Coach a man to “fix” a problem, and new problem will arise. For the problem is never truly the problem. Coach a man to “improve,” and he will regress. For the improvement will have been the goal, rather than the natural effect. If a thing is purely mechanical, a man can be “instructed” to […]
Some time back, my younger son and I were having lunch at a local Thai restaurant. When dining at a restaurant, I typically arrive around 11am when the restaurant is empty (and quiet). I request to sit in the far corners of restaurants, away from the bar, and the chatter and reactive laughter. The restaurant […]
I recently watched a documentary in which a group of boys were stranded in a cave that was being flooded by monsoon rains. One of the people who came to their aid was a retired seal from Thailand. During the rescue, he drowned in the cave flooding. What would the optimist say to this? Would […]
Is it possible that a rich man buys a cheap car and a modest house because he is naturally drawn to that particular car, and that particular house? It is indeed possible. But this is rarely the case. Why does the rich man drive a cheap car? Because of internal conflict. The poor […]
Imagine a time long ago, When there was no such thing as a competition. With no prizes to be won, man played the game for the game. Playing the game for the game, all of his talents were available to him. Then man became clever. He decided to create something known as a “prize.” […]
Student (S) Master (M) S: Master, how do I become victorious? M: I cannot manufacture the motivation to answer such a question. S: Why, Master? M: Because the thing you are seeking to becoming victorious in, is a pleasure chase. S: But Master, when I watch you compete with the sword, the arrow, and hand […]
How do I say this . . . How do I tell you that your tomorrow’s will be precisely as your yesterday’s and today’s. How do I tell you that your “hope” for a better tomorrow is the only thing you have left. And, the reality of the situation is, “hope” actually isn’t anything at […]
Dear Siddha, As you move through life, the world will weigh heavily upon you. Most specifically, the weight of the world’s opinions about you. For many years, you will not notice the effect that it has had upon you. You will not see the behaviors that you change in order to appear a certain way. […]
Humans do not truly See. They see themselves trying to see. Humans do not truly Do. They see themselves trying to do. Between a human and a thing lies a presence. Between a human and a thing lies a prism. This presence . . . this prism . . . is The Self. There are […]
A mentored man moves through life with clipped wings. The wings are clipped in a way that gives him the illusion of flight. As his feet never leave the ground. A man who assumes the role of “mentor,” is in a precarious position. Though rare is the man who recognizes the precariousness of it. And […]