endless strife

FrederickChildeHassam2
“Summer Evening” by Childe Hassam

All outward forms of religion are almost useless, and are the causes of endless strife. What do creeds matter, what possible difference does it make to anyone today whether the doctrine of the resurrection is correct or incorrect, or the miracles, they don’t happen nowadays, but very queer things do that concern us much more. Believe there is a great power silently working all things for good, behave yourself and never mind the rest.
~ Beatrix Potter
(A Life in Nature)

10 thoughts on “endless strife”

  1. For me, the ‘greater power’ is nature. It’s always been with us and, in some form, it always will, til we and our planet no longer exist – and then it will exist on another planet.

    1. Me, too, Val. It’s funny, I watch a program called “Nature” on public television here. I learn so much observing (vicariously through the lenses of nature photographers) how different animals live and die in the wild in different parts of the world.

  2. Beautiful picture and interesting quote. Here is something I highlighted and emailed to myself to ponder in the realm of strife and struggle:

    “Only the ego asks how to stop struggling because all how-to questions lead to further struggle. This mechanism of maintaining struggle is how the ego maintains control. Struggling only ceases when you passionately inquire into who and what you truly are – deeply enough to awaken from the dream of being a personal, separate self.”

    ~ Adyashanti

    1. Kathy, I was happy to see that I’m not the only one who emails quotes to myself! The Adyashanti quote is right to the point. Along the same lines I’ve been reading, over and over again, a chapter in one of Steve Hagen’s books called “The Problem with Eradicating Evil.” It’s hard for me to watch the news and not fall into separateness… and then to self-righteous indignation… and then to grasping at straws trying to think of a way to solve that problem “out there.” Darn ego.

    1. I am angry and sad, too, Sybil. When Potter refers to “all outward forms of religion” I think “organized religions.” Funny how politics and religion work to separate us. Sigh…

  3. Stupidity, ignorance and hate – the trifecta of all the world’s miseries. There is so much therapeutic value in nature; and so much of it that is ignored.

    It is possible that we can heal – if we let ourselves look into the face of nature. Kittens especially.

    1. Well put, Aubrey. (I’d add greed to your list.) If we would only study nature, which doesn’t label things good or evil, but strives for balance in the circle of life. You made me think of another TV show I love called “Too Cute!” It’s all about puppies and kittens. 🙂

  4. This is such a beautiful painting! She is admiring her beautiful flower and looking out to the nature – not minding the rest.

    1. It’s true, when we take the time to look out the window (or take a walk in the woods or by the sea) with appreciation we will find so much in nature to occupy our thoughts. We never get tired of sunsets and flowers…

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