“Know thy self”…both of them!

There are two aspect to all of us, relative and absolute.
Our absolute being is our true nature.
Our relative being obscures the recognition of our absolute nature.

Our absolute nature never changes. But what of the relative side? Our relative side, although obscuring our true nature, is our vehicle for recognising our absolute nature. All that is needed is to recognise this relative nature – this ‘self in the mirror’.

Most of the time our relative nature manifests as self-interest. However, it also has qualities that can serve as a reminder of the true nature of the relative, and it will be of benefit to others, especially when the absolute nature is recognised. Although this relative nature has no true existence, its reaction brightens the mind in its own unique way.

 We do not have to act spiritual.
We can still be ourselves,
manifesting compassion.

 Without compassion we are apathetic, and not empathetic. The statement “Know thy self” has two aspects: to know our absolute nature, and to know our relative nature. In knowing our relative nature we can be happy with who we are, and how we are. We are not trying to be like someone else…or better! That would merely exchange one relative state for another.

 As long as we just accept how we are and not remain addicted to this relative ‘dust in the mirror’, the relative is workable. Our lot in life may be high or low, eventful or plain, educated or uneducated – but we can still “Know thy self”…both of them!

We all have unique qualities,
expressing the nature of mind.
The path to enlightenment
is knowing and letting be.

(PS. Sometimes we have to live with traumas from our past, and even from childhood. So although we may understand the Dharma and be compassionate, feelings still arise, but we don’t act on them.
I was once at a meeting with beginners. Even though I knew some Dharma, the beginners were nicer people than me. It’s just something we have to live with.)