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Dharma Talk A La Carte
The teaching of non-self is a practical practice to overcome the idea of a “self” being locked inside sorrow or fear. There is no prisoner, only mental formations such as confusion, restlessness, or anger. Mindfulness is also a mental formation, an impermanent energy that recognizes and embraces other formations like sunshine embracing vegetation. All formations are of an organic nature; flowers become garbage, and garbage can be transformed into compost and back into flowers. By mastering the art of organic gardening within the self, negative energies are transformed into well-being, and one is no longer a victim of mental states.
Sexual energy is simply a form of energy, neither evil nor good, yet it must be handled intelligently to preserve balance. Rather than suppressing it, this energy can be transformed into diligence to support the career of a Bodhisattva and the cultivation of compassion. Indulging in sexual actions, excessive worry, or idle talk wastes vital resources. Reference is made to the Taoist understanding of the three sources of energy that must be preserved:
- Spirit
- Breath
- Sex
Venting anger, such as hitting a pillow or complaining to others, does not release the energy but feeds and rehearses it. Acting out of anger, even in the name of social justice or peace, often leads to failure and further conflict. True transformation requires generating mindfulness to embrace the anger and look deeply into its nature, often revealing that the anger is born of wrong perceptions. Understanding that others suffer and act out of their own pain gives rise to compassion, which is the flower born on the heap of garbage.
