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SUTRAS
THE NATURE OF KARMIC BONDS
107
Any problem that previously overwhelmed our emotions and our consciousness disappears. It became irrelevant once the higher level of comprehension opened within us. This new understanding separates us from the one-sided perspective that previously made the problem appear insurmountable. Though none of the physical circumstances have changed, our disposition is fundamentally altered. We now perceive a path to a solution; the emotional load falls off our heart and we feel the elation mentioned above.
It is not easy to find general examples for these breakthroughs since they are of intrinsically private, individual nature. Yet we probably all know the following situation: Out of the blue an old friend suddenly treats us with inexplicable, cold behavior. We feel mistreated, emotionally hurt, and wonder what we have possibly said or done to cause such intense rejection. We have no idea how to correct the situation. Somehow our joy of life is dimmed. - Then we come to know that several tough misfortunes have befallen him. We realize that we only interpreted his preoccupation with his problems in a negative way. We understand that he even had the intention not to burden us with his worries. A load lifts from our heart.
This insight in the inner motivation of another person, this extending our scope of life to another (individual) reality usually produces a feeling of elation that illustrates the character of the breakthroughs described above. Nothing has changed in the material circumstances, but our sovereign new understanding now enables us to pursue a different course of action than before. Instead of causing a breakdown of communication and thereby losing a friend - as it often happens in these situations - we now are able to offer loving support that may really help.
When we orient towards inner growth, we gain clear insight how to intuitively select from all the potential paths of daily life the one optimal action that brings us closer to freedom from karmic restrictions.
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