Bible Parables S1E10: The Pharisee And The Tax Collector

This is a live session recording where we delve into the timeless wisdom of The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector and its practical application in our daily lives. This session is part of an ongoing series where we explore how biblical teachings can guide us in living fulfilling lives.
In this session, we will explore the deeper meaning behind the parable and offer practical insights for bringing more compassion and connection into our daily lives.

This session includes a guided reflective meditation which will gently lead you through a journey of inner reflection and healing.

Come prepared to reflect on your own journey, engage with thought-provoking ideas, and leave inspired to create a life filled with purpose and abundance. This session is welcoming to all, regardless of religious background or familiarity with the Bible.

Transcript

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector Also he spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others.

Two men went up to the temple to pray.

One a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself.

God I thank you that I am not like other men,

Extortioners,

Unjust,

Adulterers or even as this tax collector.

I fast twice a week.

I give teeths of all that I possess.

And the tax collector standing far off would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast saying,

God be merciful to me a sinner.

I tell you this man went down to his house justified rather than the other.

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

So this parable it's quite a straightforward parable and it illustrates the importance of humility and the dangers so to speak of self-righteousness.

And the message that Jesus is trying to put across is that true justification comes from a humble heart.

So going into the parable line by line.

Two men went up to the temple to pray.

One a Pharisee the other a tax collector.

And here we see two contrasting figures.

We have the Pharisee who is respected for his adherence to the law.

And then we have a tax collector who is often despised in society because of his association with corrupt practices.

This introduction it symbolizes two types of spiritual paths or two states of mind.

There's one path that assumes righteousness and superiority.

There's another path that is humble that recognizes its own imperfections.

In our daily life.

This invites us to reflect are we sometimes the Pharisee,

Confident,

Overconfident in our own perceived goodness or can we humbly accept that we are always growing and always learning.

And both these roles they do show up in our daily lives.

There are some areas there are some things that we can be quite stuck on.

We can go by the attitude that my way or the highway.

And sometimes we can close our eyes we can close our ears to the perspectives of others.

Living in that assumption that the way we think what we do or the way we behave is right.

And at times we can also be humble.

We can be willing to accept that we are always growing that we are always learning that we don't know everything that there may be other perspectives out there.

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself God I thank you that I am not like the other men extortioners unjust adulterers or even as this tax collector.

I fast twice a week.

I give teeths of all that I possess.

And this Pharisee's prayer the Pharisee's prayer it's it's like a litany of his virtues.

But it's built more on comparison it's built more on judgment.

He's seeing himself as better than others.

And he's listing his good deeds to affirm his model superiority over others.

In our lives we can fall into this pattern.

We can fall into this pattern either consciously or it can also happen unconsciously.

Where we compare ourselves to others and we use our achievements our accomplishments to measure our self-worth to measure our worth.

But in true spiritual practice we are asked to look inward.

And if we need to measure ourselves we should be measuring ourselves by our own growth by our own compassion and not by the flaws that we perceive in others.

So each time every time we notice ourselves judging others or seeking validation through our deeds we can pause and we can ask ourselves are we or am I using this moment to grow in love and understanding.

And the tax collector standing far off would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast saying God be merciful to me a sinner.

And the tax collector embodies humility.

He is you could say in a way he is like an enlightened person who is fully aware of his own flaws and shortcomings.

And he approaches the divine with an open heart asking only for mercy and forgiveness.

His posture head down hands on his chest.

This is very symbolic of humility of vulnerability of genuine repentance.

In our daily lives in our daily practice this reminds us that growth often begins with the softening of the heart.

A willingness to acknowledge our own shadows and shortcomings instead of defensively justifying ourselves or instead of seeking approval we can courageously admit our mistakes.

We can ask for strength to change.

And this is a very it's a very common or very inherent of human nature is not being able to admit our mistakes.

Not being able to admit our mistakes and sometimes when we are called out we start to behave defensively.

So in humility we are encouraged to admit our mistakes to admit our mistakes with courage because it takes courage to admit our mistakes.

It takes courage to say that we were not right.

And once that's done all that's required is having that willingness to change.

And then also sometimes or many a times many a times we we have the shadow part of ourselves right.

The part that we are ashamed of the part that we hide from other people and we we despise the shadow.

We do not want this shadow part of ourselves to see the light.

But we should be open to acknowledging that the shadow is inherently a part of us.

And it's only when we acknowledge the shadow and bring it to light that we can actually work on what the shadow represents to us.

I tell you this man went down to his house justified rather than the other.

And Jesus reveals here that it is the tax collector and not the Pharisee who is justified.

And this is a radical reversal.

As if you look at the Pharisee and you look at the tax collector when you look at them from the outside the outward appearances would suggest that the Pharisee is more worthy.

But we need to remember that it is not our outer achievements.

It is not our status that brings us closer to divine wisdom.

But it's about how open we are how honest we are how humble we are.

And in our daily lives this teaches us that acceptance and growth come when we are willing to be truthful with ourselves.

It comes when we are willing to embrace our imperfections as part of the journey.

When we can be honest when we can be compassionate when we can be forgiving with ourselves we automatically become more compassionate more honest and more forgiving towards others.

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

And this closing line is kind of a universal spiritual truth.

Because when we place ourselves on a pedestal when we stand on top looking down at others we automatically close ourselves from growth.

Because we become blind to our own imperfections.

But when we approach life with humility when we open the door to wisdom to compassion to true spiritual elevation that's when we actually open ourselves to growth.

So in everyday life this means embracing a stance of humility be it in our relationships be it in the work that we are doing be it in our careers be it in how we behave towards others be it in our thoughts rather than seeking superiority rather than seeking validation we can find ways we can grow in kindness we can find ways where we can listen more deeply and we can keep reminding ourselves that we are all on the same journey of becoming.

So how do I apply this parable into my day-to-day living?

Firstly the theme that comes out is practice non-comparison.

Try to become aware try to notice when you're tempted to compare yourself with others.

The way our society is built the way our societal structures are built the way we have been conditioned is we use comparison as a way of measuring our self-worth.

If you start to think back you will notice that this conditioning has been forced on us since childhood where we are comparing our or where our parents would generally compare our academic performances to those of others.

So firstly try to practice non-comparison whenever you find yourself comparing try to shift your focus inward and you can ask yourself whether you're growing compared to who you were the previous week or the previous month or the previous year.

That would be a true benchmark of comparison if you're looking to grow spiritually.

Secondly be open to self-acceptance.

Like the tax collector his prayer was simply to be seen and loved despite his imperfections.

So start can we start by practicing to accept ourselves as we are today without judgment.

Because sometimes it takes honesty to accept who we are but once we are able to accept our imperfections that's when we can actually start to pursue inner growth.

Thirdly try to seek inner validation over external validation.

Focus on being rather than proving.

Sometimes we want to do things and sometimes we do things just to show off to the world what we have done.

Simply to show off to the world what we have done.

But it's kind of about realizing that there's nothing to prove to anyone else.

What we should be focusing on is transforming internally because when we transform internally when we are on this journey of internal transformation people automatically take notice.

It automatically gets noticed.

We really don't have to go about proving anything to anyone.

So we can let our spiritual practice be a quiet journey.

Be a humble journey.

Be a journey of self-transformation rather than a display for others.

Also a good practice is to cultivate humility through gratitude.

A good way of doing this is reminding yourself every day that every person you encounter is a mirror.

Every person you encounter is a mirror showing you ways to grow in love,

Showing you ways to grow in patience,

Showing you ways to grow in humility and gratitude can keep us grounded in this humility.

And finally let humility guide your actions.

In every interaction with everyone you meet try to remember that we are all interconnected.

All of us have that divine spark within us and every moment,

Every interaction that we have is an opportunity that we have been given to extend love,

To show understanding,

To show respect not as someone who is better than the other but as a person,

As a human and who is also learning,

Growing and evolving.

The fantasy and the tax collector.

And it's so important,

I mean the interpretation is so important.

It's not about heaven and hell,

It never was about heaven and hell.

It is not about a sin and it's not about a God,

It's not about someone sitting up there who is out to get you or is out to punish you.

The way I look at these parables and the way I look at everything that's happening in the Bible is it's all happening within our own human dimension.

It's all happening within our mind.

I am the fantasy and I am the tax collector and I am also the temple and sometimes or maybe there was a time in my life where I was the fantasy.

And realizing that this is how I am behaving,

I went on this journey of growth and I got to the level of being like the tax collector.

And essentially my work does not end there because yes,

In a way we look at the fantasy and it's all about outward appearance.

I am doing this and I am doing that and I am doing this and we can do all these things on the outside.

But if we are not honest to ourselves,

If we are not accepting of ourselves,

If we are not loving towards ourselves,

If we are not compassionate towards ourselves,

If we are not committed to continuous growth,

Then we will always remain like the fantasy.

We will go around telling the world that I am so great because I have a PhD or because I am a yoga teacher or because I sit for three hours meditating or because I have written a book or because I have run a marathon.

And then sometimes I can be like the tax collector.

We do all these things that are not morally right.

I would not say wrong.

I would say that are not morally right or that are not socially acceptable.

And then I express remorse for it.

I express remorse for my behavior.

For example,

If I come home every day and then I start arguing with my spouse over every little thing and at the end of the day,

I apologize.

I apologize to her,

I express my remorse to her and I apologize.

Does that make me a good person or does that signify spiritual growth?

Well,

That depends because things can go two ways from here.

One way is I apologize,

But then I come home the next day and I do the same thing again.

Or this is the experience that happened.

This was the way I behaved.

And now I have realized that what I have done is not right or is not acceptable or is not accepted in that situation.

I understand what I have done.

I express remorse and going forward,

I don't do that again.

I don't behave in that same way again.

So at the same time,

Although I stop behaving like the pharisee and in a way move towards behaving like the tax collector who is owning who he is,

My spiritual growth should take me forward into not simply expressing remorse,

But being willing,

Being open to change who I am.

So we will go now into a guided reflective meditation.

And the meditation is based on the parable.

So if you're sitting,

Sink into your chair.

If you're sleeping,

Simply feel the surface,

Feel your bed or your yoga mat supporting you.

If you're walking around,

That's perfectly fine.

Take a moment to simply let go of any tension in your body.

Let go of anything that's consuming your mind,

Anything that you're holding on to.

And if it is safe to do so,

You can close your eyes and set an intention to connect with your inner self,

An intention to invite humility,

Acceptance and love into this space.

Bring your focus to your breath.

Breathe in slowly,

Filling your lungs with a sense of peace.

And then breathe out,

Releasing any tension or concerns.

With each inhale,

Feel a sense of quiet and calm entering your body.

And with each exhale,

Let go of any need to prove yourself or to hold on to any judgment.

Allow yourself to sink into this gentle rhythm,

Feeling grounded,

Feeling present.

Now imagine that you are approaching a beautiful,

Sacred temple.

This temple represents your inner sanctuary,

A place of wisdom,

A place of love,

A place of divine connection.

As you enter the temple,

Notice how calm,

How safe it feels here.

Feel the presence of the divine all around you.

This is a space of deep acceptance.

This is a space filled with unconditional love.

Take a moment to feel gratitude for being here,

Gratitude for being in this sacred space with yourself.

Now in this space of calm,

Visualize two figures standing in front of you.

One represents the Pharisee and the other the tax collector.

These figures are not separate from you.

They are parts of your own consciousness.

They reflect different attitudes of mind.

First turn to the Pharisee within.

Notice if there are any feelings of pride,

Judgment or self-righteousness.

This part,

The part of the Pharisee may be focused on proving itself through actions,

Through appearances or the opinions of others without judgment.

Simply observe.

Ask this part of yourself.

What are you holding on to?

What need or fear lies beneath your desire to appear perfect or to appear righteous?

Listen quietly,

Allowing any feelings to surface.

With each breath,

Gently release any judgment.

Release any need for external validation that this part might hold.

Imagine this part of you softening,

Becoming open to compassion,

Becoming open to humility.

Now turn your attention to the figure of the tax collector within.

This part of you is aware of its imperfections and is open to transformation.

This part of you approaches the divine with humility,

Recognizing the need for love,

The need for guidance,

The need for healing.

Place your hand on your heart and feel yourself align with this part of your inner self.

The part that is honest,

Vulnerable and open.

And say to yourself quietly,

I am open to growth.

I am here to connect with my true self and to release anything that no longer serves me.

Feel the gentle strength in this humility.

Allow yourself to rest in the openness and sincerity of this moment.

Let go of any need to prove and instead simply be present as you are.

With a heart open to love and transformation.

Now imagine a warm healing light filling the temple.

This light represents divine love,

Compassion and grace flowing into every part of you.

As this light touches the pharisee within,

See it dissolve any judgments,

Any need to prove or compare.

Allow this part of you to feel fully accepted,

Loved and forgiven.

And as the light touches the tax collector within,

Feel a sense of peace and wholeness.

This part of you is now uplifted,

Receiving divine grace and a deep sense of worthiness.

You are loved,

You are whole just as you are.

And allow this healing light to fill every corner of your being.

Washing away any remnants of self-doubt,

Self-judgment or comparison.

You are aligned with your true self,

Resting in the peace of the divine within.

And now take a moment to affirm this unity within you.

Say to yourself,

I am whole just as I am.

I release all judgment and comparison.

I am aligned with the divine within,

Open to love,

Wisdom and transformation.

And feel this truth settle into your heart,

Filling you with a sense of calm,

A sense of peace.

Take a deep breath in.

And as you exhale,

Feel gratitude for this moment of inner connection,

For this moment of acceptance.

Know that you carry this peace with you wherever you go.

When you feel ready,

Bring your awareness back to your surroundings.

Wiggle your fingers and toes.

As you do this,

Feel grounded,

Feel present.

Take one more deep breath.

And as you exhale,

Smile softly.

Smile softly acknowledging the work you've done here today.

And when you're ready,

Open your eyes.

Carrying a sense of humility,

Compassion and inner peace with you as you go on this journey.

So like I always highlight in my sessions that it's one thing to attend a session,

Or to listen to a podcast,

Or to read a book.

But the magic,

The transformation happens when we start putting things into action.

The thing about action is that we don't need to make any grand gestures.

We can take small steps.

Whatever small step you're comfortable with,

You can take that small step today.

So based on the parable,

Based on the interpretation,

Based on the meditation,

What can you start to include in your life?

And sometimes doing good can also mean taking some time out to indulge in self-care.

That is also doing good,

Especially if we are neglecting our self-care.

So some suggested calls to action.

Daily self-reflection.

Because it is when we take the time for self-reflection,

When we practice self-reflection,

This is where our discovery takes place.

This is where we start to become aware of who we are,

Of how we behave.

And awareness is the starting point of change.

So becoming aware of how we behave,

Simply by spending some time in self-reflection.

Either spending some time,

Five minutes in the morning,

Five minutes in the evening,

Reflecting on how you've conducted yourself during the day,

Or journaling.

Whatever you find comfortable with,

Or whatever you're comfortable with.

Secondly,

Cultivate compassion to yourself.

Compassionate self-acceptance.

Acknowledge that we are a work in progress.

And welcome every opportunity,

Every moment as an opportunity to grow.

Release judgment towards others.

And more importantly,

Release judgment towards yourself.

Because many a time,

We can be our own worst enemy.

We can be our own worst judge.

So release judgment towards others.

And very importantly,

Releasing judgment towards ourselves.

Aligning our actions with our inner authenticity.

Aligning our actions with our true inner self.

What happens when we do this?

We automatically stop looking on the outside for approval.

And finally,

Try to end each day with gratitude.

Or not of an ending each day.

Try to live with an attitude of gratitude.

So when it comes to incorporating a gratitude practice,

It's nice to have the gratitude list.

So sometimes,

Some people start their day with writing five items that they are grateful for.

Some people end their day with listing five items or ten items that they are grateful for.

But we can take this further by dropping the need for lists.

And living in an attitude of gratitude.

And simply throughout the day,

Whenever we become aware,

Whenever we bring ourselves to the awareness of everything that is around us,

Of the abundance that is around us,

We can simply go in our mind,

Thank you,

Thank you,

Thank you.

That's all that needs to be done.

Living in an attitude of gratitude.

Because sometimes when we are writing our lists,

Initially that exercise feels powerful.

But sometimes,

Just sometimes,

It can become a routine,

Like a box to be ticked.

So simply putting your hand on your heart and going,

Thank you,

Thank you,

Thank you.

And trying to experience that feeling of gratitude can take that experience to a higher level.

Thank you everyone for being here at today's event.

Love,

Light,

Blessings.

Namaste.