Spiritual Bootcamp!

 Our spiritual journey will have ups and downs. Some of us have a smooth journey, while for others it may be rough. Maybe if we have been brought up in a spiritual family, then our journey is one of refinement (or rebellion!). Maybe if we are brought up in a non-spiritual family, the journey is full of shocks (or a relief!). It’s all related to karma and intention.

 Either way, the ego is in for a hammering!

 Once we decide to find the truth, as opposed to just looking for the truth, we have to recognise how much we want to know. It stands to reason that we want to be happy and feel good about ourselves, but the truth may be uncomfortable. There is a connection between truth and happiness, but it all depends on whether it’s a relative truth-happiness, or the absolute truth-happiness. Feeling we want to know, and actually knowing, are not the same thing.

 If we really want to find the truth, then we have to be prepared for a shake-up. Having said that, ‘being prepared’ will not do at all! If we are prepared, we can then erect some sort of safety net to cushion the blow. However, most people I know proceed mindfully along in their spiritual life…but you can’t talk to them! They still want a nice samsara.

 It’s like practising anything: we have to immerse ourself totally in the experience, ‘the zone’. In spirituality, once that is found, it has to be given up – without losing warmth and kindness! To help us, we need more than books, or hearsay: we need a teacher. This teacher may come in many unexpected forms.

 Our levels of commitment to the path vary. I cannot blame anyone for wanting a slightly watered-down version, as stepping into the zone – and out of it – comes with much responsibility. And, as a teacher once said to me, “It’s not easy being honest with students.” That’s compassion for you!

 Speaking personally, my path has been intense: I’ve had questions throughout my life that have been quite overwhelming. There have been many shocks – quite devastating shocks. Obstacles may be placed in our path, but also, obstacles may be removed! There is much gut-wrenching involved – and also, much relief. I’m sure many couples have had problems when one follows a spiritual path, and the other does not…

 I mentioned before about having been kicked out by a Indian Guru for going to see a Tibetan lama. What I haven’t mentioned is that, after eleven years with that lama…he kicked me out as well! That’s compassion for you!

Whatever comes our way is karma,

ready to be exhausted.

If we do not react, everything to opens up:

Heart, Mind and Guts!

Precisely because we experience spiritual bootcamp,

we can empathise and be compassionate to all.

May peace and peace and peace be everywhere.