Monday, April 29, 2013
Enlightenment at Home
Today's DailyOM brought to you by:
http://www.dailyom.com/cgi-bin/display/adspolink.cgi?iid=123&aid=9579
April 29, 2013
Enlightenment at Home
Right Where We Are
by Madisyn Taylor
Not everyone will feel the need to travel afar to become enlightened as that can happen right where you are.
Many spiritual seekers feel called to far-flung places across the globe in the interest of pursuing the path of their enlightenment. This may indeed be the right course of action for certain people, but it is by no means necessary to attaining an enlightened consciousness. Enlightenment can take root anywhere on earth, as long as the seeker is an open and ready vessel for higher consciousness. All we need is a powerful intention, and a willingness to do the work necessary to moving forward on our path.
In terms of spiritual practice, at this moment, there are more tools available to more people than at any other time in history. We have access to so much wisdom through the vehicles of books, magazines, the Internet, television, and film. In addition, the time-honored practice of meditation is free, and sitting quietly everyday, listening to the universe, is a great way to start the journey within. There is further inspiration in the fact that the greatest teachers we have are our own life experiences, and they come to us every day with new lessons and new opportunities to learn. If we look at the people around us, we may realize that we have a spiritual community already intact, and if we don‚t, we can find one, if not in our own neighborhood, then on-line.
Meanwhile, if we feel called to travel in search of teachers and experiences, then by all means, we should. But if we can‚t go to India, or Burma, or Indonesia, or if we don‚t have the desire, this is not an obstacle in terms of our spiritual development. In fact, we may simply be aware that our time and energy is best spent in our own homes, with our meditation practice and all the complications and joys of our own lives. We can confidently stay in one place, knowing that everything that we need to attain enlightenment is always available right where we are.
(from Daily Om)
I love this discussion by Madisyn Taylor. I agree with her fully. Many went to India, and I am not sure how many came back enlightened. It is easy to get distracted on the way--by the costumes and robes, the bells and the incense, the seemingly infallible gurus who claim to offer instant ancient wisdom to all who seek.
None of this paraphernalia is essential. What is required is an honest desire to know that which is precious beyond price and a willingness to give whatever is required ("not less than everything") to reach the desired goal.
Even better is to let the "gods" decide and give you the gift--the real "jewel in the lotus"-- when you are ready--intellectually, spiritually, and psychologically-- to receive these rare blessings. Too soon and you may be overwhelmed by your new found status. Too late and you may be too weak to cope with your newly discovered "realizations."
I can attest to the truth of Madisyn's assertion from personal experience--my own as well as those who have shared their awakening journeys with me. I was awakened in the middle of the country in a time and place where Kundalini was virtually unknown. Likewise many who contact me have had no communication with gurus and teachers, but they have been deeply touched by the wisdom of the heart calling them to an awakened state.
"Enlightenment" knows no boundaries of time or space. It marks the awakening to a new state, a new way of being, and we can only receive it with humility and gratitude, knowing that it comes from divine grace.
"Enlightenment" knows no boundaries of time or space. It marks the awakening to a new state, a new way of being, and we can only receive it with humility and gratitude, knowing that it comes from divine grace.
