Like an Ocean into Which We Sink

Once the infinite appears to contract into finite minds, the overriding feeling in a finite mind is of having been cut off – separate, incomplete, lacking. Longing to be united, fulfilled is at the core of every apparently separate self, whose every activity is toward easing this discomfort. The self embarks on a great search. First, in the conventional realm of objects, substances, activities, relationships. From time to time, we find that temporarily ends the longing, which ultimately rises again. Finding that fewer things in the world can end this longing, we search in spiritual realms: traditions, methods, practices, teachers, teachings. These also offer only temporary relief. There’s nowhere left to go, nothing else to do. For some, this leads to the great surrender, letting go of spiritual seeking, teachers, traditions and standing without the impulse to do, achieve, acquire. The great surrender is like an ocean into which we sink.

Once the infinite appears to contract into finite minds, the overriding feeling in a finite mind is of having been cut off – separate, incomplete, lacking. Longing to be united, fulfilled is at the core of every apparently separate self, whose every activity is toward easing this discomfort. The self embarks on a great search. First, in the conventional realm of objects, substances, activities, relationships. From time to time, we find that temporarily ends the longing, which ultimately rises again. Finding that fewer things in the world can end this longing, we search in spiritual realms: traditions, methods, practices, teachers, teachings. These also offer only temporary relief. There’s nowhere left to go, nothing else to do. For some, this leads to the great surrender, letting go of spiritual seeking, teachers, traditions and standing without the impulse to do, achieve, acquire. The great surrender is like an ocean into which we sink.