acceptance & surrender “… In the openness that is inherent in our nature there is no one who accepts … acceptance or surrender is … active in that one remains supremely awake and alert, ready for what presents itself. This silence is simply waiting without the anxiety of waiting and in this openness the highest intelligence operates. …” ~ Jean Klein
Acceptance and surrender can easily be misunderstood to be passive … but upon deeper exploration these qualities …. offer an opportunity to not only meet our darkest fears with ease and equanimity … but can also let us – at least – glimpse the underlying keys to being who we are …
To that end, we have been exploring Jean Klein’s teachings through substantive previews of some of his books. These books are transcripts of Jean’s gatherings … so typically contain Q&As with the audience (sometimes preceded by a brief talk) :
… we began with his classic Book of Listening … in a 5-part series … and
… then Living Truth which is ongoing with 2-parts so far … and
Today we start taking a look at Who Am I … that is best summed up in Jean’s own words in the Preface:
This book came to life through dialogues which took place in different countries with people from all walks of life, and especially through stimulating conversations I had with Emma Edwards. These often touched the border of the inexpressible. I deeply thank her for writing down what cannot easily be written, the nearest formulation to what is beyond words, so that the mind of the reader may be enlivened and clarified. Only a clear mind dares to give itself up to its Origin, that which has been and ever will be.
This post takes us on a mini dive into acceptance & surrender through a pertinent question – commonly raised by many:
But I am having some tremendous difficulties in my life and find that I cannot accept them as you say. How can I handle this conflict?
{All italicized text below is from Who Am I by Jean Klein and is published here with the publisher New Sarum Press‘ generous permission. Scroll to the bottom for a free downloadable Table of Contents.}
Why Acceptance & Surrender? Jean Klein
Q. But I am having some tremendous difficulties in my life and find that I cannot accept them as you say. How can I handle this conflict?
A. From the moment you explore the proper meaning of the word ‘surrender’ you will taste real freedom because surrender frees you from the object, the feeling of depression and conflict, and at the same time it points to the openness itself. That is the essence of surrender and is your real nature. Surrender calls for a true recognition of the facts, facing them squarely. You must accept and welcome them in a scientific way without reaction and judgement. Accepting is not a sacrifice nor a process of will. In the openness that is inherent in our nature there is no one who accepts. Acceptance or surrender is thus passive in its absence of a director and active in that one remains supremely awake and alert, ready for what presents itself. This silence is simply waiting without the anxiety of waiting and in this openness the highest intelligence operates.
Be aware, take note of the reflex to fight, suppress, change, reform or sublimate a problem. That will only lead you deeper into conflict. In non-acceptance you stay involved in the object, bound to it. The appropriate solution to a problem can only appear in the absence of the ego, the perpetrator of likes and dislikes. The ego often shuns the solution that presents itself, saying, ‘I don’t like it. It does not give me pleasure.’ It is important to watch that when a solution appears, the ego does not steal it and hide it.
In taking the emphasis off the problem and putting it on acceptance you will find that the pressure dissolves and calm and relaxation comes to you. Every problem has its solution even though the mind and its memory cannot fully comprehend the problem or the solution. In surrendering to the problem you are open to the known and the unknown in the problematic situation and understanding operates freshly. In silent surrender there is bliss and prayer without request or demand. There is no doer, experiencer, lover or beloved. There is only a divine current. You see that the very act of welcoming is itself the solution to the problem and the action which follows your comprehension is very straightforward. When you become familiar with the act of surrender, truth will solicit you unsought.
Stay tuned for more … Jean Klein’s teachings from Who Am I …
All italicized text above (except otherwise noted) is from Who Am I by Jean Klein and is published here with the publisher New Sarum Press‘ generous permission.
And click here for a FREE downloadable copy of the Table of Contents, graciously and generously made available by the publisher New Sarum Press.
And, may Jean Klein’s wisdom … serve you … in your everyday life … and …
May you remain safe and healthy.
Images (edited & Logo added): 1 & Featured) Bench in the autumn park with fallen leaves and trees on the background by Serg_v, 2) Who Am I cover image from New Sarum Press, 3) Beautiful summer sunrise in the mountain village by jojjik. All except 2) purchased from 123rtf and/or depositphotos. All are for use only on our website/social channels (these images are not permitted to be shared separate from this post),
