Z
The discourse presented here is an attempt to reveal some insights regarding life, its apparent problems, the metaphysical world, and the True Self. The words I use to convey my message may seem simplistic and not particularly original to some, but the point is not originality; it is the simple timeless message itself.
The whole idea of religion and philosophy is to ultimately bring about a sense of peace, or to bring one to the realization of God, but, ironically, discussions thereof tend to ignite arguments and create divisiveness. So if one is to attempt to shed light on the problems of existence then one must choose words carefully.
Words are easy to misinterpret and they can’t always clearly convey the message that one wishes to express. Life is mysterious and, as such, seemingly mysterious words need to be used in an attempt to explain its perplexities. I apologize for the repetition on some points. Many of these subjects need to be repeated, and often, in order to stress their importance. It has never been my intention to sound preachy or didactic.
Moreover, I’ve never wanted to give anyone the impression that I have the lowdown on matters of the spirit or that I possess any knowledge beyond that which is truly in everyone. If I can spark an interest, offer a glimpse of the truth, raise questions, or initiate a discussion (rather than an argument), then maybe that is enough.
Life is dynamic. Words and names are static. They are used as tools, so to speak, to define or describe that which is, but they fall pitifully short in that regard. To put a static label on something that is constantly changing is to deny its true nature.
Gurus, mystics, spiritualists, and the like must use words in their attempts to reveal Truth or God to their readers and listeners. But words can only represent the Ultimate Reality or Truth. They can never, ever reveal it; just as they can never truly describe the ever changing you.
So in the end, it doesn’t really matter what words or language are used to describe a particular person, thing or event. Those words are not that which they describe. We should have no delusions that they are an apt characterization of the True Self.
Many of us seek an answer to the mystery of life; an ultimate goal. Unfortunately, that search will bear no fruit. The seeker and that which is being sought are one and the same. We seek God, perfect wisdom and wholeness without realizing that we are already one with God, perfect, and whole. There is no goal to be reached but, rather, a realization needs to take place.
The search for spiritual fulfilment is part of a great drama presented by the One, as is the result of that search: the state of “enlightenment”. However, this great drama called Life is not being “presented” to anyone outside of the One. We, as individuals, do not exist. That is an illusion created by dualistic thought. You can’t separate yourself from the Whole. The world and your environment are as much a part of you as is your heart or your brain. If you don’t believe me, just try living on the Moon (that is without artificially recreating an Earthlike environment).
So we are a part of the Earth. The Earth is part of the Solar System, which is part of the Milky Way galaxy, which is part of the Universe. We exist because the Universe does, and the Universe exists because we do. It is mutual. In fact, it is One.
What is referred to as “enlightenment” is that realization wherein this illusion of ego and a world of separate individuals and things vanishes. It cannot be “attained” by seeking, as it is the seeker (the ego-image) that must vanish.
If it’s spiritual enlightenment you're after, you won’t likely find it through your meetings with a “spiritual coach” or through some “enlightenment seminar”. If you are promised as much, then those making the promise should be treated with skepticism. They may not be the enlightened beings they claim to be (and they may have an ulterior motive; namely, the acquisition of some of your hard-earned cash).
A so-called enlightened person is not likely to refer to himself as such (i.e., an enlightened individual) to the exclusion of all others. The answers you seek are all within you at this moment and a true guru will urge you to look inward for your True Self. To quote an old Zen story:
"The student Doken was told to go on a long journey to another monastery. He was much upset, because he felt that this trip would interrupt his studies for many months. So he said to his friend, the advanced student Sogen: 'Please ask permission to come with me on the trip. There are so many things I do not know; but if you come along we can discuss them - in this way I can learn as we travel.'
'All right,' said Sogen. 'But let me ask you a question: If you are hungry, what satisfaction to you if I eat rice? If your feet are lame, what comfort to you if I go on merrily? If your bladder is full, what relief to you if I piss?”
Think about the sights, sounds, textures, smells, and tastes that are all a part of your being. It’s Life experiencing itself through a body — “your” body. It can’t be explained. It needs no explanation.
For over 30 years I have studied countless words about matters of the spirit — books, essays, theories, and texts. In that sense I have been a “student” of spirituality, philosophy and metaphysics for more than half my years. In the past 4 or 5 years, I have published my own thoughts on these subjects on this blog and on other sites.
At this point, I feel I’ve said all that I wanted to say with regards to this dream-like existence, this spiritual realm, this life.
I may pop in again from time to time, or I may not. I might start another blog of a similar nature, or write about something completely different. It doesn’t matter. Silence is more powerful than words.
And so, with that in mind, I bow out in silence.
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