Releasement

Summary

The web content discusses the concept of releasement, a philosophical approach to life that involves radical acceptance and surrender to the flow of existence, which is presented as a path to personal freedom and guidance.

Abstract

The article delves into the philosophy of releasement, drawing on the teachings of Martin Heidegger, Meister Eckhart, Robert Adams, and Jed McKenna. It suggests that true understanding of this concept comes from personal experience of complete surrender, where one accepts life's circumstances without resistance. This state of being is likened to buying a house without concern for its condition, embodying a paradigm of total acceptance. The Guru of Silence, Robert Adams, exemplified this lifestyle, living in the world but not being attached to its outcomes, and always finding contentment. The article also addresses potential misunderstandings, such as the misconception that acceptance leads to being taken advantage of, emphasizing that this spiritual path has different levels and outcomes for each individual. The concept of releasing control is further explored through the metaphor of a parachutist, who learns to navigate by letting go. The text concludes by encouraging the reader to seek their own source of guidance and inspiration, rather than following the examples of historical figures like Buddha or Jesus, aiming for a direct and personal experience of enlightenment.

Opinions

Meister Eckhart posits that to understand releasement, one must be perfectly released, implying that knowledge of this concept is experiential rather than intellectual.
The author suggests that in the state of radical acceptance, one cannot be 'screwed over' because all outcomes are embraced without resistance.
Robert Adams is presented as a modern exemplar of releasement, living a life of non-attachment and abundance without seeking external success or validation.
The article cautions that the path of surrender may not yield immediate positive results, as illustrated by the anecdote of a man who experienced theft after adopting this philosophy.
Jed McKenna's concept of 'releasing the tiller' is introduced as a way to relinquish the illusion of control and align with the flow of life experiences.
The author expresses a personal interest in becoming a source of one's own guidance, emphasizing the importance of seeking direct inspiration rather than relying on intermediaries.
The text encourages readers to pursue their own path to enlightenment, inspired by the quests of historical figures rather than imitating their personas.

A person is not a thing or a process but an opening through which the absolute manifests.-Martin Heidegger

He who wants to understand my teaching of releasement must himself be perfectly released. -Meister Eckhart

Imagine you were to buy a house. You would probably want its history, inspections, reports, considerations for the spouse and kids. Hazards, future real estate projections-you would want to make sure you are getting a good deal and not getting screwed over.

What Eckhart suggests in his worldview, is that it is impossible to be screwed over. And you only get the house you are looking for by accepting it — without knowing what condition it is in. And you won’t have a single problem with the house because you either move into this paradigm of radical acceptance or you remain in your own. Either way, all is well.

The Guru of Silence, Robert Adams, told a crowd he moved in a state of complete surrender. He was in the world, but not of it. A man of Tao who left no footprints. In this state, he never lacked, always helped people no matter their intention, cared little for the outward markings of the world and external success, always got the best spot at the hottest restaurant — you get the idea. If you wanted what Adams had, you were free to take it.

A man heard this lecture and was inspired. The first week of implementing this newfound knowledge of radical acceptance he had his car broken into and his house robbed. Adams just laughed and let the man know that what’s true for him is not true for everyone. Levels to this game.

The author Jed McKenna called it releasing the tiller. It’s not a sense of who you turn your power over to but that you begin to relax your hold on the illusion of control. No matter how bad your experience is, it still falls within the realm of a human experience. Ah, life! It’s what we are going through.

The way to reclaim control of your life, was in McKenna’s eyes, by releasing all control of it. Like a parachuter hurtling down to his landing site, this free-falling man learns to work his body and mind to safely make it to the intended target.

Motherhood is one of the common examples to point to as an example of this turnover. Authentic devotion to a career, science, wisdom, and art are other examples. Service to others, loving things outside yourself-anything that gets you outside the narrow confines of your “I.” Thoreau famously mentioned a man who dedicated his life to the carving of a walking stick. If it works, it works.

I cannot help but reduce all the big questions of history, psychology, philosophy, mysticism, and spirituality to one single question. Will this help me become a source of my own guidance? For I am not interested in touching the superficialities of the world but seeking the fountain of inspiration. To drink from these waters without the use of an intermediary.

The point is not to imitate but to become. Not to be in the business of portraying a Buddha or a Jesus but to seek what they sought.

Followers of Aristotle would think themselves happy if they had as much knowledge of nature as he possessed, were it even under the condition that they should never afterwards attain to higher. -René Descartes, Discourse On The Method