The Question…
The problem with us human beings is that we only look for
effects.
Someone may say that’s right, results is what counts here. And
in many ways they are right. However when it comes to the psychological work,
if we really want to change we have to look at causes.
There are two principles at play here. They are: one - that the
causes for what we think, feel and say are within us, not outside of us, and
two – that changing the cause changes the effects.
Let’s have a look at a few rough examples.
The Drinker
A man is about to go to a bar and drink, he thinks: it’s a hot
day, nice cold drinks, friends, conversation, laughter and enjoyment – a good
night out. Seeing those effects of what he is about to do, off he goes to the bar
and drinks.
But what about if he were to look at the causes? He would certainly see a very different side to the projected pleasant things (they seem pleasant but turn bitter quickly) that he saw earlier. He will see the gluttony to drink to excess, escapism, an inner weakness of not being able to control his inner states and use alcohol and friends instead produce the illusion of control over his emotions, his lust that looks and talks at the bar, etc.
But what about if he were to look at the causes? He would certainly see a very different side to the projected pleasant things (they seem pleasant but turn bitter quickly) that he saw earlier. He will see the gluttony to drink to excess, escapism, an inner weakness of not being able to control his inner states and use alcohol and friends instead produce the illusion of control over his emotions, his lust that looks and talks at the bar, etc.
If he were to honestly see the causes which are mostly ugly
looking, he would think twice and read a book or meditate instead.
The Adulterer
Imagine a person toying with the idea of adultery. If they
focus on effects they may do it. If they were to honestly see the causes that
are inside of them they wouldn’t it. Because those causes are ugly. And seeing
those very ugly causes one can then only see very awful consequences. But if one just focuses on projected effects one remains blind to the consequences.
Conclusion
Look for the causes and this will change everything. Once you
see the causes you can then change the causes and then change the effects. Our
life’s circumstances and happenings within the events of our lives are all
within the realm of effects. So changing causes within us changes these
mentioned effects. To change causes we first of all must look for causes.
End (2281).
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