*image by Ben Harubin

The original quid pro quo was man being given the ability to think,
so as to make life easier (as perceived by most), in return for which
a few find otherwise.

And someone demands, "You mean to tell me that the only difference between someone
who's drowning and someone who's not is that the man who's not is aware that he's not?"
"Is that what you're trying to say? What nerve! -- what presumption! -- what insanity!
WHAT AN IDEA!"

Never should you forget that the basic purpose and payoff of awakening is
the removal of all uncertainty and confusion -- after that it is up to you
to provide the strength to make use of this freedom.

If there be no need to grasp the transient within the permanent, just the
opposite must be so for those attempting to do what they set out to do.

Awakening is not for the hip, fashionable, and sophisticated --
it's hard to get with it
when you're already with it!

(But, hey, not to worry. No one's as hip as they think they are...except
the extremely dumb...which of course leaves you out...)

One man began to picture thoughts as "tourist traps for consciousness"
and "stay out of such places" became his advice to himself.