Everything happens by itself

A recent discussion with a close friend of mine about nonduality came to mind when I read the following song in the most recent Nondual Highlights (Issue #2436). I sent her the poem in an attempt to elucidate my thoughts on the subject more clearly than I could Saturday night.

Happiness cannot be found
through great effort and willpower,
but is already present, in relaxation
and letting go.

Don't strain yourself;
there is nothing to do.
Whatever arises in the mind
has no importance at all,
because it has no reality whatsoever.
Don't become attached to it;
don't identify with it
and pass judgement upon it.

Let the entire game happen on its own,
springing up and falling back like waves -
without changing or manipulating anything -
and everything vanishes and reappears, magically,
without end.

Only our searching for happiness
prevents us from seeing it.
It's like a rainbow which you pursue
without ever catching.
Although it does not exist,
it has always been there
and accompanies you every instant.

Don't believe in the reality
of good and bad experiences;
they are like rainbows in the sky.

Wanting to grasp the ungraspable,
you exhaust yourself in vain.
As soon as you open and relax this grasping,
space is there - open, inviting and comfortable.

So make use of this spaciousness, this freedom
and natural ease.
Don't search any further.
Don't go into the tangled jungle
looking for the great elephant
who is already quietly at home.

Nothing to do,
Nothing to force,
nothing to want -
and everything happens by itself.

-- Lama Gendun Rinpoche

you'll be That, wherever

The entirety of Mark Otter's Issue #2435 of the Nondual Highlights is very much worth reading, but my favourite parts of it are below.

The only factor that can give refuge or protection from the
destructive effects of anger and hatred is the practice of tolerance
and patience.

- H.H. Dalai Lama, from Healing Anger: The Power of Patience from a Buddhist Perspective

---

If you've melted your desires
in the river of time, choose
to be a recluse, or choose
a family, the village job.

If you know the pure Lord within you,
you'll be That, wherever.

- Lalla, from Naked Song, version by Coleman Barks

---

The power of a Jnani's Self Realization is more powerful than all occult powers. To the Jnani there are no others. But what is the highest benefit that can be conferred on 'others' as we call them? It is happiness. Happiness is born of peace. Peace can reign only when there is no disturbance of thought. When the mind has been annihilated, there will be perfect peace. As there is no mind, the Jnani cannot be aware of others. But the mere fact of His Self-Realization is itself enough to make all others peaceful and happy.

- Ramana Maharshi, from Gems from Bhagavan, selected by A. Devaraja Mudaliar

(x-posted to nonduality)