Expert: Joe McSorley - 5/22/2005

Question
Hi Joe!

What do you think about this: "Those who are possessed by nothing possess everything" I think it means that when we lose attachement to everything than we gain everything, i think it's similar to this quotation "It's only after we've lost everything that we're free to do anything"
But what does it mean, according to you, "to be possessed by nothing" and "lose everything"? I think it doesn't mean to lose your job, for example, and do nothing.

thanks!

Answer
Hi Luke,
  Yes, you are pretty much on the mark here. I am glad you applied yourself to the question.  It has a bit of a deeper meaning too.  To ‘lose everything' does not mean to lose possessions or objects but to lose the attachment to your idea of self.  When you lose your attachment to your own viewpoint, ego and self as apart from other, you gain a universal perspective.  So to be free of self is to gain the universe and to see things in their entirety.    When freed like this you move about unfettered by fear or anxiety and can live life to the fullest.
  Take care,
         Joe