 Ignorance
is the source of all pain and suffering inflicted in our world, including
the five major vices. This darkness is dispelled through knowledge.
It only takes one moment to light a dark room. The darkness prevents
us from thinking clearly. There are many forms of ignorance, such as,
us, our thoughts, our action and our speech. We cause a great deal
of harm due to such ignorance.
Most of us have heard the word "Guru." Many of us believe
that it means teacher.
Guru literally means the wisdom that takes us from the darkness of
ignorance through to the wisdom of understanding. "Gu" means
darkness of ignorance and “ru" means light of understanding.
We all think we know that everyone is equal, but have you seen equality
in practice? We discriminate on the grounds of gender, race, creed,
caste, political party and so on. Through ignorance we consider our
bodies, minds and intellects as self. It is only through addressing
this ignorance that we can come to any real understanding of our lives.
As we change inside, the external situation changes with us. The world
is only what we see it as. In order to start dealing with stress, we
need to dispel our ignorance of stress and its causes.
Our minds are constantly occupied with thoughts associated with the
five shortcomings. There is a continuous train of thought leading us
hither and thither. The intensity of these thoughts may vary from time
to time but there is not a moment when the mind is free from them.
Once we have acquired some understanding of our minds we are able
to "see" what our minds are thinking. As soon as you realise
what your thoughts are you are able to direct, change or control them,
resulting in deeper satisfaction and understanding. You may go on holiday
or lie down to relax but your mind will never stand still. Continually
disturbed by the play of the vices that occupy the mind, it is unable
to enjoy a moment's peace. The mind never goes on holiday! However,
by cultivating Mindful Meditation you are able to take your mind on
holiday and find moments of peace and tranquillity. It is by cultivating
these moments that you are able to think clearly and make decisions
without being influenced by fleeting emotions and misjudging situations.
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