Effort Does Not Change The Person

Based on the article written by Anthony De Mello, here is my reflection:

Spirituality or holiness or selfless love cannot be obtained by making efforts. They are states of Being, not becoming. Becoming is like a behavior that can be acquired, changed, or modified. Spirituality is isness, presence, realty, truth, tathata as the Buddha says. It is formless, shapeless, sizeless, nameless and timeless. It is eternal. It is transcendental. We cannot purchase it or sell it. It is not a commodity. It is beyond a transactional mindset.

Spirituality is always present. It is like light that always shines. It is like love that never dies. I need to be awake to see it and experience it. When I get binded by my self-centered and selfish eyes, I lose it. When I crave for it and try to hold it, I lose it. It is always present in my inner home, inner being. What helps me remain aware of this reality? When things do not go the way I want, I become aware of how I am affected by not acquiring what I wanted. I create a space between the triggering stimulus and my response. I take a few deep, slow and gentle breaths that helps me not to react impulsively. It quiets and clears my mind and it helps me to respond wisely. As the Buddha says, when an arrow of hurt is thrown by somebody, do not throw a counter arrow of hurting the one who throws the first arrow of hurting you. Sadly, many arrows of reactions are thrown at each other in relationships that hurts and bleeds the heart of each other. Non-judgemental awareness, loving kindness and insight of wisdom has helped me to be free from my reactive behaviors. Practicing mindfulness is like a mirror that allows me to see my face and to open my eyes to see the truth and act accordingly.
Namaste!