rāga + dveṣa

likes + dislikes

These two opposing forces often hold the reins in the world of duality. We are drawn towards, or repelled from, our likes and dislikes, in everything we do within the world of existence. Once we start seeing the power of these two opposing forces, everything becomes a choice. Our responses to our experience becomes a conscious choice. We can allow the senses to stay at the reins, or to take hold of them by staying aware of what is happening. This lies at the heart of a spiritual practice, no matter what lineage or tradition - and there are so many layers to it…

Once we identify our likes and dislikes in a certain situation, we also start to notice our like or dislike regarding the initial like or dislike. Resistance will surface at so many different levels, and point us to where we are still holding certain experiences above others.

There are ways to take a step away from it all, by remaining as the witness to the entire play. We have the opportunity to watch the senses play their games in the arena of life, yet remain as the observer in the back seat staying aware of it all. Once we accept the likes and dislikes expressing themselves, we are no longer fighting with ourselves to the same degree internally. There is a great sense of peace to be found in that. Observing the world of duality play itself out - and likes and dislikes to be projected upon a situation - while at the same time remaining the witness point of view - we have the opportunity to sink deeper and deeper into the spaciousness that holds it all. This spaciousness holds the fragrance of freedom, and it is always - all ways - lending its peace to us. Even now. In this moment. But we are experts at covering it up with our preconceived ideas (and even spiritual beliefs) on how to interpret and address a certain situation. Once we drop all tools, all projections, all beliefs (no matter how spiritual they are), we can be fully in the moment, be fully in the divine play - and live intimately connected to life itself. Likes and dislikes may still be there, but we’re detached to the whole thing.

The practice is to pierce through the many layers of conditioning, to truly see what is. Once we let ourselves get absorbed in the ‘practice’ even this will fall away as we come from a place of true acceptance and appreciation of what is.