Awakening

It is very painful to realize

that one has been living for so many years

in lies and self-deception.

Alcoholics, drug addicts and neurotics are ruining their lives

and the lives of their families

and they are not even aware of it.

They can't see that their drinking habits

or neurotic selfishness creates serious problems.

Of course they can't see.

Of course you don't want to see that what you're doing is awful.

An alcoholic can come up with the most fantastic justifications
for his or her inordinate drinking.

Similarly, a neurotic person can construct

absolutely watertight explanations and reasons

for his or her behavior.

Hitler blamed himself, in the Berlin bunker,

for having been too soft with the German people.

This was his biggest mistake in life.

The thinking mind has an enormous power.

It is impossible to awaken people from alcoholism and neurotic delusions.

The protective walls are impenetrable.

Not until the poor con artist finally realizes, that he or she has a problem

can friends, family members or therapists be of any help.

The insight that you have a problem is the starting point.

This is awakening.

This is kensho.

Now you have to get out of bed.

Now you can to begin to do, what you have to do.

Take it easy. Don't rush.

It will take a long time to learn how to accept

a life without delusion.