Excellent article! I learned the power of witnessing 25 years ago while going through a tumultuous period in my life. It has been transformational in leading me to greater equanimity. Thanks for sharing this wisdom!
This reminded me of a wonderful story of the thumbless king.
He loved archery, and once during sword practice, his thumb was sliced right off.
His minister responded, "God's mercy!"
The angry king arrested and imprisoned his dear minister.
No thumb, no archery.
Some time later, the king was out on an excursion on his horse.
He was captured by a tribal gang that sought to offer him in sacrifice, thinking that a human offering would bring great material rewards.
The tribal priest, however, rejected him, seeing that his body was unfit to be offered, because his thumb was missing. He was let free and returned back to the palace to set his minister free. He questioned, saying, "I now understand you saying that it was God's mercy towards my accident, but why did you say it was God's mercy when I threw you in prison?" The young minister replied, "I go wherever you go," and then showed his two thumbs with a grin.
Beautifully expressed, practicing the art of being a detached observer. I have trying to implement it in my life too, this served as a powerful reminder.
A great message to reflect on today. Detaching yourself from the roles asked of you in life is significant when wanting to keep your inner self in balance. You can be great at what you do but not become it. At the end of the day, it’s all temporary. The truth sets you free. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Meredith. Yes, the Bhagavad Gita is a wonderfully profound text. The battle between the Kauravas and the Pandavas takes place within us—it describes an inner process.
Excellent article! I learned the power of witnessing 25 years ago while going through a tumultuous period in my life. It has been transformational in leading me to greater equanimity. Thanks for sharing this wisdom!
Thank you James. Truly appreciate your kind words. Witnessing the ind and the world is indeed transformational. Glad you enjoyed reading it.
I did! You’re in Australia, Meredith? It’s on my bucket list!
This reminded me of a wonderful story of the thumbless king.
He loved archery, and once during sword practice, his thumb was sliced right off.
His minister responded, "God's mercy!"
The angry king arrested and imprisoned his dear minister.
No thumb, no archery.
Some time later, the king was out on an excursion on his horse.
He was captured by a tribal gang that sought to offer him in sacrifice, thinking that a human offering would bring great material rewards.
The tribal priest, however, rejected him, seeing that his body was unfit to be offered, because his thumb was missing. He was let free and returned back to the palace to set his minister free. He questioned, saying, "I now understand you saying that it was God's mercy towards my accident, but why did you say it was God's mercy when I threw you in prison?" The young minister replied, "I go wherever you go," and then showed his two thumbs with a grin.
Oh, I love this story. Thank you for sharing it here.
thank you - "...the ability to witness your mind and the world with love and attention, without getting emotionally entangled."
You're welcome.
Beautifully expressed, practicing the art of being a detached observer. I have trying to implement it in my life too, this served as a powerful reminder.
so pleased that this served as a necessary reminder for you. keep practising Apu.
Thank you 💖
A great message to reflect on today. Detaching yourself from the roles asked of you in life is significant when wanting to keep your inner self in balance. You can be great at what you do but not become it. At the end of the day, it’s all temporary. The truth sets you free. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Gio. Appreciate your words.
Thank you, Meredith. Yes, the Bhagavad Gita is a wonderfully profound text. The battle between the Kauravas and the Pandavas takes place within us—it describes an inner process.