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nsible mother can distinguish between that which is useful for her child and that which is detrimental。 But she doesn’t stop loving the child when it misbehaves。 This may be the most important aspect to look at in ourselves。 Everyone; at one time or another; misbehaves in thought or speech or action——most frequently in thought; fairly frequently in speech and not so often in action。 So what do we do with that? What does a mother do? She tells the child not to do it again; loves the child as much as she’s always loved it and just gets on with the job of bringing up her child。 Maybe we can start to bring up ourselves。
The whole of this training is a matter of maturing。 Maturity is wisdom; which is unfortunately not connected to age。 If it were; it would be very easy。 One would have a guarantee。 Since it is hard work; a job to be done。 First es recognition; then learning not to condemn; but to understand; “This is the way it is。” The third step is change。 Recognition4 may be the hardest part for most people; it’s not easy to see what goes on inside of oneself。 This is the most important and the most interesting aspect of contemplation。
We lead a contemplative life; but that does not mean we sit in meditation all day long。 A contemplative life means that one considers every aspect of what happens as part of a learning experience。 One remains introspective under all circumstances。 When one bees outgoing; one goes to the world with one’s thoughts; speech and action。 One needs to recollect oneself and return within。 In our way it’s a bination of meditation and lifestyle。 The contemplative life goes on inside of oneself。 One can do the same thing with or without recollection。 Contemplation is the most important aspect of introspection。 It isn’t necessary to si