Samsara and Nirvana by Kathleen Sutherland

The other day I heard, “Samsara released is nirvana; nirvana grasped is samsara.”  I can’t remember whom to credit–maybe Mooji.

It has stayed with me.  It reminds me that freedom, i.e., awakening, is available here and now.  Just let go of resistance to anything that seems to be causing distress.  By the same token, any attempt to grasp and hold onto the awakened state, or any of its perceived pleasures, will immediately transform it back into bondage.

This may seem like walking on the razor’s edge–such a narrow path!  But as it only need (or can) be done in the present moment, this renders it simple and doable.  It doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the feelings of bliss or well being that arise from awakening.  What it means is that we cannot attempt to hold onto them, as that throws us right back into duality, i.e., samsara.

The sense of well being comes from melting into this present moment, no matter what arises. I was speaking with a friend this morning who was upset from having read about an instance of animal cruelty, and wanted to know how I deal with such feelings. I told her it is my practice to pray for the abused creature (for its recovery, or for the joyful release of its soul) and also for the abuser.  I also suggested she could become a vegetarian or donate to an animal welfare organization.  But we can’t undo the suffering that was endured.  We just have to feel what we feel, no matter how long that takes, and accept that what happened, happened. And grieving and acceptance can happen simultaneously.  Sorrow does not preclude nirvana, nor vice versa.

Nirvana is the result of letting go, not a place of refuge from a darker place.  Nirvana and samsara are the same.  It is only the grasping or releasing that shifts our experience from one to the other. Nirvana is now. Release and be free!

Kathleen Sutherland is enrolled in The Living Method Continuing Student Program and is editor of ACN. She lives in Iowa.