All Things But None

Soldiers want to conquer their enemy. In marriage, spouses want to dominate each other. Businesspeople wish to conquer their competitors. Big countries wish to conquer small ones, just as the strong are out to conquer the weak. However, even if we do conquer our opponents, we may still be unable to gain control over ourselves.

We need to ask ourselves, "Can we conquer our attachments, selfishness, cravings, and vexations? Can we conquer aging, sickness, and death?" It is easier to conquer others or even the world, but conquering ourselves is as difficult as rising to heaven. Have you ever seen an ordinary individual who has completely mastered his or her own mind?

When people are unwilling to correct even minor shortcomings or to change their ways, how can they conquer themselves? It is like arranging furniture on an uneven floor. How would you expect the chairs and tables to be level? As the saying goes, "When we cannot manage a room, how can we rule the nation or the world?"

The first man to climb to the top of Mount Everest, Sir Edmund Hillary, a New Zealander, was asked, "In the process of climbing Everest, what was the biggest challenge?" He replied, "It is not the mountains we conquer but ourselves." It was overcoming and defeating the mental obstacles and stopping his thoughts of giving up.

We cannot conquer the world or others unless we can conquer ourselves. In conquering others, sometimes we use money, physical force, or even love and sex. When we try to control others with these, they can also control us in the same way. However, using compassion, morals and justice to inspire others is the best way to influence others. When they are happily convinced of our integrity and goodwill, they will become our allies. Ultimately, we must first conquer ourselves before we can inspire others.

Text: Venerable Master Hsing Yun

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I think the above goes quite well with what Jef said today... a familiar linkage. Though I do think the term 'conquer ourselves' sounds a bit harsh and abrasive! :-) Though sometimes it 'feels' like an uphill battle is it not? For us to overcome our own obstacles, to have control and balance in our own lives and becoming our true selves once again... Who doesn't want that?