Deciphering ignorance

The Indian Patanjali suggests you need to return to school in order to rise above ignorance and achieve success.  According to him, we may all access useful knowledge in our minds.  It's what we choose to do with this that creates our version of success. Who is given the authority to determine what kinds of facts and skills are more important or more useful than others? What kinds of reasons do you have for accepting a particular hierarchy of steps to success?

If, by drawing from some of your skills, you're able to acquire more money and you desire this, then it may make sense to pursue this avenue.  However, if someone chooses to apply different kinds of knowledge at his disposal, which brings him less money, this individual is not ignorant, though certain cultures would have us believe that intelligence is measured by level of income.  For some people, success is based on feelings, such as a level of accomplishment or satisfaction.

Ignorance can be felt as what Wayne Dyer calls, "falsely identifying oneself as only of the ego-based world."  How can you reframe views of success such that you unlearn your thoughts to separate yourself from cravings and objects you desire? Ignorance prevents you from experiencing success and fulfillment so long as you continue to pursue what appears to provide it rather than find a sense of purpose and success within yourself without doing anything. 

Your senses may influence your view of success by tempting you with things you think you want but don't really need.  Success may involve overcoming certain self-destructive habits, such as over-eating, addictions, focusing on sources of grief, frustration and pain. 

Come waht may, remind yourself that you are not your experiences. You are not the person who thinks he chooses and controls them. A watcher exists beyond all that is perceived. Know values and habits arise as your own illusions. Reflect on your selected activities and what they reveal about your views on success. Ask yourself whether any belief about success is ever spot on.

Comments

[Jannie Funster]

This post reminds me that "you can't take it with you." Are you chasing objects to feel happiness? Or are you happy with what you have and pursuing those feelings of accomplishment and satisfaction? The latter is always the goal. The material things needed are always provided anyway.

xoxo

[Liara Covert]

Jannie, through the lens of the heart, ignorance does not exist. The mind and senses simply perceive. To do so, theyoverlook things and interpret selectively. As you step back and ponder what is observing the mind and senses, waves of illumination and clarity arise.

As you allow yourself to see that without something beyond you, without consciousness, nothing "you" perceive exists. Awareness is knowing that this world is only available when "I" exists. Only then, can there be a "you", time and space and all else. Ask yourself if the perceiver of all can be perceived? Ask yourself what is "I"? Can this be answered if I is the seer of all?