Why Is Realisation A Shock?

If we’re a smoker and we give it up, we find smoking disgusting, and wonder why we ever started. In the same way, suddenly realising the truth of our reality is a shock after a lifetime of confusion, self-indulgence and ignorance; people’s words and actions seem totally ridiculous … but instructive.

Those who are brought up with privilege can’t understand ‘ordinary’ people and, feeling entitled take everything for granted. Seeing this, people want to emulate it; be it smoking or Dharma, it’s addiction to being in-the-know.

What people miss is the shock of change upon realising the foolish state we’re all in.

This is why realisation is a personal thing, and not a group realisation. Groups lack true empathy, and turn information into the oneupmanship of in-the-knowers. Empathy only comes about by going through the process of confusion. A lack of empathy is narcissism.

There are three terms to understand the world at play:

Limelight is wanting to be the centre of attention.

Grist for the mill is anything useful to support a particular point of view. The media needs new information. Gurus need students. Actors need an audience.

Entertainment is to hold intertwined, and keep occupied the attention, thoughts, or time of a person.

It amuses to amuse people.
This is the vicious cycle of power.

Realise that this existence is grist for enlightenment
rather than limelightenment.
🙂

This is why it’s essential to understand empathetic compassion,
and what drives people into confusion.