One of the definitions of “sin” in Merriam-Webster’s dictionary is “a vitiated state of human nature in which the self is estranged from God.” Today’s reading says:
Sin is only forgetfulness.
Sin is the belief that you are a separate, individual being, apart and different from all that is. It is the belief that spawns the “I am bad” belief, which is the source of guilt and unworthiness. Sin is the belief that causes fear and the perception of death.
Since sin is forgetfulness, the answer to all problems caused by sin is remembrance. In other words, the answer to all problems is truth realization. (Reference Day 110.)
Today’s reading says:
“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, because a quiet life is a godly life in which you hold, within your mind, that the process of life is God.”
If you investigate stories of awakening, you will find that many who have awakened have spent long periods of time alone in nature. When one is alone in nature with a contemplative spirit, one may realize that life is supreme and manifestation is temporary. Seeing that life is supreme and life is one’s true nature is truth realization.
Awareness-watching-awareness is another well-known way to reach truth realization, since life and awareness are one.
A busy or distracted life, where attention is constantly focused outward, does not support truth realization. It’s helpful to find time for deep reflection and meditation. There are a number of ways to do this. You can:
- Set aside time in your schedule that is specifically dedicated to reflective contemplation and meditation.
- Take retreats away from your daily routine. Go someplace for the sole purpose of reflective contemplation and meditation.
- Use practices that keep your mind turned inward as you go about daily activity. (For example, the practices taught in The Teachings of Inner Ramana.)
Also, commit to being the Self instead acting like the false self. Live as your Self.
Make a commitment to peace, and live from peace.
Or make a commitment to happiness, and live from happiness.
Or make a commitment to gratitude, and live from gratitude.
Or make a commitment to acceptance, and live in acceptance.
Or make a commitment to love, and love everything as it is.
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Thoughts of Awakening # 219
What the spirit knows,
the mind forgets.
One who listens to mind
forgets also.
One who listens to spirit
knows.
Be still today,
and know.
Trust your knowing,
even as the mind moves to forget.
~From our Holy Spirit