Wounds

There are two forms of suffering: voluntary and involuntary. Voluntary suffering is when the consciousness willingly faces karma. Involuntary suffering is of the ego.

The ego suffers because it gets what it wants and can't have more. The ego also suffers when it does not get the object of its desires. This type of suffering ends when make the effort to separate and observe it.

We cease suffering as an ego when we voluntarily suffer as a consciousness. We first separate from the ego that is suffering and deal with the suffering of having created this demon. This is a very different psychological quality and taste.

The more you comprehend your errors and even weep for having created them, the deeper your understanding, the more power you receive from your Divine Mother to annihilate a given error and liberate yourself.

You recognize voluntary suffering as you separate, observe, comprehend, and eliminate defects in meditation. The only way to overcome both forms of suffering is to "take on the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, and by opposing, end them" (Hamlet).

We experience tremendous peace when egos die. This only can happen by suffering through our errors for having created them, especially the very deep defects responsible for our situation and karma.

If the pain is too much, listen to the music of the masters. Gustav Mahler's, "Mars: The Bringer of War" reminds me of the strength we need in this work. Beethoven's Choral Fantasy in C Minor and the Ninth Symphony relate the joys of self-realization. We need both strength and remembrance that there is a way out, and that facing ourselves brings us closer to Him.

With patience possess ye your souls.