Life is glorious, but also wretched. Gloriousness, we feel inspired and connected, we want it to be like this forever. Wretchedness, life’s painful aspect humbles and softens us up. Gloriousness and wretchedness need each other; one inspires us, the other softens us.
When we are confronted with difficulty, respond with modesty, accept it for what it is and concentrate on it until you find a solution. Do not apply undo force, but don’t acquiesce meekly to fate. Being too modest can be defeating. Modesty, like anything, must be applied in the right manner.
Intellectual knowledge exists in and of the brain, which is part of the physical body. However, insight is a function of the spirit that never goes away, you can always cultivate it. Refined over time insight becomes pure, constant, unwavering, and peaceful.
The force of inner truth depends chiefly on inner stability and preparedness. From this state the mind springs the correct attitude towards the outer world. Retain your inner independence, this way you will have inner peace and the power to deal with the outside world.
Quote: Waking up to who you are requires letting go of who you imagine yourself to be. Alan Watts