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In yoga class, we discuss coming into the practice each and every day with "Beginner Mind."  Humility is key to learning.  Judgmental minds create a lot of misery in the world, with arrogance and such, but the arrogant are truly weak.  Only when we love ourselves as we are can we love others as they are, and be open to life.  Arrogant people are filled with fear.  Be humble, and become LOVE!  Here is one of my favorite stories.

Here is an ancient tale - and I am not sure of its origin but it helped me a lot.

Ancient Tale with Deep Truth - it helped me, I hope it helps you:

A hardworking man owned a farm, and his horse began to go lame.  He was already struggling to get by, and he went to the village spiritual guide and complained of his misfortune.  The guru said "things may happen as they should - this may not be a difficulty, but a gift."  The man was confused and went back to his farm.  The following week, the horse fell on his son, and broke his son's leg.  The man was deeply concerned and looked to the guru for wisdom.  The guru replied "it is not for us to see what is good or bad.  Your struggles are difficult, but see them through and you may see a blessing in this. Lighten your heart and do what you can.  That is all you can do, and trust all is as it is meant."  Some villagers gossiped and treated him cruelly, assuming he had brought misfortune on himself from bad karma or from being unwise, etc.  A few weeks later, a war broke out.  All the young men in the village, except the elderly farmer and his son (due to his broken leg), were conscripted into the army.  Most of the men died.  The Farmer's son's leg healed (although he retained a limp) and he was one of the few operational farms left once the village men died.  He and his family became prosperous and had good fortune, and were greatly appreciated by the village for sharing food when many other farms went fallow because the working men died.  What seemed like misfortune and difficulty, was now seen by the Farmer as a blessing. 

This story was told me by one of my teachers, and I do not recollect the exact details, but you understand the gist of it.  Let's accept what life brings, without judgment.  I have seen and experienced what are statistical miracles, that appeared as tragedies at the time of their occurrence.  Accept and trust that you have the strength to find joy always - it is not what happens around you, but how you choose to respond to it that matters.  Sometimes we have to learn our lessons the hard way, as I have in the past year.  I found gifts and miracles, when I opened my eyes to them.  Love all - live in love and acceptance!  Be joyful.  Your garage door opener may be broken but there are many in the world who worry about putting food on the table for their children, and some who cannot be blessed to be with the right partner at the right time to have children.  Miracles happen, and sometimes, they seem as tragedies until we accept and see the wisdom of the universe around us.  Trust in the light within you.

NOTHING WILL HAPPEN IN YOUR LIFE THAT YOU CANNOT HANDLE.  It is hard to see the way through the dark places, but the ancient stories are just like our lives now - we live in a world surrounded by love and light, if we let ourselves fully develop and feel everything, knowing we are strong enough.  No one else can give you that strength - others will tell us we don't have it - but we do.  Don't believe anyone who tells you that you are less than a bright strong soul and can handle anything.  Those are the wise.  Those who live in fear will be those you encounter who judge, are critical, and they live in fear or an artificial life worrying what others think and the impression they make, rather than leading a life where they find joy within and care not for what others think.

Zen Buddhism

  A University Professor went to see Nan-in, a Zen Master, to find out more about Zen.
  As their meeting continued Nan-in was pouring Tea and continued to pour even though the cup was overflowing. The tea overflowed the cup and streamed in rivulets along the ground.
  The Professor cried. "Enough! No more will go in!"
  Nan-in replied "Like this cup you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?"

Buddhism is based upon the fact that ignorance is the cause of all worldly misery, and that only self-realization of the truth can combat this ignorance. The Buddha taught that out of ignorance is born evil and iniquity, and that if the human race could see clearly, everyone would do right. So right view is absolutely necessary for intelligent living and true spirituality.

Spirituality -

Spirituality, love and celebration of life cannot be dipped into.  To truly experience them, we must immerse ourselves fully. . .

A Guru took his disciple to the end of a dock.  He handed her a collander and asked her to fill it with water.  She tried again and again, holding her hand under the base to try to keep the water from leaking out, and finally said - "this is as much as it will hold."  He then took the collander and hurled it out into the ocean, where it filled with water as it was completely immersed.  He said "this is how one approaches spiritual practice. "

We must throw ourselves fully into the practice, not holding open back doors for escape when we are afraid.  Only then can we find true joy.

- Elena (summarizing the teachings of my many wonderful teachers)

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