Quote:Q: Can it happen that the mind is clear and quiet and yet no reflection appears?
M: There is destiny to consider. The unconscious is in the grip of destiny; it is destiny, in fact. One may have to wait. But however heavy may be the hand of destiny, it can be lifted by patience and self-control. Integrity and purity remove the obstacles and the vision of reality appears in the mind.
Okay. So even though destiny is the foundation of our short trek through unconsciousness, we can lift the veil through intense dedication. However:
Quote:M: The urge to find oneself is a sign that you are getting ready. The impulse always comes from within. Unless your time has come, you will have neither the desire nor the strength to go for self-enquiry whole-heartedly.
So the readiness of the individual for enlightenment is up to... what? To whom? The Individual seems to play only a periphery role in determining its rate of progress toward perfection. Some infinite source is the inevitable motivation to dive into the Self - not the Individual.
So basically, my lack of motivation to single-mindedly pursue enlightenment is because I am not ready? Even my genuine pursuits are fruitless because they are not single-minded! It almost seems like to be enlightened, one must already be enlightened.
Another befuddling quote:
Quote:Q: How am I to go beyond?
M: You know it already; do it.
Q: That's what you say. I know nothing about it.
M: Yet I repeat -- you know it. Do it. Go beyond, back to your normal, natural, supreme state.
Q: I'm puzzled.
M: A speck in the eye makes you think you are blind. Wash it out and look.
Q: I do look! I see only darkness.
M: Remove the speck and your eyes will be flooded with light. The light is there -- waiting. The eyes are there -- ready. The darkness you see is but the shadow of the tiny speck. Get rid of it and come back to your natural state.