Epilogue

On the journey of the Warrior . . . instead of transcending the suffering of all creatures, we move toward turbulence and doubt however we can. We explore the reality and unpredictability of insecurity and pain, we try not to push it away. If it takes years—if it takes lifetimes—we let it be as it is. At our own pace, without speed or aggression. We move down and down. With us move millions of others, our companions in awakening from fear. (Pema Chodron)

In order to see clearly, with sensitivity and real objectivity, it is imperative that one find a way to take absolutely no position in relationship to thought, feeling and experience. It is a very difficult thing to do. In spite of that, it must be done; and indeed, the discovery of the ability to take no position in relationship to thought, feeling and experience is the very ground of the Enlightened perspective . . . One has to somehow find a way through contemplation and meditation to take no position in order to be able to perceive the Real . . . Finally, one has to ask oneself: What position am I taking and to what degree am I truly able to take no position in relationship to what I’m perceiving? This kind of meditation must be sustained. It’s not something that can be done just once and then left. (Andrew Cohen. “The Paradox of the Fully Awakened Condition.” What Is Enlightenment? 2:1 [January 1993]. 6-7)

You are not really tired of being afraid or you would drop it. Somewhere you don’t want to let go of it, you are clinging to it. You can’t change yourself, nothing can change you: no Primal Therapy, or Encounter groups—nothing. All that can happen is that you can come to accept yourself. Even God can’t change you. Otherwise why did he make you like this, and why couldn’t he change you if you were not right? And if he did change you then you wouldn’t be who you are. He made you the only way it was possible to make you. You think you are ugly, then be ugly. You don’t like your body, you don’t like your mind—they are you, accept them . . .

And it is the ego that wants to change, become radiant, enlightened, unique. No one loves themselves. And this is the whole beautiful attitude of the religious man—that nothing can be changed, so eat well, live, enjoy. He doesn’t waste energy fighting against himself. Nothing is wrong but a wrong attitude. You are trying to square the circle—it can’t be done; if it could, it would no longer be a circle. (Osho Rajneesh. Pre-Darshan Notes. Poona, India: June 26, 1975)