Real Joy

We live in confusion, and have a gross misunderstanding of everything, often with a false security that makes us feel vulnerable and unstable. For some, this is totally unsatisfactory.

We look for something better, and spend time in spiritual or philosophical groups, trying to fit into a culture where people have developed (sorry to say) an attitude lacking true confidence and joy.

So where is the real joy? Once we get the gist of a teaching or method about anything, we then need to test it personally under all conditions, rather than just going along for the ride with others driving the bus.

Dropping all attachment to groups and teachers, we find we are living the Buddha’s advice – ‘Do not take my words for the truth; test them for yourself’. This is genuine, raw, uncomfortable experience 🙂 and we don’t get that in a monastery, or in any kind of groupthink.

Having dropped all the old hopes, fears, anger and confusion, they will all come back. The theory was merely a temporary antidote; emotions don’t just go away.
They’re what we actually have to work with!

This spark of brilliant, uncomfortable rawness
is the light of wisdom illuminating consciousness.

These moments are alive.
That is real joy.

We are no longer what we were;
we are now full, vibrant experience.

Does this make us nicer people? That depends on what we call ‘nice’ 🙂 and on what we think compassion is.

The joy of this realisation is so great that, even if reincarnation isn’t our reality, life is now worthwhile, enriching and supramundane. This joy comes with a great deal of sadness, as anywhere we go in the world, we see confusion, insecurity and anger.

Our path to enlightenment starts with the recognition of the suffering of others.