Theos-Talk Archives (October 1998 Message tt00141)

Alan:
>I must say, upon reading the article on "The Glorious 'Virtues' Or
>Paramitas", that the practice of them, when living with 2 children and a
>wife (who share not the principles of Theosophy and seek and delight
>themselves in worldly affairs), presents huge difficulties to the fulfilment
>of the required disciplines presented.

Several Bodhisattvas who radiate these paramitas, suggested that lay
people focus most on the first three, generosity, ethics & patience.
There are many wonderful books, such as a new one by Geshe Sonam Rinchen
called THE SIX PERFECTIONS, pub. by Snow Lion.  But with your grim family
situation I would hope you could find a Dharma/Theosophical/spiritual
teacher or group to help you.  How old are your children?  Unless they
are late teens I would not separate yet. One of the most vital aspects of
the paramita path is bearing what cannot be borne.  If we cannot put up
with our own dark karma how can we ever help others do the same?  If you
do have some confidence in some spiritual source -- then pray or meditate
on patience, forbearance for yourself and generosity for your wife &
kids.  These perfections are not abstract ideas only.  They are living
suns or energy centers that are -- and thus radiate endlessly virtues
that affect humans as generosity, ethics & patience.

>However, one is required, nay, compelled, to the serious study and practice
>of the 'virtues' no matter what the situation presents to the 'outer man'.

The only compulsion should be from your inner nature.

Best,

--
<> Nicholas Weeks <> am455@lafn.org <> Los Angeles
  The witchery of paltry things obscures what is right and the whirl of
  desire transforms the innocent mind.  Wisdom 4, 12