Son, listen. These are the characteristics of devils. That which is called ‘devil’ is not some actual great big black thing that scares and petrifies whomever sees it. A devil is anything that obstructs the achievement of freedom. Therefore, even loving and affectionate friends become devils with regard to freedom. Most of all, there is no greater devil than this fixation to a self. So until this ego-fixation is cut off, all the devils wait with open mouths. For that reason, you need to exert yourself at a skillful method to sever the devil of ego-fixation. (Machig Labdron)
There is something refreshing about compulsive behavior and getting triggered, you just know that you are in bondage and you may try to break free from it. In contrast, when it comes to so-called ‘love’ and ‘ethical’ behavior, how easy is it to fool ourselves believing that we are free and that we are doing God’s Will when in fact we are only in love with being loved and in love with our self. I once caught myself in a co-dependent relationship and never would have thought that possible given that I have been craving for freedom all my life. Yet, she was that powerful and by almost losing her I received perhaps the most potent spiritual experience that I ever had. So who can say what is ‘good’ or ‘bad’; since that incidence I have developed a nose for clinging and craving. I am unlikely to step into that quicksand again.
Not everyone needs to sign up for the quest for freedom, but for those who do, here are the 5 slogans of the 11th century mystic from Tibet that might help you:
Confess your hidden faults
Approach what you find compulsive
Help those you think you cannot help
Anything you are attached to, give that
Go to the places that scare you
Are you ready for freedom?
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