There are two types of conduct: the first one comes from the outside and goes towards the inside; the second one goes from the inside and goes towards the outside. The first is the result of psychological slavery and is produced by reaction; for example, we are hit and we hit back; we are insulted and we reply with insults. The best type of conduct is the second, that of the one who is no longer a slave; that of the one who no longer has anything to do with the thinking, feeling, and doings of others. That type of conduct is independent; it is upright and just conduct. If we are hit, we answer with blessings; if we are insulted, we keep silent. If they want to get us drunk, we do not drink even though our friends become angry, etc.
Psychological Slavery
If we want to dissolve the “I,” we need to be free. The one who depends on the behavior of others will not be able to dissolve the “I.” Our conduct must be our own and must not depend on anyone. Our thoughts, feelings, and actions must flow independently from the inside to the outside.
The worst difficulties offer us the best opportunities. In the past there existed many sages surrounded by all types of luxuries who were without any type of difficulties. Wanting to annihilate the “I,” those sages had to create difficult situations for themselves.
In difficult situations we have formidable opportunities to study our internal and external impulses: our thoughts, sentiments, actions, our reactions, volitions, etc.
Easy Does It
In order to experience the truth, one does not need to exert oneself whatsoever. People are accustomed to exerting themselves in everything they do and erroneously suppose that it is impossible to experience the truth without any exertion.