~ Intellect~
Let us a take a look at the transformation of a simple metal plate into a knife. The metal plate when processed through various stages gets shaped into a sharp instrument used primarily for cutting etc. Have you noticed, the process doesn't get completed in just sharpening the blade. It takes a complete shape only when a wooden handle is provided on one end. The one edge of the sharpened blade gets fixed into the wooden case, thereby, providing strong and comfortable access to the usage of the instrument. Left without a wooden case to hold, the blade still remains a sharpened tool but dangerous even to the user. Try holding a sharpened blade and make use of it. May be, your hands would bleed first even before making use of it.
When looking at the mind, intellect and its connectivity to the Self, i felt it is easier to understand and relate it with the example of the knife. Intellect, as a sharpened blade is essential to discriminate, execute. It becomes a dangerous tool only when it is not rooted in the wooden case, The Self. The same intellect when connected with the Self, can be a potential instrument for the right usage.
Meditation is that vital platform where the unseen factory transforms the various potential factors to connect to the Real Self. Awareness, again is the prime factor to realize and to remain in it.
It is indeed important to have the right instrument and the right person to make use of it too. Understanding and working towards the same, lets us have the clarity and confidence in making the best use of the instrument.
Comments
Yes, we can cut things up responsibly. But I still see it as a seperation then from the whole.
This is an interesting post. You got me exploring my mind. Thank you.
yes, it is an instrument and is meant to be used in the proper way.
what is the purpose of a blunt knife? The right sharp intellect does cut the unwanted clouded concepts and just reveals the everlasting undivided one..
thankyou Natural Moments for letting me explore more...
You said: 'Understanding and working towards the same, lets us have the clarity and confidence in making the best use of the instrument.' - so so true.
BTW I little bloody example, lol, ouch.
Anna :)
thankyou anna!
I love the analogy.
"Awareness, again is the prime factor to realize and to remain in it."
With awareness the intellect is the Self, not apart from it. The wooden case is dependent on the sharp metal to express itself in form. The two are necessarily dependent on each other for manifestation in physical reality.
Thanks for your wisdom!
I was picturing a knife and how a knife would cut hair. And I thought, would it be accepting and therefore loving to change hair from something that just is, into something else that just is. Then I thought, well it depends on the feelings behind the cutting. If someone didn't like their hair before they cut it, they would not be accepting and would be using the knife as a tool of prejudice. But if the hair was beautiful as is, but one just wanted to change the story, to change costumes, then the knife would be an instrument of change, and not negative or even positive intent. It would be a tool to explore new feelings along the spectrum of life. The knife can cut with respect and love with the intent of recombining ingredients into something new to expereince.
And I like your metaphor or idea of the handle and how it keeps the sharpness detached from the mind. Beautifully done, and you have taught me well.
When connected to the source, it is all just one. yes, as a formless(soul) needs the form to express.
Thanks for your sharing too.
When the reading is followed by the contemplation and applying, the completeness of the wisdom is received.
Truly appreciate your fullness in the insight and thanks for sharing yet another expression of the same essence..
thanks for your comments.
Dissecting the thoughts
Sending the peels away
Into the dustbin
Retaining the fleshy
Essence alone
For consumption
And clearing up
The scene
To merge with the reality
- Swahilya.
A sharp intellect is no excuse for a spirit of judgment and should always be tempered with compassion for the circumstances of another person. As Tolle says, if given the same genes and circumstances as another, I would make the same choices.
That's where this took me.
Just like anger firstly affects the one who has and then on the one whom it is inflicted.
Compassion is the purest stream of the eternal Self..
Looove how you think!!!
Hugs, JJ
true!
"But with a very sharp knife,"...
"You do not have to push so hard with your knife, and that way less oil releases"...
"So, the sharper your knife, the less you cry." (from page 47 of Kathleen Flinn's autobiography The Sharper Your Knife, The Less You Cry)
Noticing this book today brought to remembrance the knife of intellect and the onion of the mind. Then, reading your blog entry reminded of the necessity of the well-rooted mind in the handle.
With deeper-greater awareness and with wisdom-skill and compassion, may we delve into our minds and hearts without bluntness.
With intellect sufficiently sharpened, may we discern without crushing.
As we delve into the sharp experience of life, may we cause less suffering.
May we co-create more happiness and joy!
yes, indeed, with awareness the perception changes and we are back to see it as it is...