What Shall We Say Is Real?
Even dismissing seriousness as unreal creates another mental position, while the only genuine inquiry is into the illusion of separateness and the 'me' that takes anything seriously.
So, what are we taking seriously now? What deserves our seriousness? What deserves our seriousness? That which is real? In fact, to say it is serious is to say it is real. So, what shall we say is real? [Silence] Should we define what is real? Should we define it as “beyond definition”? [Laughs] Where will our mind rest? Will it rest if we say, “You are beyond definition”? Will that definition bring it to rest? For some it could — temporarily. [Chuckles] Shall we define it as “the unchanging”? Will that bring the intellect to rest? So, what should we take seriously? And, if there’s nothing that we can find that deserves to be taken seriously, does it mean that we take everything un-seriously? Should we become serious about our taking everything un-seriously? [Laughs] It’s very serious that ‘Nothing is serious’, or it’s very real that ‘Nothing is real’. Like that? These are the boundaries [lifts both hands apart, one finger of each hand extended]. Many times, we hear, “Nothing is so serious; don’t worry,” and we feel like “Yeah! Ta-ta-ta-ta” [in a sing-song voice]. It doesn’t last.” [Chuckles] You see, you pick up a new position this way. “I’m just going to be happy; nothing is serious.” And then ta-ta-ta-thum [makes dramatic sound]. “But it is, this is happening to me! How can I be in denial?” Back. “This is the real world, after all. And the masters have told us to not deny.” Then, all the ta-ta-ta-ta went. New position. So, what are we taking seriously?
Not this question.
Not this question. [Laughs] Apparently. [Laughter in the room]
Nothing to be taken seriously. Just go along without any resistance, welcoming everything.
Okay. So, that second part we take seriously or no — “just go along without resistance, welcoming everything”?
Nothing to be taken seriously.
Except that? [Laughter in the room]
The clue can be that if you’re taking something seriously —
You’re taking ‘clue’ seriously? [Laughter in the room]
If you’re taking something seriously, that means that you’re still struggling.
Okay. So clues means you’re looking for treasure. [Smiles]
No, it’s like recognizing that that’s correct.
Wrong.
Better.
I’m not saying don’t take anything seriously. I’m just asking what deserves to be taken seriously? What are you serious about? Or non-serious about? Either way, it’s serious. Even to have categories like ‘I’m not serious about this’. Nothing either way?
Father, the list is too long.
The list is too long. For example? What’s on the list — or the top three?
The illusion that the separateness is still there and that bothers me.
So, should we take it that seriously without any slicing, dicing? Okay. “The illusion that the separateness is still there and that bothers me.” Then what else? One? That’s the big one? The rest are dependent on this one?
Father, all the pointers that you give us, there is some comfort when I see that the path that leads to understanding is to understand because I don’t need to do anything because the doer-ship is not there, so it’s an easy way out, I’m thinking. So, hopefully, that is true. The right part is listening to it.
So, that’s two. [Laughs] So, should we take the one making these representations seriously — like, whose they are. S1: Semi seriously.
How much? Ten percent? [Laughs] Fifty-fifty? What percentage do you take it seriously?
100. See, Father, basically…. [Laughter in the room]
I’m just asking. [Laughs] So, there is a ‘me’ who is first bothered with that illusion of separation. Second is the one who is surrendering it, saying, “Everything is taken care of. I don’t need to do anything.” Same ‘me’, no? So, that one — how seriously to take it?
Key Teachings
- Even dismissing seriousness as unreal creates another mental position the mind clings to
- The only genuine inquiry is into the illusion of separateness and the 'me' that takes anything seriously
- We oscillate between spiritual bypass ('nothing is serious') and returning to 'this is real' when difficulties arise
From: Suffering Is To Be Closed, To Resist; Open and Empty Is the Absence of Suffering - 12th April 2021