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 Self-perpetuation...........13
or vicious -- is always the principle of self-perpetuation. Autonomy is positively self-perpetuating, set in motion by 140 CONFLICT OF POSITIVE VERSUS NEGATIVE ORIENTED PLEASURE AS THE ORIGIN OF PAIN
reality, the sphere in which there is unlimited self-perpetuation in whatever respect consciousness is aware of the 140 CONFLICT OF POSITIVE VERSUS NEGATIVE ORIENTED PLEASURE AS THE ORIGIN OF PAIN
want to interject here that the principle of self-perpetuation which I have explained on a spiritual level 140 CONFLICT OF POSITIVE VERSUS NEGATIVE ORIENTED PLEASURE AS THE ORIGIN OF PAIN
this vaster power, even underneath the strongest negative self-perpetuation, is contacted -- because such negative process is 142 THE LONGING FOR AND THE FEAR OF HAPPINESS -- THE FEAR OF RELEASING THE LITTLE EGO
finally leads to a breakdown of the negative self-perpetuation. Contrary to truth, love, and beauty, which are 183 THE SPIRITUAL MEANING OF CRISIS
if the universe were created differently and negative self-perpetuation continued ad infinitum. It could mean eternal hell 183 THE SPIRITUAL MEANING OF CRISIS
for what they are. This makes the negative self-perpetuation stronger and stronger, until the inflamed boil bursts 183 THE SPIRITUAL MEANING OF CRISIS
so chooses, the end of continually swelling negative self-perpetuation. When eruption comes, the choices of recognizing the 183 THE SPIRITUAL MEANING OF CRISIS
cherished convictions. Such challenge cuts out the negative self-perpetuation, the motor force that compounds the destructive, erroneous 183 THE SPIRITUAL MEANING OF CRISIS
substance. We have discussed the negative aspects of self-perpetuation. Of course, it exists primarily on the positive 183 THE SPIRITUAL MEANING OF CRISIS
exactly the same as that of the negative self-perpetuation. The only difference is that the positive process 183 THE SPIRITUAL MEANING OF CRISIS
them to unfold, they will increase themselves. The self-perpetuation takes over once these energies are released and 183 THE SPIRITUAL MEANING OF CRISIS
you in a lecture on the phenomenon of self-perpetuation, and I illustrated how a denied feeling compounds 190 IMPORTANCE OF EXPERIENCING ALL FEELINGS, INCLUDING FEAR - DYNAMIC STATE OF LAZINESS
 
 Self-pity...................75
it is related to today's theme. This is self-pity, which often strengthens the feelings of world weariness 4 WORLD WEARINESS
one time or another. Whenever you wallow in self-pity, you are unconsciously remembering an earlier reaction, when 4 WORLD WEARINESS
the gravity of the situation. By wallowing in self-pity you try to reproduce this remembered feeling, but 4 WORLD WEARINESS
from clinging tightly to the ego with its self-pity, vanity, cowardice and pride -- in short, everything 7 ASKING FOR HELP AND HELPING OTHERS
throw you off balance. The price is: no self-pity, no self-delusion, utter severance with the little ego 25 THE PATH: INITIAL STEPS, PREPARATION, AND DECISIONS
spiritual law, embrace life wholeheartedly, without fear, without self-pity, without being afraid of being hurt. And only 26 FINDING ONE'S FAULTS
about yourself in a destructive way filled with self-pity, complaining about your fate, and brooding unproductively about 33 OCCUPATION WITH SELF -- RIGHT AND WRONG FAITH
do not flinch from unhappiness in distorted self-love, self-pity, and cowardice. If you learn from the hard 37 ACCEPTANCE, RIGHT AND WRONG WAY -- DIGNITY IN HUMILITY
admit your refusal to be unhappy. By defiance, self-pity, wanting to flee life or escape your trouble 37 ACCEPTANCE, RIGHT AND WRONG WAY -- DIGNITY IN HUMILITY
feeling it unjust, and often even wallow in self-pity while you prevent yourself from breaking the chains 40 MORE ON IMAGE-FINDING: A SUMMARY
yourself, in overcoming your resistance and sluggishness and self-pity. You should never believe even for an instant 48 THE LIFE FORCE IN THE UNIVERSE
on your own state of mind. Bitterness, anger, self-pity, all these block the life force. Remember that 48 THE LIFE FORCE IN THE UNIVERSE
of self-love, would you care to elaborate on self-pity and egocentricity? ANSWER: It goes without saying that 53 SELF-LOVE
did not use this particular word. As for self-pity, let us examine what such pity of the 53 SELF-LOVE
that is not self-caused will ever indulge in self-pity! If you are sorry for yourself, you have 53 SELF-LOVE
that will truly make you free and independent. Self-pity is a complete rejection of self-responsibility. It expresses 53 SELF-LOVE
escapes your attention. Or you might enjoy the self-pity that ensues. Let us suppose that you are 58 THE DESIRE FOR HAPPINESS AND THE DESIRE FOR UNHAPPINESS
Weltschmerz? ANSWER: That is just one aspect, as self-pity is, for instance. But the crasser form of 58 THE DESIRE FOR HAPPINESS AND THE DESIRE FOR UNHAPPINESS
a guilt feeling inevitably contains an element of self-pity. Without self-pity there could be no guilt feeling 60 THE ABYSS OF ILLUSION -- FREEDOM AND SELF-RESPONSIBILITY
feeling inevitably contains an element of self-pity. Without self-pity there could be no guilt feeling. The true 60 THE ABYSS OF ILLUSION -- FREEDOM AND SELF-RESPONSIBILITY
contains no guilt. If it is free of self-pity, of the flavor of Poor me. I could 60 THE ABYSS OF ILLUSION -- FREEDOM AND SELF-RESPONSIBILITY
problem. You will then not wallow in damaging self-pity, but will grow sufficiently to shed those tendencies 69 THE FOLLY OF WATCHING FOR RESULTS WHILE ON THE PATH; THE VALID DESIRE TO BE LOVED
or intense. This sadness will be free of self-pity and it will not be a real hardship 69 THE FOLLY OF WATCHING FOR RESULTS WHILE ON THE PATH; THE VALID DESIRE TO BE LOVED
reaction in people. Your emotions become full of self-pity: Poor little me, I am not good enough 74 CONFUSIONS AND HAZY MOTIVATIONS
may be plunged in darkness, rebellion, cowardice and self-pity -- the outcome will be happiness to the 82 THE CONQUEST OF DUALITY SYMBOLIZED IN THE LIFE AND DEATH OF JESUS
When these goals are not obtained, rebellion and self-pity set in, with no conscious awareness of the 86 THE INSTINCTS OF SELF-PRESERVATION AND PROCREATION IN CONFLICT
called Weltschmerz? ANSWER: Not necessarily. Usually in Weltschmerz self-pity predominates, while the emotion we just discussed is 87 THE NEXT PHASE ON THE PATH; QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
fear, helplessness -- and most indicative of all, self-pity. Once you ascertain these feelings, it will not 88 RELIGION: TRUE AND FALSE
unjustly treated. So you wallow in guilt and self-pity. This makes you more dependent and helpless -- 88 RELIGION: TRUE AND FALSE
entering a benign circle, negative emotions such as self-pity, helplessness, hostility, guilt, and resentment are bound to 90 MORALIZING -- DISPROPORTIONATE REACTIONS -- NEEDS
of loss does not contain the fear, bitterness, self-pity, struggle, and hardness contained in the pain of 94 SIN AND NEUROSIS -- UNIFYING THE INNER SPLIT
very core of humanity is pity, and indeed, self-pity, because if a person does not have self-pity 94 SIN AND NEUROSIS -- UNIFYING THE INNER SPLIT
self-pity, because if a person does not have self-pity, he is not selfish. If a person is 94 SIN AND NEUROSIS -- UNIFYING THE INNER SPLIT
of every human being there is pity, indeed, self-pity. No, this is not true. Either pity or 94 SIN AND NEUROSIS -- UNIFYING THE INNER SPLIT
No, this is not true. Either pity or self-pity is the result, or the symptom, not even 94 SIN AND NEUROSIS -- UNIFYING THE INNER SPLIT
be unselfish. Although it is human to have self-pity, it is also human not to have it 94 SIN AND NEUROSIS -- UNIFYING THE INNER SPLIT
where there may be feelings of helplessness, weakness, self-pity, of being subjected to the misery of life 95 SELF-ALIENATION AND THE WAY BACK TO THE REAL SELF
feeling and responding to aspects of reality. But self-pity and depression are not. Boredom is not. Life 96 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS; COMMENTS ON LAZINESS AS SYMPTOM OF SELF-ALIENATION
with illusion. But beware of believing that your self-pity, bitterness, futility due to shallow living -- no 96 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS; COMMENTS ON LAZINESS AS SYMPTOM OF SELF-ALIENATION
difference between these entirely contrary feelings: sadness, and self-pity mixed with futility. When you cringe away from 96 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS; COMMENTS ON LAZINESS AS SYMPTOM OF SELF-ALIENATION
your failure would affect me. The self-indulgent, lazy self-pity of the weak makes stringent demands on their 100 MEETING THE PAIN OF DESTRUCTIVE PATTERNS
perhaps, guarding against recognizing something, and using justification, self-pity, hopelessness, or a superficial rationalization, blaming outer circumstances 106 SADNESS VERSUS DEPRESSION -- RELATIONSHIP
define the difference. In sadness you accept without self-pity a painful fact of life as something beyond 106 SADNESS VERSUS DEPRESSION -- RELATIONSHIP
us clearly see exactly what is unhealthy. Take self-pity, which is always a byproduct of depression. It 106 SADNESS VERSUS DEPRESSION -- RELATIONSHIP
if you are willing to see it. In self-pity you are unwilling to see the way out 106 SADNESS VERSUS DEPRESSION -- RELATIONSHIP
running away from yourself and to strengthen your self-pity. Thus you subtly exert a forcing current upon 106 SADNESS VERSUS DEPRESSION -- RELATIONSHIP
pamper myself? Do I wish to be in self-pity? Or can I just calmly look at myself 109 SPIRITUAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH THROUGH RESTITUTION FOR REAL GUILT
inner weeping, which is really a kind of self-pity. It cannot be stressed enough how important it 110 HOPE AND FAITH AND OTHER KEY CONCEPTS DISCUSSED IN ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
hostility, humiliation, pride and shame, hurt, arrogance, self-importance, self-pity, insistence on unreasonable demands, and many more. You 114 STRUGGLE: HEALTHY AND UNHEALTHY
and revolves around the same pointless thoughts, complaints, self-pity, self-deceptive ideas and subterfuges, it will, of necessity 115 PERCEPTION, DETERMINATION, LOVE AS ASPECTS OF CONSCIOUSNESS
you become angry, resentful, and often full of self-pity. However, none of these emotions may be conscious 116 REACHING THE SPIRITUAL CENTER-STRUGGLE BETWEEN LOWER SELF AND SUPERIMPOSED CONSCIENCE
your liking, the corroding effects will be rebellion, self-pity, and putting the blame on life and the 116 REACHING THE SPIRITUAL CENTER-STRUGGLE BETWEEN LOWER SELF AND SUPERIMPOSED CONSCIENCE
result of natural growth -- brings disharmony, resentment, self-pity, and invites unjust exploitation. A good example is 121 DISPLACEMENT, SUBSTITUTION, SUPERIMPOSITION
and the results of both are loneliness, resentment, self-pity, self-contempt, and frustration. When two people involved in 129 WINNER VERSUS LOSER: INTERPLAY BETWEEN THE SELF AND CREATIVE FORCES
of negative emotions such as fear, hostility, separateness, self-pity, ambivalence, and vindictiveness. These emotions make love impossible 133 LOVE: NOT A COMMANDMENT, BUT SPONTANEOUS SOUL MOVEMENT OF THE INNER SELF
the bad. Ungenuine love is always connected with self-pity, resentment, hostility, and conflict. There is in it 133 LOVE: NOT A COMMANDMENT, BUT SPONTANEOUS SOUL MOVEMENT OF THE INNER SELF
struggle, in a mood of complaining, resentment, and self-pity. Meanwhile, you ignore: a) the intensity of the 139 DEADENING OF THE LIVE CENTER THROUGH MISINTERPRETATION OF REALITY
the tense state is great, for anger and self-pity offer a substitute gratification. The ego must make 149 COSMIC PULL TOWARD UNION -- FRUSTRATION
give but to take, to harbor hostility and self-pity -- exists. Your discovery of this will facilitate 153 THE SELF-REGULATING NATURE OF INVOLUNTARY PROCESSES
a number of other emotions, such as sadness, self-pity, pain, healthy aggression, and self-assertion. All negative energy 155 FEAR OF SELF -- GIVING AND RECEIVING
choice. You would rather indulge in resentments and self-pity, in making cases against others, in the illusion 161 UNCONSCIOUS NEGATIVITY ENDANGERS SURRENDER OF EGO TO INVOLUNTARY PROCESSES
the claim to be constantly injured -- your self-pity, self-victimization, resentments, blame of others whom you make 161 UNCONSCIOUS NEGATIVITY ENDANGERS SURRENDER OF EGO TO INVOLUNTARY PROCESSES
overcome the temptation to indulge in resignation and self-pity. Therefore I say to you: Realize that you 168 TWO BASIC WAYS OF LIFE: TOWARD AND AWAY FROM THE CENTER
the pain of nonfulfillment. You will teeter between self-pity and bitterness, between projection onto others and life 170 FEAR OF BLISS VERSUS LONGING FOR IT -- THE ENERGY CENTERS
Accepting the law of personal responsibility wipes out self-pity, resignation, passive endurance, smoldering resentments against the injustices 171 SPIRITUAL LAWS
that something is wrong about his or her self-pity, accusations, and anger. Whenever you find false guilt 171 SPIRITUAL LAWS
to our self-produced fate. We can dwell in self-pity, resentments, and helplessness and thus increase our weakness 171 SPIRITUAL LAWS
overcoming the often strong temptation to indulge in self-pity, resentment, complaining, and accusing -- overtly or covertly 179 CHAIN REACTIONS IN THE DYNAMICS OF CREATIVE LIFE SUBSTANCE
given them to me. I will overcome all self-pity and exaggerated fear because I know that they 181 THE MEANING OF THE HUMAN STRUGGLE
now manifest as hostility, envy, hatred, rage, bitterness, self-pity, or blame -- can become a creative power 184 THE MEANING OF EVIL AND ITS TRANSCENDENCE
therefore of desirable life experience -- furthers bitterness, self-pity, accusation, spite. The negative attitudes bring more and 187 (THE WAY TO HANDLE) ALTERNATION OF EXPANSIVE AND CONTRACTING STATES
against life will decrease. Anger, fear, resentment and self-pity create tightness and brittleness. They numb you to 187 (THE WAY TO HANDLE) ALTERNATION OF EXPANSIVE AND CONTRACTING STATES
in subsequent situations. Displaced and denied sadness becomes self-pity, hopelessness, depression. These emotions are indeed debilitating and 191 INNER AND OUTER EXPERIENCE
that position, always hoping that your resentful, blaming self-pity and helplessness will convince life, others, fate, to 196 COMMITMENT: CAUSE AND EFFECT
best in life. False, defensive pain contains bitterness, self-pity, resentments -- thus it destroys peace. Real pain 196 COMMITMENT: CAUSE AND EFFECT

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