LRH – and yet she later black PR’ed LRH in the press for doing less. Clever, manipulative, sexually promiscuous. I will bet that is only the tip of the iceberg of that story.
I always enjoy your posts TO!
They can be socially quarantined.
This post is really interesting to me. I live in a third world country / emerging economy. There are things around me in daily life which are truly heart breaking to watch and experience. Poverty, crime, corruption, vested interests, you name it – we have it. To the degree that I can do something about it, I do. To the degree that I cannot, I have to accept that this is a phase in the country’s growth. If I could not accept it, I would not be able to embrace life. I would not be able to get on with life (or sleep) for a fear of becoming a victim of crime.
This excerpt also reminds of “Be willing to experience anything”. Sound advice really. If one is not willing, the experience will be harder to bear for one’s own unwillingness to look at it for what it really is.
Sometimes all you can do is determine your attitude in the face of inevitability
Thank you! I always enjoy your posts as well! This was VERY interesting about the 10 August!
That situation between all of those people turned very gnarly from what I have read. She came between Parsons and his wife. Parsons was Hubbard’s friend but the woman came between them also. She also came between Hubbard and his own wife. She must have been a force of nature!
The sociopaths I have known were hugely non committal. The relationships were unilateral, one for one. I was the ONLY one that had an investment into whatever the terms were. The sociopath had no investment. And was always in a position to prosper only . They can be very intelligent, witty and charismatic. They can be musicians, actors, singers, or masters of industry. But the underlying mantra is always, “Me. me, me.” Even when they “help” it is to forward some personal agenda that is really all about them, AND THE “HELP” TURNS OUT TO BE PURE ILLUSION. The slickest ones figure out ways to prop themselves up off the efforts and lives of others. They are forever fixated in a treason condition, a prison they can never escape from. And everything they have, gifted by someone who WAS able to care about the person in front of them. David Miscavige is the perfect illustration.
They prosper in religious groups as this is where they obtain the quickest funding in terms of trust, treasure and power. All they have to do is chant the words the others want to hear. And this is not a difficult task where you have thick agreement.
They are in fact, a different species that thrive like a virus among beings who have a low confront on oddities. As we know, anything “odd” is excluded from a Scientology group. All prospective group members are vetted for uniform potential. Just like the military. This is why I think you see a lot of Scientologists that can not function beyond an organized group . And the sociopaths prey on these frailties and insecurities. In fact, this is how they tax people to no end. They find that weak spot and probe it until it becomes a wound. Restimulating and profiting off of other people’s fear.
“Marty is out to get us.”
“The psychs are out to get us.”
“The A.M.A. is out to get us.”
“The board of education is out to brainwash us.”
“The immigrants are taking over our country.”
“The Independents will destroy Scientology through out K.S.W..”
“The Freezoners will destroy cases.”
“You can not survive alone!”
In other words, they group people and control them by putting them into ARC with OUT OF ARC purposes and fears.
Meanwhile the only damage run on people is run by the sociopath leading them around by mutual out ruds. Look at what Hitler managed. Still, all of these years later it isn’t difficult to find a Scientologist who is willing to condemn an entire section of a Scientology community and get some applause for it! “Everyone in the Freezone is out ethics!” “Condemn all of the Indies” “Anyone who isn’t a “member” of OUR group is Fair Game! “If you aren’t licensed by David Miscavige you can not call yourself a Scientologist!
Seriously, as if he is in the business of giving out real estate licenses so people can practice! And the truth is, he doesn’t practice Scientology. The truth is, instead of taking MORE responsibility for the people who have clearly not assimilated the Scientology, he takes advantage of them.
Anyone out here exploring Scientology should be aware of the people working to convince them, “You need me to survive.”
From where I view, Marty has been most merciful at encouraging people that they can survive simply because this is a potential every being has. And simply because they are who they are. I know this is a new voice in this Scientology theater. But long ago, it was Hubbard’s voice. And it is the truth.
😊
Kindred spirits you and I…
For me it will be so grand when people realize that we are all connected in Love and that heaven is not a place but a realizing that we create the world we see.
Acceptance.
A very close second to my favourite word;
Authenticity.
Thanks for sharing…😊
. Clever, manipulative, sexually promiscuous.
Oh hi L Ron Hubbard, how about that “bit of rough”in east Grindstead ?
+1
Touché…
Unless of course Miscavige is tuning in… In which case he needs to remind himself of reality first;
http://m.flickr.com/photos/104455089@N03/10122934223/lightbox/
Isn’t it simply being willing effect?
TO, I know someone who matches all the criteria, including the criteria on your list. So when I started hearing mumblings about Miscavige I was able to recognise it for myself. It is such important information to have. I feel somewhat immune for this person I know, but it is hard for anyone who does not look at the signs, but looks at the self promotion of the person. That is why it is so valuable to have someone who was close to the fire being able to “tell it like it is” I value Marty’s input and output enormously. There is a lot of criticism of LRH and Marty and you and me – but we are just normal people with our faults. We are not the SP that your list and LRH’s list describes. This is another animal altogether.
I remembered something funny the other day. i was at an event a few years back when Miscavige told everyone that an SP had surfaced on the internet. He said something like “thanks for letting us know where you are.” I went into complete agreement with that, not knowing who it was, or what the context was. Stupid me. I realize now it must have been Marty who started posting in 2009. Wow. Miscavige did not mention names or circumstances – just told a story that was true to himself only – knowing that if the public actually knew who he was talking about they would really question why a person whom we had all known and respected had suddenly turned into an “SP”. Oh so clever Miscavige. The old hidden data line trick. He hides behind a curtain of capable people – but the curtain seems to be thinning out. I have no doubt that his time will come. I am happy for him to be the main protagonist of his own inevitable demise. There is one thing he just cannot fight – and that is his own propensity to behave in a manner that will see him lose the favour of those closest to him. His closest allies….his family…. gone. “Who’s next?” as they say at fundraisers……
Wow! That is interesting that David Miscavige said that at an event!
You can spot the OSA plants because they repeat David’s lines. While he lives like a rock star selling “religion” and running beggar crews and slaves. His own P.R. one of a stark raving lunatic! That isn’t because of the supposed S.P.s. It is because people stopped covering up his crimes! But I guarantee you that guy’s needle would float through a sec check. All of his troubles are because other people are evil.
LACK OF REMORSE OR GUILT — A lack of feelings or concern for the losses, pain, and suffering of victims; a tendency to be unconcerned, dispassionate, cold-hearted, and non-empathic. This item is usually demonstrated by a disdain for one’s victims.
FAILURE TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR OWN ACTIONS — A failure to accept responsibility for one’s actions reflected in low conscientiousness, an absence of dutifulness, antagonistic manipulation, denial of responsibility, and an effort to manipulate others through this denial.
As pathological liars, they constantly lie to themselves!
What a powerful song Cat Daddy. When I first heard that song about a year ago, my respect for Cash went way up.
Real, authentic. What courage to reveal what pain is within. We are all so convinced in keeping up the show! I love what’s back stage.