Q: Why should I believe what you have to say?
I am not saying believe what I say, I am not saying accept what I say. I am saying there is no need to be in a hurry to accept or reject. First just hear it, silently with no inner chattering or talk, without evaluating or having to decide.
When you see a beautiful flower or sunset, do you immediately rush to accept or reject it? When you hear wondrous music, do you accept or reject it? You simply stay in it, and in that very staying is an opening.
If what I am saying has any resonance in you, it will be understood. This understanding is not by the mind but by something inherent that resides behind the mind. No action will be required; you will not need to change your life according to it. Life will change of its own accord.
If it doesn’t resonate or makes no sense, you’ll have ample opportunity to throw it away.
Q: So are you saying just think about it?
It’s not even that. I draw the distinction between listening and hearing. Listening can occur while the mind is occupied with other things. But this is superficial. Hearing is listening without all the background noise that the mind can create. Content goes much deeper than in mere listening.
It’s more akin to baking bread. You put the material in the oven and let it bake. There’s nothing more you need to do.
Q: Are you saying I shouldn’t even be taking notes?
Taking notes is a good example of the distractions I’m speaking about. While you’re busy taking notes, you’re not totally available to hear. You’re listening……………that’s all.
Q: I’m afraid that if I don’t take notes, I’ll lose a lot of what you have to say.
That’s one way of looking at it. I would prefer that you trust that you’ll get what you need to get.
