Thicken the Plot
A Zen master, when asked why evil exists in the world, replied, "To thicken the plot."
I’m reminded of the Hindu concept of Lila, which defines the cosmos and everything in it as the outcome of divine amusement. Gods at play.
There are no shortage of explanatory attempts at justifying that which is not idyllically virtuous. Perplexity, perforce, dictates an acceptably definable worldview. Even if we don’t like it, we seem to demand comprehension. It’s the why behind all why’s.
Yet no elucidation engenders satisfaction to our insistent senses. Neither nihilistic games nor grandiose theories of chaos result in clear understanding.
A thickened plot indeed, sadly without denouement.
Until, that is, we encounter non-dualistic philosophies such as A Course in Miracles. We come to recognize that the world is as illusory as somnolent dreams. Seemingly very real and consequential while we’re in them; otherwise immaterial.
There is no world apart from what you wish, and herein lies your ultimate release. (W-pI.132.5)
It is thought that gives rise to the appearance of form, and it is thought that offers a release from suffering. Hence this counsel from the course: "It is with your thoughts, then, that we must work, if your perception of the world is to be changed."
A thick plot does thought of separation make. Yet we can learn how to transcend all pain, returning awareness to the joyous realm of perfect peace; making for an infinitely better storyline.
Join me in Thursday’s class where we’ll discuss these concepts in more detail. I look forward to seeing you then.