Question
I wonder about humanity’s progress in general and individual progress in particular, because I feel they work somewhat similarly. For example, with Jesus, human progress took a leap forward, yet he was crucified for it. I also think of Martin Luther King. It is as though after a breakthrough, all the reactionary forces get moving to erase the good that was done. Fortunately that is not possible, but there is still damage.
I have observed this mechanism in myself too, and wonder how to progress peacefully and how masters manage this with their many disciples.
Thank you.
Greetings.
Anonymous
Master Kosen’s answer
When I was young—not that I no longer am—but around 25, I dreamed of traveling, discovering completely unexpected places on earth, and above all letting go of the boundaries of this world that I felt confined me within limits I wanted to exceed. My master told me: “You, Stéphane, you leave, you travel, but in the end you always return to your starting point.” In other words, you would do better to accept your limits and work day by day, fortunate enough to have a master to teach you, hoping that when the day comes to leave and never turn back, you will be ready. Christ and Martin Luther were ready, and they did not return. Those around them, even if they returned to their starting points, understood it was time to prepare for their final departure.
Kosen