The Wisdom of "It's Not My Fault": Finding Freedom When We are Caught in Self-Blame
blog.tarabrach.com
The Wisdom of "It's Not My Fault": Finding Freedom When We are Caught in Self-Blame
The first noble truth of the Buddha is that when we feel suffering, it doesn’t mean that something is wrong. What a relief. Finally somebody told the truth. Suffering is part of life, and we don’t have to feel it’s happening because we personally made the wrong move.
Pema Chodron • When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times (Shambhala Classics)
Responsibility means not blaming anyone or anything for your situation, including yourself.
Deepak Chopra • The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A Practical Guide to the Fulfillment of Your Dreams
The parable of the second arrow is a well-known Buddhist story about dealing with suffering more skilfully. It is said the Buddha once asked a student,
‘If a person is struck by an arrow, is it painful? If the person is struck by a second arrow, is it even more painful?’
He then went on to explain,
‘In life, we can’t always control the first arrow. Ho... See more
‘If a person is struck by an arrow, is it painful? If the person is struck by a second arrow, is it even more painful?’
He then went on to explain,
‘In life, we can’t always control the first arrow. Ho... See more
The second arrow - Mindfulness Meditation
In truth, blame is just another one of the negative programs that we have allowed our mind to buy because we never stopped to question it. Why must something always be someone’s “fault”? Why must the whole concept of “wrong” be introduced to the situation in the first place? Why must one of us be wrong, bad, or at fault? What seemed like a good ide
... See moreDavid R. Hawkins • Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender
Buddha says we cannot get rid of the First arrow, but we can control what we do with our second arrow. Our Second arrow is the response to the pain of the first arrow and in most cases, it is plain “RESISTANCE” to this pain.