What has been your experience with the reflection that the Self "always drives directly to happiness?"...... The 'Self' or 'Bliss' appears to be an experience of the field of consciousness, in a trance. Peaceful happiness is the 'Bliss of self' in the physical world. I experience the Self as 'excitement' through the Ego and as a 'pleasure' through the Body. ......The author contrasts the more visible driver to the quiet driver - how do you choose who you want to be?......I am driven by body instincts and subconscious (soul) emotions. I can spend a lifetime fighting these two, looking for 'Moksha or Nirvana' or, enjoy all three modes of happiness: pleasure, excitement and peaceful happiness, with a manageable 'witness' attitude or presence of mind - as a path of Dharma. I chose the latter because, it is my hope that, with diligent practice, I will experience the elusive 'Self', as more of my 'soul' or subconscious, disappears with presence of mind and my ego and the body gradually disappear with age...... Can you share a personal experience where you found yourself aiming in the same direction as the merry-go-round (or united with it)? ......When I struggled with 'my goals' as defined by the culture, competing with the environment and 'Taking care of number one', I was struggling to steer the 'race car' on the merry-go-round in my direction..... When I realized that the 'merry-go-round' is my environment and that, if I am in tune with my environment and co-operate with it, objectively, I can enjoy the excitement and wisdom of the ride, as a play of consciousness and help others enjoy their ride. This open awareness made me feel more peaceful, happy and ‘successful’. I can even meditate better and keep my body instincts and emotions 'under control. ;-)'..... I have a Guru to inspire me on this path
On Sep 9, 2012 Narendra wrote :