Finding Our Path

The word ‘path’ may come from the word ‘pathy‘ or ‘pathos‘, from Greek –pathēs ‘-sufferer’.

Our path to liberation and enlightenment is for us to realise the obstacles that prevent us from being released from ourconfusion, dissatisfaction and suffering. We are no longer caught up in the mind’s habitual responses to everything. So before we can empathise with the suffering of others, our path is to identify the cause of our confusion, dissatisfaction and suffering. Others must realise their own path; we can only help when we know our path, which may differ from theirs.

Our path isn’t about joining a group or religion, or following some philosophical treaty; those are merely supports and generalisations. Unfortunately, support turns into dependency and, from there, to competitiveness and oneupmanship—and even hostility towards outsiders. We see this everywhere.

That isn’t an all-encompassing path
It’s a brick wall.

Our path is the life we find ourselves in, when we recognise the self-image that we have adopted.

We’re conditioned to believe that some things are more important/valuable/productive than others, but what is actually important is seeing our reactions.

When we are with others, we pretend, putting on our act. We become zoned-out, and stop paying attention, not hearing or seeing what’s around us, but merely projecting learnt responses. On our own, we have to face reality.

The good news is that we only have to see and admit what we’re doing. It’s like a personal confession, and actually feels good, as we are no longer condemning ourself—or, incidentally, others. The practice cuts through the acquired façade. Never feel guilty, as everyone is putting on a show 🙂

Religions and groups don’t like being questioned; they want an obedient community, and use subtle techniques to keep people in line. Don’t rock the boat …

Our path is not an act.
It is a deep understanding of reality.

When we stop acting ‘spiritual’ and just be unconditionally aware,
maybe we will do no harm.

By training the mind to remain stable, we can be of benefit to others.
That is our path.