Chapter 65: The prior or prioress of the monastery (paragraph 1)
There have been instances when some of these officials have conceived out of an evil spirit of self-importance that they also are superiors and for that reasons have assumed the powers of a tyrant, so that they encourage scandalous divisions in the community. (From para. 1 of Ch. 65 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)
There have been instances where my ego has conceived out of an evil spirit of self-importance that it is my superior and for that reason assumes the powers of a tyrant, encouraging scandalous divisions in myself and my relationships.
The abbot must take care “ . . . lest the flame of envy or jealousy be kindled in his soul.” Sadness at the success of another: that’s envy. And the consumer culture around me promotes it, as it promotes desire for better, tastier, prettier things. Meeting you in meditation twice a day reminds me of your opposite message: just as I am, your little child, I am enough, I do enough, I am enough.
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