Open sermon written by and posted on behalf of Ryan R. Souther (Llama Su)
"Be great in act as you have been in thought" Shakespeare.
Ability: power or capacity to do or act physically, mentally, legally, morally, financially, etc.
Competence in an activity or occupation because of one's skill, training, or other qualification.
Talents, special skills or aptitudes.
Response: an answer or reply, as in words or in some action. Any behavior of a living organism that results from an external or internal stimulus.
The reflection of this month: Recklessness, yet responsibility; is one which mirrors the last reflection.
Foolishness, yet wisdom.
Recklessness: having or showing no regard for danger or consequences; heedless; rash.
Thus, when we are reckless, we tend to be foolish, or when we are foolish, we tend to be reckless. Foolishness is the cause, reckless is the effect, result or outcome.
Yet, when we are responsible, we tend to be wise, or when we are wise we tend to be responsible... Wisdom is the cause, responsibility is the effect, result or outcome.
"Discipline is the refining fire by which talent becomes ability." Roy L. Smith
We all have choices, and decisions we make or create. We can react or we can respond to these choices and decisions. Therefore, ask yourself:
Is this a wise decision, is this a responsible choice? Am I being reckless and irresponsible in this choice or decision?
"For every action there is an equal or opposite reaction." Isaac Newton
Action speaks louder than words, thus, what we DO, and HOW we do, has more ability, significance, power, or importance; has more of a response, effect, outcome, and result than what we say for ourselves.
We all have an ability to respond, or react. To use our skill to the maximum effort and extent of our being.
A responsibility... To practice constructive awareness of our being. Examine our skill. Build our skillset.
A responsibility, to use the creative intelligence of the spiritual Force clearly and coherently. Our minds are one the greatest of gifts, and a talent to be used. As we receive what we put forth, if we are displaying and acting reckless, we are acting irresponsible.
"An ancient adept has said: 'If the wrong man uses the right means, the right means work in the wrong way.' This Chinese saying, unfortunately only too true, stands in sharp contrast to our belief in the 'right' method irrespective of the man who applies it. In reality, everything depends on the man and little or nothing on the method." Carl Jung: Collected Works XIII, paragraph 4
We reap what we sow, we get out, what we put in. Our rewards are matched by our service. Use our mind without talent, and we will be without the wisdom to be responsible. We must use our minds in a disciplined manner or character, if we are going to achieve any self-reason, purpose, or fulfilment. Watch the ego. Watch the temper, watch the tone. Be mindful of the result. Witness the larger, grand picture.
Responsibility is a right means to an end of recklessness.
Observe the self, in acknowledging the present moment, and yourselves place in the situation, event, or current motion in time. Visualize and see through the perspective of the Force. Allow and apply oneself to notice and recognize one's way, action, or response. To be mindful of the indifference and yet the relation we all share. Find the silver lining, the balance in the equation, through the circumstance; and center in on the nature of the Force.
Take a step back, look from another angle, and consider the alternative... Pay attention and call forth inner fortitude, with due diligence. Maintain self control.
If I may refer to the following.
Tenets: Focus, and Wisdom.
The Teachings #5, 6, 7.
The Tao #79.
We can focus our wisdom, the talent of our mind, to the best of our ability. As opposed to ignorant absentmindedness. To remember our first line of the Code: Emotion, yet peace. To be in tune and aligned with the Force. To be mindful of the senses. Feeling, and realizing the thought in one's mood. As opposed to allowing and dominating emotions control and blindly lead one into recklessness by thoughtlessness.
Darkness... Forgetfulness of peace... Forgetfulness of the light...
As emotions can cloud our judgment, our understanding and our good will. Be mindful of the serenity and flow of the Force, as opposed to the chaos, and friction of emotion. Consider the long term, the possible consequence or repercussion of acting reckless. Be cautious of predominate conditioning, and of influence. So it is said, 'There is a time and a place for anything and everything under the sun and heavens', a time for adventure, a time to be bold and brave, and a time for risk taking...
There is no better time than the present, this moment, now, to change perspective, perceive and look the other way, see an objective view point. Think and concentrate on the heart of the subject matter at hand. Listen with intent. Contemplate one's reaction and response. Think critically on your ability to react, act, and respond. Within the space we share, connect and associate, and our individual personal and intrapersonal connection to the Force.
As conscious, conscientious spiritual beings having a physical experience, we all share a responsibility. Especially as fully functioning, and mature respectful able bodies and members of a society. Unto others, and unto ourselves, especially. We cannot help others until we help ourselves. We cannot see a change in others until we change the view we see in ourselves, and view the change inside ourselves.
We all have the capacity and capability to love, forgive, and be patient, considerate, and compassionate. As Jedi, we made an oath. The Creed is a responsibility to this oath. If I may:
I am a Jedi, an instrument of peace;
Where there is hatred I shall bring love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
I am a Jedi.
I shall never seek so much to be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
The Force is with me always, for I am a Jedi.
Thank you for being here, and may the Force be with you, always.
