Meet the Divine Trickster
Sojong Reminder from Anam Thubten 6/2021
Dear Dharma friends,
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Many similes can be used to describe the different aspects of our human nature. One is the Divine Trickster that constantly plays pranks on us and challenges us. In the early morning, it might display captivating sunshine, letting you enjoy a gentle breeze with the wafting fragrance of a delicious cup of coffee in your hand. Then it may trick you into feeling blissed-out by playing lovely storylines in your head. You’ll be ready to exclaim “All is well” as you’re beguiled into feeling that such bliss will continue forever, that life will only be benevolent from this moment on.
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While you’re relaxing in such a sweet state, this trickster may send someone to irritate you or concoct various problems to throw you into the realm of inner pain. It could be that someone simply looks at you the wrong way or says the wrong thing, even if such a person harbors no intention to do so. We forget that this game is one that the trickster has played countless times. With such a quick shift of perception, our reaction to ever-changing life circumstances can quickly be blown out of proportion. Ego shouts, “ This awful thing is happening to me, it’s not fair!” It leads us to believe that while this is happening to us, the rest of the world is happy. Ego perceives itself as the most important thing in the world, and that our problems are somehow more real than someone else’s.
What can we do when this divine trickster pranks us so? If we’re feeling challenged by people or life, we can ground ourselves in the timeless wisdom that reminds us that all is transitory. Even our beautiful existence will dissolve one day like a rainbow suddenly vanishes as soon as the rain passes. If we can just remember that whatever is disturbing us will pass, or that our perception can change in an instant, we may see everything from a bigger perspective.
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Sometimes we feel like we’re basking in the kindness of life. We feel showered with blessings and we’re enjoying good heath, meaningful friendships, and a healthy environment. At these times, it’s easy for the ego to be trapped in a state of blind bliss. We forget that everything can be changed by unseen events that are right around the corner. Instead, we could simply relish the blessings of life, while not allowing them to fool us. Many masters have often taught about the fact that it’s harder for us to wake up in happiness than in suffering.
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During this sojong, let’s take some time to reflect on the current stage of our life. If we find ourselves being caught up in the illusion of comfort, or in the snarl of sorrow, let’s use this enlightened perspective to bring our minds back to peace, equanimity, acceptance, and letting go.
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With much gratitude,
Anam Thubten
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