Daily Meditation: Tuesday, May 27, 1997

Many people think they can resolve their problems by …

05/27/1997

Many people think they can resolve their problems by changing the outer conditions of their existence. In reality they are like the little birds who complained to their mother: ‘We don't want to stay in this nest any longer, mother. It isn't clean. Let's move to another nest that is cleaner and more comfortable.' And the mother bird responds, ‘Well, I can understand your disgust, and we could move to another nest, but won't you be bringing your little bottoms along with you? If so, the new nest will quickly become as dirty as the last, since it is you who makes the mess.' And it is the same with human beings: when their world begins to look uninhabitable, they dream of paradise. But if they were allowed to enter paradise with their hearts and minds full of impurities, it would soon become a repulsive place. They must first of all change themselves because, once they are pure, wherever they may go, their dwellings also will remain clean. Instead of seeking to change your outer conditions, you must change yourself.