ReddyK – I agree completely! Spiritual practice isn’t a mechanical process – I think a passion or love for experiencing the Divine has to be part of the mix. I wonder though … in desire for God, isn’t there also attachment to achieving that experience? Can we become too attached to enlightenment and actually push that experience further away through desire?

I think maybe we have to practice meditation for the love of spiritual practice, without attachment to any specific outcome? I’d love to know what you think about desire and attachment when it comes to spiritual practice!

Blessings,
Andrea

A wise person once said, “The desire for God is the way to God.” If this is present, any method can work, though not all methods are equal. If it is absent, methods alone won’t do it. Fostering of desire for God, and the elimination of that which quenches that laudable desire, is the way to success, whatever the technique employed.

What are your thoughts, Andrea?

I would go so far as to say that there are absolutely no “true” or “false” beliefs. There are only beliefs that serve us. For example, if you believe that all real transformation must include suffering, then this perspective will shape the experiences you attract, and the belief will be “true.” Beliefs are self-affirming by their very nature. Like you say, there are no “wrong” paths anyway. We’re all just expressing our little piece of Truth, which is just as true as everyone else’s piece of Truth. And if we’re lucky, we get to share our little piece with others!

I think rather than asking “Is this belief true?” it is far more helpful to ask “Is this belief serving me right now?”

I agree that in the end, we are seeking an experience, not a theory. If we can “only” get there through meditation or not … I don’t know! I certainly meditate, but I must assume that there are lots of paths.

Keep the comments coming!
Blessings,
Andrea

Suffering or Pain (it is the same) is a result of resistance; resistance is what holds up this physical world.

Everyone got a piece of truth; the ultimate truth is not spoken. The ultimate Truth can be realized only through meditation, and not theorizing. Everyone is an expression of the universal source, which means there is no wrong path.

Enjoyed your article and readers’ comments Great Job!

There was a need to speak up, so I did.

Love
Svetlana

Thank you for responding! Yes, it is correct, whatever we believe is true (to us)!

The truth is, it is much more complicated then we think. If we sincerely believe that what we believe is true (as everyone does, of course), then we will not be inclined to look any deeper into the issue.

It suggests that we may have reasons for adopting beliefs that have nothing to do with the truth of those beliefs. What are those reasons? I’ll leave it up to you.

I didn’t mean “suffering” as in turning your life into suffering. I understand reaction of some people to my comment. We all want to be happy, right?

Happiness is not a feeling; it is a state of mind.

Desika – You are absolutely right – the ego can as much resist a spiritual technique as get attached to one. It takes much awareness to remain detached, even from aspirations of spiritual “advancement.” Thanks for bringing your perspective into this discussion!

Blessings,
Andrea

Nice article!

Certain spiritual techniques serve a definite purpose for the individual. Once the purpose of that technique has been fulfilled, it falls away. That is, you will not feel the need for that anymore. However, at this point the ego can act the opposite way. It will say things like, “You can’t stop doing the technique. If you do, it will be blasphemy against god or guru or so and so.” How will you know that the technique served its purpose? You have to question, “Does the technique come naturally as it used to? Does performing the technique now make me feel that I reached a plateau or that I should be doing more powerful? Or, does it creates a sense of dissatisfaction in me?” You have rethink. If the technique is trying to fall away by itself, then let it go, so that something new can come in and can help you further your spiritual development. If you don’t let go, then that will lead to suffering. This suffering could be a good lesson in “letting go” as well.

Additionally, there may come a time when you have to let go of your “physical” gurus (i.e. letting go of clinging to them) because you have reached a level of awareness that they cannot guide you anymore. A true teacher will know and tell you that. If you don’t let go, again you will suffer, because you are denying the freedom that is arising within you.

Ego is a double edged sword!

Thanks,
Desika

I’m going to read some of your other posts. Namaste.

One of the important things to remember is that we have absolute choice over our perspective, which shapes our experience. We have to find the one that serves us best. And for some, the idea of suffering may work really, really well! It’s not “wrong” or “right” – but we must consider that we have a choice, and constantly evaluate whether our choice of perspective is working for us or against us.

The exchange of perspectives is always valuable – it keeps us open to that evaluation process! Thank you, I really value your comments!

Blessings,
Andrea

I do think there are many ways in which people experience the conscious entrance into and continued participation in a spiritual practice. Certainly reading material written here can be included. Choosing to keep reading, keep opening and keeping open to ideas can be of great assistance.

It was my impression this evening as I scanned your article for the second time, you do offer a particular slice of what doing spiritual work can look like. I also think one of the overall ‘goals’ is balance, the balance that reveals the peace we all seek. I take the pieces you present, add it to what I already have integrated and continue to move along until I reach what is peaceful for me.

I guess what I’m trying to say is I neither agree nor disagree with your premise, for that is not the issue. There will be others who present a completely opposite view to yours. Seeing your focus and theirs is part of weighing what feels right for me. I put it all into my mix.

I also think, whenever I am moved to comment it is because you have provided something I needed, that we have somehow shared in a valuable exchange.

Cheers,
Anmol

Suzanne – “Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional” – I love it!!! You’re totally right – it’s how we react to the pain that determines whether we suffer – or not! Let’s not!

Mags – A physical ailment competition in the family, huh? I know that probably wasn’t funny when you were going through it, but the way you write about it now is hysterical! Glad you stuck with yoga, even though it didn’t come easily. I feel that way about several meditation practices … there was a lot of initial discomfort, but through discipline, the benefits were revealed in due time. Then again, sometimes all we get is more discomfort … hee hee.

Blessings,
Andrea