The following I believe to be a teaching from my inner guru:
How do we advance spiritually? This is a question that presents difficulties in communication through the realm of language and symbolism of this world. For example, the word “advance” is used in the initial question, however, there is no place to advance “to” spiritually for we are already there as we have always been. This leads us to the first principle in revealing the truth of who we are; that principle is renunciation. To renounce is to give up, and in this context we are renouncing this world of material things, the ego mind, and its conceptual trappings. We do not judge as we renounce, we simply let the world and the ego mind drift apart from our true being. This includes all of the identities we have gathered which was discussed earlier in these writings. Think of this renouncing not as discarding, but a chipping away as a sculptor would do with a block of stone. In this context, spiritual realization can be seen as a dissolution of the ego and its attachments to this world. An important teaching is that renunciation does not need to be absolute. This is called the “Middle Way”. We renounce those “unhealthy” attachments that cause ourselves and others the most suffering with the least value gained and we leave the “healthy” attachments as is. Attachments come in the form of things we cling to, things we push away, and fantasies which we believe but are not true.
What defines a healthy versus an unhealthy attachment is subjective and requires further explanation. A simple way to make this discernment is to ask, “Does this attachment separate me from others?”. Examples of unhealthy attachments would be in the realm of prejudice, bigotry, racism, fear, resentments, rage, addictions, exploitation, gossip, attacks, duplicity, sloth, inconsideration, jealousy, greed, neglect, vanity, and pride. While not a complete list, asking oneself if an attachment, either material or conceptual, fits the description will help you decide if renunciation is in order. Examples of healthy attachments would be in the realm of parenting, honoring, teaching, learning, friendship, diplomacy, humility, positive activism, artistry, nourishment, hygiene, conviviality, and support. Healthy attachments we maintain as they allow our form to flourish in this world and help us to connect with others. There will come a time in this experience where all attachments to form will be surrendered, this is a big pill to swallow. By focusing on unhealthy attachments we greatly reduce suffering and increase happiness for ourselves and others without letting go completely.
The second principle of this process is to embrace the awakening mind. This mind is fully connected to the attributes of boundless love, endless compassion, unbridled joy and equanimous acceptant peace that we have discussed in these writings. The awakening mind is concerned with the spiritual awakening of all beings and how it can serve in the capacity of assisting this process in a positive and loving way. The sculptor will reveal this true Self. It cannot be chipped away as it is the essence of who you truly are and have always been. Even a partial realization of the awakening mind existing in the present moment will dissolve any fear that this process is harmful or dangerous. Know that this is who you truly are and join your brothers and sisters in the pursuit of our inevitable state of consciousness. One that we exist in now as we will always.
We have now arrived at the third principle of correct perception. Seeing things as they truly are without the distractions of this world and the ego mind which clouds our vision. Set an intention to help all others to see “past” this world and the ego. Speak, act, and live only from a place of love, compassion, joy, and peace. This defines our effort in this world. Keep your awakening mind centered through concentration on our true goals. This is how we will “advance” and bring about the change in this world that will lead us to a new age where the darkness of suffering and confusion will diminish and be gradually replaced by a true refuge for all beings as we continue our “progress” in this endeavor towards peace beyond all understanding.
Zen Momentum 