Why do I do what I do?
Why do I spend my time developing, devising, and teaching people methods to “attain” that which is already present?
I often ask myself this question. The entire premise seems ridiculous when viewed as I just described it. And “What is he talking about,” you may ask.
The term for it that is often kicked around is “enlightenment.” This word conjures up images of half-naked sages in mountain caves, or wise ones in flowing robes, and a whole litany of associated notions. Just for the record, the outward appearance and the actual state itself are not related – at all.
If you come across a half-naked sage throwing dust on his head, or a man or woman in a saffron-colored robe with a bald head, or a person in some other form of “priestly” attire, or a very spiritual tile, you are looking at an advertisement.
I do not mean that to be taken in the often negative connotation of capitalist commercialism, (though that may sometimes be the case). What I mean is that these people are outwardly presenting the fact that they have a story to tell – specifically, about how they “discovered” what was never missing, how it changed their experience of life in a positive way, and maybe how what they learned could help you, too.
Personally, I find myself less and less interested in the idea of “enlightenment” when it comes to sharing and teaching. I AM enlightened…and so are you. The very moment that we take the position of wishing to attain the state, we “lose” it: You get caught in the trap of looking for something that isn’t missing. But there is a challenge. Although you are enlightened, that fact may very well be hidden from you from the master of illusion – your brain.
This is what ALL of the teachings about “enlightenment,” or finding true and lasting deep peace, or being the embodiment of compassion, and so forth, are designed to address. We need a method of “getting around” our brain and selfish egos – and they play AMAZING defense.
You see, if you aren’t worried about anything, and have no expectations, no fear of death or rejection, and move through life without a care – totally at peace with the ebb and flow of existence – well, your ego does not like that at all.
I can recall when I first “realized” a glimpse of this state. The very first, (and immediate), words that arose in my mind were, “I have to re-think everything about my life now!” And that was quickly followed by a panicked, “You can’t do this!”
What is your brain going to do if you aren’t worrying – if you aren’t thinking everything to death? How can you relate to anyone or anything if the precious “identity” that you have worked so hard to build is no longer valid? What happens when you “die” to self, (as Jesus, Buddha, and practically every other spiritual giant has taught us we must do in order to see God)? I have the answer to those questions: nothing changes except your perspective. All of your interactions are filled with…peace…and Divine love…and compassion.
So, I teach methods to manage that tricky “end-around” play against a stubborn and relentless defense. And I do this in an effort to end the mental suffering and anguish that so many put themselves through every day. And your realization of that dynamic peace will spread like wildfire into every nook and cranny of your existence.
There is nothing to attain – but that “nothing” is hidden from many. My desire is to bring the light into those shadows, and to watch every sentient being break their self-imposed chains and fly free.
Many Blessings To All…
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