Receiving the Call Without Grasping: Obedience Without Possession
Life presents us with a myriad of calls—opportunities for action, moments of decision, and paths to follow. But how do we respond to these calls? Do we aggressively seize them with the intent to dominate, or do we answer with the humility and awareness that not all calls are ours to possess? In exploring this dynamic, we find an enlightening dichotomy: the concept of obedience without possession.
The Urge to Possess
Human beings have an innate tendency to desire control over their lives and surroundings. This urge extends to the calls we receive from the universe. Whether these calls come in the form of career opportunities, personal relationships, or ethical decisions, the initial impulse is often to grasp and claim ownership. This approach, however, can lead to an unsustainable cycle of stress, disappointment, and unfulfilled expectations.
The Art of Receiving
To receive the call is to acknowledge it without the need to control or possess it. This means recognizing the role of a steward rather than a conqueror. Contemporary philosopher and author, Alan Watts, once suggested, “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” (Alan Watts Official Website). Receiving a call without grasping implies becoming part of this dance—a harmonious interaction where the call guides rather than is dominated.
Case Study: The Path of a Servant Leader
An illustrative example of obedience without possession can be found in the concept of servant leadership. Renowned leadership expert, Robert K. Greenleaf, conceptualized servant leadership as a model where the leader exists to serve first. Greenleaf stated, “The servant-leader is servant first; it begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first.” (Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership).
- Listening: A leader must receive calls (input from others) with open-minded attentiveness without the need to immediately dictate responses.
- Empathy: True connection and guidance come from understanding, not ownership. Empathy bridges the gap between call and response.
- Healing: A servant leader’s call can nurture growth and healing without imposing their own agenda.
An Eastern Perspective: The Taoist Approach
Taoism provides another lens through which to view this concept. The Tao Te Ching, a seminal text by Lao Tzu, advocates for wu wei (无为), or “non-action.” This does not mean inaction, but rather an action without force or unnecessary effort. The principle echoes the essence of obedience without possession—doing what is required without overstepping.
The master does his job and then stops. He understands that the universe is forever out of control, and that trying to dominate events goes against the current of the Tao.
Practical Application: Living the Call
Embodying the principle of answering the call without grasping involves several practical steps:
- Meditative Awareness: Regular reflection and mindfulness practices can enhance one’s ability to perceive calls without attachment.
- Cultivate Detachment: Embrace a mindset of impermanence and flow, understanding that life is transient and so are its calls.
- Acknowledge Limits: Not every call is meant for us to pursue. Learning to decline calls gracefully can be as vital as answering those meant for us.
- Service Orientation: Align actions with the greater good or the needs of others, thus transforming the call into a shared journey rather than a personal pursuit.
The Spiritual Dimension
In spiritual terms, answering a call without seeking possession can be likened to surrendering to a higher will. Many religious teachings encourage the faithful to listen for divine guidance and act upon it without expectation of personal gain or control.
Christian Teachings: The concept of serving without grasping aligns closely with Christian teachings of humility and surrender. In the Bible, Jesus embodies the epitome of service without ownership: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45, Bible Hub).
Buddhist Practice: Similarly, in Buddhism, the relinquishing of desire and attachment is seen as a path to enlightenment. The Noble Eightfold Path highlights right action as action taken without selfish attachment to the outcome.
Conclusion: The Balance of Action and Non-Attachment
Receiving the call without grasping—embracing the call through obedience without possession—is a nuanced path that requires balance, wisdom, and humility. It is a journey towards mastery over one’s impulses and desires in favor of a more profound connection with the greater flow of life. Cultivating this mindset not only facilitates personal growth but also nurtures a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness that binds us all.
Ultimately, in accepting the calls we are given with grace and without the need to hold, we may find ourselves not just responding to life but collaborating with it, co-creating a world of harmony and peace.