If you see something is very important, there is a certain part of your mind that takes charge. Though you may be occupied with other things, that part of the mind is very active, watching. What is important is to see immediately the importance of not being influenced. That is the real point, not how not to be influenced, or what to do if you are influenced, but to see the importance that under no circumstances whatsoever, by whomsoever, to be influenced. Then once you have grasped that tremendous significance, you will see there is a part of the mind that is always alert and watching, always ready to push off, cleanse itself of every influence, however subtle. Out of this freedom from all influence comes aloneness, which is entirely different from isolation. From Public Talk 10, Saanen, 2 August 1964 Read more |