Some sample teachings.
Once you have chosen to seek something more: to learn to inquire within, to meditate, to follow some path or to dedicate yourself completely to the pursuit of Self Realization, it is time to ask yourself a couple of questions.
The first question is really quite simple. Ask yourself, “What Do I Want?”
Now, pause for a moment. Don’t consider whether what you want is realistic, what those in your life want or want for you, whether what you want will be approved of by others, or even if what you choose will be considered “good” or “bad.” Simply ask yourself what, in your heart of hearts, do you truly want?
Do not make this a question about something material : money, a great vacation, a new car or a fleeting obsession. Rather, this is a question about your life and how you want to live it. What’s next for you? One person wants to have a spouse, kids, and a decent job. Marvelous. Perhaps another wants to be famous or make their mark on the world. Wonderful. Some want to devote their lives to helping others. Great. Others feel drawn to learn how to meditate, to how be mindful. Outstanding. And, there are those who are drawn to dedicate themselves to the spiritual path. Splendid. All of these diverse choices are equally fine, if they are what you truly want, if they are what you choose.
At this point it is worth noting that some may question why a book about the spiritual path is suggesting you focus on your desires. The answer is that attractions and aversions are part of life in the phenomenal world. Your desires and fears will have an effect as long as you are attached to an egoic identity. Until that identification ceases you should strive to align your desires with what is best for you, in other words with your truth and, as well as with your path. Not someone else’s truth, just yours. So, back to what you want.
If you can’t quite seem to put what you want into words, or simply don’t know, don’t worry. It can sometimes take a while before you allow yourself to see what you really want. A good amount of a person’s life can be spent doing what others want or what they think is best for them, and this is not always a bad thing. But because of external influences just the concept that this choice can be made wholly on your own without Copyright SV Wilson 2023 the input or judgment of others takes a while for some to digest. Know that in order to find true peace and happiness, at some point, you have to choose the course of your own path in life. Having a clear idea of what you want can also be hard when your life is in transition, when you are in between stages. While you may feel you want something different, and perhaps sense change is needed or is on its way, exactly how it will manifest might not have made itself known to you yet. This is normal. Be patient and in time the next right thing for you will be revealed.
When you have reached the point where you know what you want, have made your choice and are ready to dive in, ask yourself the second question, “What Am I Willing To Do To Get It?”
You want to be more successful in your field of work, to make more money. Okay, are you willing to put in the extra hours, sacrifice some weekends and do whatever is necessary to make this a reality? You want to go to college or to graduate school. Will you dedicate years of your life and give up numerous nights out, so you can keep up with the coursework and endure the competition for the limited number of places in your chosen program? You want to be more mindful, to be less stressed. Are you willing to put in the required effort to accomplish this, acknowledging that lasting change takes time and dedication? You want to learn to meditate, to find some peace in your life. Are you willing to show up for yourself on a regular basis, understanding that you are not going to master this overnight? You say want to follow the spiritual path and to strive for Self-Realization? Are you willing to devote your whole self to your path, to possibly give up things to which you are strongly attached, to spend each day living a dedicated and examined life?
None of what is written here is meant to discourage you or keep you from your goal. It is actually quite the opposite. Like a good friend, this chapter is meant to tell you the whole truth, give you the complete picture, so you won’t be unpleasantly surprised down the road. Sugarcoating the truth of a matter is not an approach that leads to a favorable result. Before you embark on an endeavor it is better to first acquire some idea of what your journey will be like, what you can expect. Just understand that it will take some dedication, effort, and time to get what you want from your path. Then, fully informed, you can start to make the necessary adjustments in yourself and in your life, so that in the end you will be better able to achieve your goal.
People are drawn to the spiritual path for a variety of reasons. Some look for a teacher because they’re confused by life or interested in its meaning. Some join a group because they enjoy the sense of community. Some study for philosophical or intellectual reasons. Some don’t know why they pursue it, but they are nonetheless intuitively drawn to the teachings, or to a teacher or to a group. Some of those who come to the path say they seek Self Realization, Truth, Enlightenment. All of these are wonderful reasons to come and study, however deeply, for however long. What is important is to look within and determine what you really want from your path, and whether you are willing, or can become willing, to do what is required to obtain that.
There are those who study spirituality and find themselves frustrated or unhappy with themselves, their teacher or their path. This is often because they have not considered the questions above, or have not answered them completely, or honestly. Thus, they approach the teachings and their path with unrealistic expectations. When the results they experience are less than what they feel was promised, frustration, anger and sadness can arise. It is important to understand that feelings like these are not inherently bad. The feelings are trying to communicate something, to make you aware. If you immediately look to blame others for what you are feeling, or do the opposite and put all the blame on yourself, becoming hypercritical about your every fault and perceived mistake, you will miss the precious lesson life is offering you.
Frustration and a perceived lack of progress can be encountered in any endeavor. They frequently arise when you challenge yourself. Yet, there are times when the frustration experienced and the lack of progress can mean you have to adjust your expectations. Or you have not yet found the right teacher or the right path for you. Or a path that was right no longer is and you are being guided to move on. Or you may come to realize that you have to become more willing to change, to grow, to let go of beliefs that no longer benefit you.
Take the time to look deeply, lovingly inside yourself. With great sincerity and a willingness to openly accept whatever you find, ask yourself what you want. Have a pen and a blank notebook handy and write down whatever arises, without judgement. When you are done, review what you have and ask yourself what you think it will take for you to achieve these things. Then with great sincerity inquire if you are willing to do that. Know whatever “that” is does not need to be done now, or all at once, and it does not need to be done solely on your own. See what things in your life, or on your path, need to be changed, adjusted, abandoned, added or developed to enable you to reach your goal. When you are finished with this exercise you will, at the very least, know yourself a little better. And coming to know yourself is essential to spiritual progress.
Finally, realize that this is what you want and what you are willing to do at this time. As you progress along the path and in life, these things can change. You do not have to be absolutely sure you want Self Realization in order to walk the path. You do not have to be utterly willing to do whatever it takes in order to progress spiritually. Just learn more about who you are and the journey will be more fulfilling and more satisfying. And, as you accept who are, and stop consciously or subconsciously pretending to be someone or something you are not, you will begin to find peace, with yourself and with others. As you experience more peace and stillness, you will start to feel you are willing to do more and more to discover the source of that peace. In the end that can lead you to find the abiding peace that is your eternal nature.
As you progress, some teachings or parts of the path can seem beyond your understanding or difficult to integrate into your practice. When this is experienced don’t allow yourself to become frustrated. Continue to apply yourself and as you mature, your ability to discriminate will develop and your understanding will deepen. Nevertheless, remember, a great deal of what you need on your path is contained in what you are taught as a beginner.
Be honest with yourself, and always be respectful of and kind to others. Seek to be of service when you can. Maintain a beginners mind and strive to develop humility: never assume that you are above or below anyone else. Be grateful for the freedom and opportunity that allow you to pursue realization, and for all of the teachings and guidance you have received. Apply yourself and strive for consistency and you will progress. Remember that you do not need to do this alone, so don’t be afraid to ask for help or support when you need it. Stay open and willing, but trust your heart and never do anything you do not feel is right for you. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – it is part of how you learn. It’s normal to get frustrated or to sometimes feel like you are moving away from rather than closer to your goal. Many go through periods like this. Never give up, particularly on yourself, and eventually you will succeed.
Some of of the things listed here can be described as common sense. Do not get swept up in dreams of fantastic, mystical experiences, or look for someone to save you or to magically take all of your problems away. Stay grounded and learn to trust in yourself and your practice and in time you will develop a keen sense of discrimination that will be your guide.
The path is, in the end, infinitely simple: Be Still. Now, this does not mean the path is easy. It does mean that whether you experience progress or setbacks, as well as whatever else life and your path put in front of you, do not forget the simple truth that you are now and always have been free. This grand, mysterious realization that is sought like some mythical treasure is in fact your very nature.
So much work, so much time to realize you already are that which you seek. Is this time and effort wasted? Absolutely not. Each person will return to the truth of the Self in their own particular way, at their own particular time. So the path, however it manifests, is followed and one does whatever practices are necessary for them to reach a place where they can realize the Self.
However, because it may appear as if you are blocked from realization in this moment, do not forget the simple fact of your true nature. When you are confused, lack clarity, or get frustrated or overwhelmed with the path or with life, take a step back. Stop for a moment, take a deep breath and relax. Stop the trying, the analyzing, the judging, the wishing for, the struggling against. Turn within, be still and you will find peace. This is why when you first stop and feel that initial glimmer of stillness it is so engaging. You are experiencing a sense of your true self, your own truth. A yearning then arises to realize this truth and make this part of your everyday experience. This is all a very simple thing, do not allow yourself to make it complicated. This stillness, this peace, is yours. So when you start to experience some measure of this, allow it to inspire you and guide you to do what you must in your practice and in your life to ensure that you reach the point where you can realize it in each and every moment as your very own. Always remember.
Simply Be Still.