Without others, we would have no chance at all to develop beyond ego. So the idea here is to feel grateful that others are presenting us with tremendous obstacles -- even threats or challenges. The point is to appreciate that. Without them, we could not follow the path at all. Walking on the path of the dharma is connected with dealing with our neurosis. But if there were no neuros-ees, we couldn't develop any neuros-is. Therefore, we should feel very grateful to such persons. They are actually the ones who are pushing us onto the path of dharma.
~ Chogyam Trungpa, from "Transformation of Bad Circumstances," in Training the Mind and Cultivating Loving Kindness, page 92.
This is a basic tenet of psychological growth -- that we can only make so much progress on our own, then we need to be in relationship with others to see our shadow stuff reflected in our relationships.
This is something I have been thinking about a lot lately--friendship and relationships. I'm working on a post dedicated to just the term Friendship and what it means to me.
But I found this tonight while researching and thought it was too good to not pass along.
I have not been grateful to everyone in my life lately. and the above paragraph reminded me why I should to so.
Always room for improvement in this girl's life;)
Thank goodness Monday is almost over!
so true. without pain we can't learn to endure. you are such a bright light. love you!
ReplyDeleteYou have such a great way of putting thoughts into words
ReplyDeletewow sug, you're way too deep for me tonight. ;)
ReplyDelete