March 18, 2025
What is the difference between memory and hope? Just plain spelling! Memory is never pure. Memory of the past is invariably twisted and distorted by hope. In the same way, hopes are almost invariably built on memory. Take the memory away, there are no hopes. The mind, or that which induces value to objects, to experiences, to teachings, is constantly looking for something - happiness, for example - without ever having asked whether that exists. If the question is asked seriously, only one thing exists: the questioner, the hoper of these hopes, the remember-er of the memories.
However, an interesting but tragic quality of the mind is its tendency to select. When it reads a scripture, it selects only what suits it, what it values most - not in terms of how to better itself, how to discover itself or how to learn, but merely to get a testimonial that it is perfectly right, to pat itself on the back. The self is purposely hidden and the mind does not want to look at itself.
The scripture says that he who is devoted to God experiences joy flowing towards him from all directions. If this experience is not there, there is something wrong. It is not the fault of the teaching, it is our unwillingness to go thoroughly into the whole problem. What is it that resists? Hope, fear, cravings. Yet, when we focus our attention upon one of these, it seems to disappear. But, has the craving in fact gone? It is possible that it has moved out of the focus of our attention temporarily. However, if we had trained ourselves in focusing our attention, then we would not let it slip.
To develop this attention, the Masters have given elaborate instruction in meditation. Here, a different attention arises: the attention is flowing towards the perceiver, the question is turned upon the questioner, the seeker has merged himself in his own seeking. There is a state in which there is no thinking. That state is called total surrender, absolute devotion and complete and total love. When we are full of love in this manner, happiness flows to us from all directions. It is then that devotion is properly understood and properly practiced. And then the problems are instantly solved or resolved.