"Fire of the Heart (Part II): Phoenix Rises" by Saurabh Das, (2008)
Image credit: Obscured By Words
Only to the extent that we expose ourselves over and over to annihilation can that which is indestructible be found in us.
— Pema Chödrön, in When Things Fall Apart: Heart advice for difficult times, (Boston: Shambhala, 2005), p. 9. Originally published 1997. Cited by Francesco di Santis in his unpublished manuscript “The Wanderings of Turtle Island”, p. 80.
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"Only to the extent"
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I’ve always thought that Eastern religions’ use of the word “annihilation” is scary for a lot of people. Fraught with destruction and obliteration of the self with a small s or the false ego, I gather. While I realize this is a quote without further information, in the context of “When Things Fall Apart: Heart advice…” it doesn’t attract me as a way to get through difficult times. I am familiar with Pema Chodra and certainly respect her Work. I’m just more of the breathe in breathe out type of person. Thanks for another interesting quotation, Gregory.
I think you’re right: there are things we should not foolishly expose to annihilation. It doesn’t make sense. Not all the time. Maybe as a practice in courage (and fear). But not in terms of sacrificing oneself (though that cannot be an absolute either).
Perhaps that’s a kind of game holy fools play? Too bad some believe they should do so with the Earth.
Thanks for your help steering entersection’s course.