Being Free from Conditioning suggests that our life today is not completely a result of the life we lived yesterday. Conditioning, the interwoven patterns that preclude our ability to make new choice, is not a permanent state. By bringing consciousness to what is in front of you, it is possible to find your own particular way of letting go of those patterns that are problematic. This freedom allows you to greet each moment as though the possibility for new life rests within the choices you make.

I think of the following story when I reflect on the conditioning of our minds, behaviors, and the burdens we carry that limit our freedom:

“A young monk who was seeking “freedom” searched far and wide throughout all of Asia.  He traveled from India, to Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam in search of the one who was free.  In every country, he would ask the villagers if they knew of this being. Alas, many had heard of him, but none were sure of where to find him. Finally, near the end of his journey the young monk heard of an old man who lived up on the mountain who might be the one he was seeking.  So with what energy he had left he started his trek up the slope.  Nearly half way up he noticed, as though in a dream, an old man walking toward him with an enormous bundle slung over his shoulder.  As he approached the man he asked, “excuse me, but are you the enlightened one?”  The old man replied, “I don’t think so.”  “Then are you the one who is free, free of all suffering?” he queried.  “No, I don’t believe that I am.”  “Then are you the Buddha?” he demanded.  “No,” replied the old man.  “Then what are you?” the young monk pleaded.  With this question the old man dropped his burden and replied; “I am awake.” As the younger man stood watching, the old man picked up his enormous bundle and continued down the mountain.” -As told by Timothy Dukes, September 2004