Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Freedom and discipline 自由与纪律 (18)

Note: Every week from 1995, Guruji started sending out knowledge sheets which he fondly called the 'Knowledge Fax' to be read out and discussed at Satsangs happening all around the world. Guruji ended this delightful practice at the 365th week in September 2002, so as to let us fully digest them! These knowledge sheets have been compiled into An Intimate Note To The Sincere Seeker Volumes 1-7. I began the practice of posting a Knowledge Sheet every week for the benefit of those who have not had the opportunity to get hold of these priceless books. It had never cease to uplift me by reading and rereading this knowledge. So I know you would certainly enjoy them!

从 1995年开始, 古儒吉开始每一个星期寄出他称为‘智慧传真’的智慧语录以供在世界各地举行的唱场阅读与分享。大师在2002年9月,也就是第365周结束了这个做法,让 我们好好的消化和实践这些智慧。这些智慧语录已收录为7本书:古儒吉大师智慧语录(1-7集)。我开始每个星期刊登一篇智慧语录,以供还没有机会买到这几 本宝贵的书籍的学员分享。不断阅读这些智慧语录让我得益不浅。所以我知道其他人也会有很大的收获。 
10/10/1995 Bangalore Ashram, India 印度班格罗静心所

Freedom and discipline are opposites. And they are also complementary.

The purpose of defense is to protect freedom. But is there freedom in defense? Do soldiers have freedom? No, they are bound, not allowed to put the right foot down when told the left foot. Their steps are measured; they are unable even to walk with a natural rhythm. There is no freedom in defense, yet this is what protects the freedom of the country!

Freedom without discipline is like a country without a defense. Discipline protects freedom. They both go hand in hand. Understand this and move ahead in life. You have certain restrictions that allow you your freedom. You can focus either on freedom or discipline, and be happy or unhappy.

Fences have a definite place and purpose. If you build a fence all over the entire property, then where will you put your home? Yet a well placed fence protects the property.

Love puts you on track. Fear also puts you back on track, as is the case with religions that have put fear as the main motivating force.

Nature itself induces fear in a child at a certain age. A child has no fear when very young; he gets 100% love and attention from the mother. But as he grows more independent, nature brings in an iota of fear; he learns to become cautious. With increasing freedom, the child learns to walk more carefully.

There is a state of absolute freedom, unlimited bliss, the freedom Advaita* talks about. But the Advaita Knowledge has been totally misused according to people's fancies and conveniences. We need to be very practical. There must be freedom in the mind, love in the heart, and discipline in action.

Fear of losing freedom brings discipline and defense. And the purpose of defense is to eliminate fear.

On this Path, Knowledge is your freedom - and also your defense.

*the non-dual philosophy of the Upanishads expounded in detail by Adi Shankara.

自由与纪律是对立及互补的
防卫的目的在保护自由。但防卫中有自由吗?军人有自由吗?不,他们完全被限制,命令踩左脚时,甚至不能踩右脚。他们的步伐整齐划一,他们甚至不能用自然的节奏走路。在防卫上完全没有自由。完全没有自由的正是保卫国家自由的!
只有自由没有纪律,就好比国家没有国防。纪律保护自由。两者通力合作。了解这点,在人生的路上勇往直前。你有一些限制,正因此你才有自由。你可选择专注于自由或纪律上,而让自己快乐或不快乐。
围墙有其存在的地方和意义,不能遍地都盖。如果围墙遍地盖,你如何在上面建筑房屋呢?然而建造位置得宜时,却可以保护地产。
爱心将你导向正道,恐惧也将你导向正道,这正是许多宗教的情形;他们以恐惧作为主要的原动力。
大自然在孩童的某个年龄诱发恐惧。当小孩非常年幼时,它得到母亲百分之百的关注及爱。小孩子没有恐惧。当小孩长得较独立时,他变得谨慎。大自然加进极微弱的恐惧。有了自由,小孩开始小心走路。
有一种绝对自由、无限喜悦的境界,也就是阿多外塔(Advaita)所谈论到的自由。然而阿多外塔的知识己经完全被误用,随个人想像与方便使用。我们必须非常实际。脑中必需存有自由,心中必需有爱,行为必需正直。
害怕失去自由会带来纪律与防卫。而防卫的目的是在消除恐惧。
在这道上,知识是你的自由──也是你的防卫。

No comments:

Post a Comment