03-17-2019, 08:18 PM
(03-17-2019, 11:05 AM)redchartreuse Wrote: Second, that when discussions come up around the great folly in being too heavily biased toward love, things tend to get real squirrely, real quick. Seems to trigger a lot of people off.
I think the main trigger point here is people's respect for the freewill of others. Love freely given can be freely rejected. There is no opposition to freewill in love. Wisdom not so much, only when it is asked, which is why many spiritual traditions base their teachings on a student question and teacher answer format.
(03-17-2019, 11:05 AM)redchartreuse Wrote: All that needs to be placed upon the inner altar of sacrifice in order for love and compassion to be balanced with wisdom and understanding, is the desire for martyrdom.
Martyrdom resulting in physical death is the most extreme expression, but there are many inner deaths. How many of us were taught as children not to express our needs or preferences so as to not 'inconvenience' the adults around us. Who among us learnt to become just that little bit more invisible as to not step on the toes of others? Who learnt to be placid as to not trigger the rage of others?
The balance of wisdom and love is not so simple.
Love tells us the other is perfect. Wisdom tells us that we must also assert our own perfection, not for our sakes, but because it is not loving to allow an abuser to abuse. They are hurting themselves just as much in the long run.