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[Joseph]

I haven't really been active on the forum since last summer. My biggest struggle since last summer is to reconcile with the world. I have a lot of anger toward lots of things - organized religion, government, the world, people,etc... My anger is actually transmuted from pain and sadness. It's normally quite hard to make me angry. It is hard not to get caught up and cry for the world. I feel the pain of others and feel that I am unable to help them in the fundamental level. I cannot do anything about those who are oppressed. Even when I was a hospital chaplain, I learned that I cannot change the destructive behavior of people. I can't do anything to fix things or change things. This world is so sad. This reminds me a quote from George Carlin who said the world is a freak show and in America we get the front seat.

But anyway, what it seems like what I have been taught is that I have to learn to detach especially emotionally. I am not responsible for the sufferings of the world. I have to conserve my emotional energy and work on myself. This seems sort of counter intuitive. What do you think about this? is detachment the right thing to do?

Edit to add: I actually interact with people with needs and problems regularly. This makes detachment quite difficult.

[Seamus]

I don't know about detachment, but nonattachment has helped me a lot. I practice it all the time by not practicing anything. But not really all the time, more like once in a while, several times a day if i'm lucky.

[Deckard666]

The world is exactly how it needs to be. For most even more suffering is needed. It is not your problem. You cannot change the people or the world. They have to change themselves. And if they don't want to it is there "problem". If they want to believe in their government or their pastors just get out of the way so they have a free playfield to experience that "wonderful" life.

You have to get rid of your anger. "They" aren't bad. They are here to provide negative reenforcement that's all. you are shown the manipulation that they use not to fight them but to avoid them. Ship around them safely.

You can only help other people by living your life according to the rules and let them ask themselves what's different about Joseph? Why is he successful (meaning happy) whatever comes and wherever he goes and why is that not the case with me? If they ask then support them with your wisdom.

Detachment is such an awful sounding word. Let me say it this way: It is one thing to tell them how to clean their butts but it is not your thing to physically clean their butts. That's their job. And if they don't want to do that themselves ... well it them who stink aint't it? Not your problem. Taking away their responsibility for themselves doesn't help them to ever see the light.

You're exactly in the position to learn/train that. Or do you think it is coincidence that you interact with people with needs and problems regularly?

Namaste,

Deckard666

[Joseph]

Thanks!

yeah, detachment is not the right word. I didn't mean to come across like that. I would say detached but connected. Non attachment sounds better.

cheers!

[Seamus]

I just finished reading "Illusions" by Richard Bach, for the second time. The first time was 20+ years ago. Wow, I can hardly believe it. The law. It's all right there! And I read it and thought I understood it at 19 years old. Ha!

The reason I mention it is, It's very pertinent to your question, Joseph.

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[Joseph]

the book is in stock in my local barnes and nobles. I'll go take a look.

[roage]

I just finished reading "Illusions" by Richard Bach, for the second time. The first time was 20+ years ago. Wow, I can hardly believe it. The law. It's all right there! And I read it and thought I understood it at 19 years old. Ha!

The reason I mention it is, It's very pertinent to your question, Joseph.

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The Truth has always been in front of us waiting for us to choose to acknowledge it.

I read that a long time ago before during the dark confusing time.

Although I was downing, one cannot throw a life ring to one who can't will himself to be rescued.