X. I suspect Ishwara gives us bugs in the system of our being and our lives, either mentally, spiritually, physically, etc, which seem to obstruct our ability to fully succeed at life, as a means to stress us into accepting Ishwara as our creator and pure being as our source.
James: Hi X. Yes, it certainly appears as if provocateur is one of Ishvara’s roles. But Ishvara isn’t a conscious being with likes and dislikes, so the idea that It needs to manipulate us into accepting It as “our creator” doesn’t hold water. It doesn’t know that there is a creation, unless ignorance adds a creation to It. In so far as there is a world apart from consciousness, Isvara is responsible for delivering the apparent results of our apparent actions. Only people who are ignorant of their non-difference from Isvara think in terms of gain and loss, merit and demerit, actions and results etc. What advantage could It gain by doing good or evil…or anything else for that matter?
X: For example, my gluttonous nature keeps me from being slim and healthy; or I have one terrible habit which I can’t seem to shake, and it bothers me and insults my pride or otherwise good opinion of myself, etc. Then eventually, even if we are unable to heal or cure ourselves of terrible habits or personality flaws, we finally submit to God’s will, flaws and all, and realize that in spite of it all, even with all our imperfections, and no matter how diligently we strive to qualify ourselves and requalify ourselves for comprehensive inquiry, we fall short. It is as if Ishwara finally says to us, “But what are you worrying about, you are one with me no matter how many flaws you have, and you and I share equally the same ground of being , Pure Bliss Consciousness and Existence! Do your, but do not worry!”
James: Yes, I think you are saying that you need to stand as awareness and love yourself warts and all. If so, this is how to proceed. First say, “I am existence shining as whole and complete consciousness” (which is the truth) so I cannot be insulted. I am fine as I am. It seems God wanted a warty person.”
It’s all a matter of confidence in the scripture, which is Isvara’s words. Given the idea of ignorance, Isvara knows how difficult duality is and offers a straightforward solution. If you don’t avail yourself of it, you are choosing to suffer the consequences of unmentionable tendencies. But, if you can’t take a stand in your true self, admit that some part of you enjoys the unmentionables. Be honest. Maybe, you need to keep at the unmentionable until you hit bottom.
P.S. Maybe being slim and healthy isn’t wise for a gluttonous person. If you stand as awareness, you can’t stand as a glutton. Try it. You’re not thinking as you are, you’re thinking as you aren’t. Of course, it’s hard being X, but it’s just as hard not being the Self, so pick your poison. I’ve settled on being chubby and healthy, so I don’t diet to get rid of excess pounds…are they really that bad? I eat superfoods, sleep like a baby, and talk Vedanta. There’s an idea for you.
