When we have spent so much time honing our intellect, and when education systems and workplaces continue to revere it as THE thing, it makes it hard to stop identifying with our intellect. I’ve found when it comes to self-development and spirituality, it seems to prevail even more as the most important thing. And it’s not, practical and putting it to use is. If fancy words and language dart about trying to make sense of that which can ultimately make no sense but needs to be experienced, is it useful long term? No. If a concept can’t be distilled or simplified, it must be questioned, is it at its core worth knowing? I meet meditation PHD’s who don’t meditate. And scholars in all types of niche areas that don’t practice a single thing about what they study, it’s an intellectual pursuit alone.
I hope we can all begin to engage with the world more as part of our learnings, and make them applicable, not just something we know on the intellectual level. We must take these ideas onto the road of modern life with us. Burn the tyres of the techniques as rubber hits road. Not protect ourselves from experiencing as we are too busy reading.
Hogen, a Chinese Zen teacher, lived alone in a small temple in the country. One day, four traveling monks appeared and asked if they might make a fire in his yard to warm themselves.
While they were building the fire, Hogen heard them arguing about subjectivity and objectivity. He joined them and said: “There is a big stone. Do you consider it to be inside or outside your mind?”
One of the monks replied: “From the Buddhist viewpoint everything is an objectification of mind, so I would say that the stone is inside my mind.”
“Your head must feel very heavy,” observed Hogen, “if you are carrying around a stone like that in your mind.”
So I ask of you today. What can you put down to lighten your load, freeing you up to engage more.
Written with love,
Jac x
L E T T E R from Jac – Let Go Of The Intellect
