Sinking Ship - parable

[greyl]

The ship was sinking---and sinking fast. The captain told the passengers and crew, "We've got to get the lifeboats in the water right away."

But the crew said, "First we have to end capitalist oppression of the working cla...
http://www.ishmael.org/Education/Parables/SinkingShip.shtml

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. I liked the last line...

The last thought of more than one of them was, "I never dreamed that solving humanity's problems would take so long---or that the ship would sink so SUDDENLY."

We never know when our time will come. Perhaps it is wise to try and see the bigger picture and one's place in it by looking for inner guidance.

[greyl]

2. Cool, me too.

http://www.uurockford.org/sermons/s99-22.htm

From my perspective, there's a risk to be aware of. Putting the realities of the world on hold "in order to search for inner guidance" can be an escapist cop-out. It's often an escape from the realization of responsibity/ the ability to respond.

Iow, there is no blessed path in the world that does not fork eventually. :)

[leftyladyfrommo]

3. I don't hink we put reality on hold while we seek inner

guidance.

The obstacle simply becomes the path.

Most of the time it is seekers who are right out there where the rubber hits the road.

[greyl]

4. It's a pitfall to be aware of, though.

In my experience, anyhow. :) As you know, it depends on how energies are directed and, most importantly, balanced. Self-doubt is right nextdoor to 'contemplation before action'.

Like the Indigo Girls said, "The less I seek my source for some definitive, the closer I am to fine." Ultimately, it matters what meaning we give to our lives.

[NMMNG]

5. Very good tale

This reminds me of a Buddhist parable I read some time ago. I can't seem to find it online at the moment so I'll check to see if it is in one of the books I don't have packed. If I locate it I'll post it.

[greyl]

6. It would be nice if you did. :) nt