Self-Abnegation

Not to be confused with Non-self.

Self-denial (also called self-abnegation^[1] and self-sacrifice) is altruistic abstinence - the willingness to forego personal pleasures or undergo personal trials in the pursuit of the increased good of another.^[2] Various religions and cultures take differing views of self-denial, some considering it a positive trait and others considering it a negative one. 

Reading one of Swami Vivekenanda's books.  He used this word.  A lot of these words are tricky, but that gets back to the idea that words in general are tricky. The act of truly giving without an attachment to the outcome. Circling back to the non attachment concept.  Layers to being, layers to attachment, layers.... All circling back to acceptance of what is.  The mind loves circles--at least mine does. 


In the meantime, it is lovely that Gurudev often adds comedy relief to my often serious existence.  Today a special Guru ritual was performed by two people who had come a long ways--he qualified that it wasn't to be confused with the Durga ceremony that has been going on for 8 days.  He thanked me for bearing witness to all of these rituals, so I could be the spokesperson in the West and he wouldn't need to.  We both laughed and I did have to admit that I have seen more rituals in 3 months than I have in my lifetime.  Oh, they had the "spark of fire" ceremony in the Durga ceremony today. 

It is a very high stage on the path of love when a man really learns to love another with a love that asks no return.
                        Bowl of Saki, October 7, by Hazrat Inayat Khan