Really, a good witch? A witch is a believed to posses supernatural powers and practice sorcery. So I don’t see there being an option of good or bad. If you subscribe to witchcraft, then this post may not be for you.
But I see this as a good example of the ways we are each able to justify and perpetuate delusional and destructive thinking. The same which could be said about being a happy drunk. If you are a nicer person when you drink, does that mean you should drink more often? And what if you are a hunter, and only kill what you can eat? Does this justify killing?
Well if I have not yet alienated you, than please continue reading.
These examples all bring me to my recent lesson from Bhikkhuni Vimala. And that is, that there is no such thing as good or wholesome ego. Ego is ego. And one prime example is that of our pride in ourselves. And by thinking about how much good we have done in the past, we can easily fall into the trap of attaching to these accomplishments. And like the old saying goes, “pride cometh before the fall”.
It really doesn’t matter what we have done in the past, as the past is just that. We only truly have this present moment to be aware of the realities and do our best. The ego, and accompanying attachment, that we carry from past accomplishments and failures, can only serve to offer discomfort and dissatisfaction. Yet we often find this to be extremely delicious, don’t we!
By reinforcing this cycle of clinging, we create a pattern of disappointment. Some of us even turning to the idea of magic or witchcraft to offer relief from our struggles. But the Buddha offered no such remedy to this existence. You can pray to the Buddha all you want, but he is not going to answer your prayers.
He only offered the teaching, that by dropping the ego we begin to see the true nature of this life. Learning to cultivate acceptance, presence, compassion and kindness; toward ourselves and all other beings.
I think it is important to remind each of you, that what I offer here should not be the source of more delusion. I am only able to write about these things because I experience them first hand, and on a daily basis. And in addition, I have been blessed to have so many wonderful monastics who share their wisdom with me. And this does not diminish the gratitude I have for each of you and other Sangha members who are a constant source of wisdom and encouragement to me.
My Noble intention here, is to share what wisdom there may be, and offer my spiritual friendship (kalyana mitta) to you. We all have our good days and bad days, and we each do our best to navigate them.
But I can confirm that this path and the observation of this life have been so greatly impacted by the teachings. One breath at a time, without expectation.
I hope you are learning to offer this to yourself as well. You deserve this unconditional love and peace. I only suggest that you also practice patience at all times.
Remember Dorothy, you’re not in Kansas anymore!
May you be well, happy and peaceful.
