Streams of Thought – November 9 2018

Feel nothing, know nothing, do nothing, have nothing, give up all to God, and say utterly, ‘Thy will be done.’ We only dreamthis bondage. Wake up and let it go.

Swami Vivekananda

 

Enlightenment is absolute cooperation with the inevitable.

Anthony de Mello

 

As one studies the various streams of thought that make up what might be called “The Vedic World View,” one encounters again and again the idea that for one who is a seeker, nothing need be done other than to accept “what is.”

 

Teachers quote the Veda: AHAM BRAHMASMI. “I Am That.” I am the oneness. What you are looking for is what you are looking with.

 

Some say that oneness is the only truth, that all else is illusion, and that all one need do is to let go of the illusion in order to know this truth.

 

Some teachers go so far as to say that anyone “seeking enlightenment,” is by definition not on the path to enlightenment. I have heard teachers say that meditation is absolutely not necessary, that in fact any “work” taken on in toward the end of expanding one’s consciousness is beside the point and meaningless. It can be frustrating.

 

But what is real for me? What is my truth?

 

As Vedic meditators, above all else we trust our own experience. If after meditation we feel more grounded and better able to face life, this is a good indication of the value meditation has for us. If when we look back at who we were before we began meditating and compare that person with who we are today and see that we have changed for the better –  that we are more present to ourselves, to life, more able to love and be loved – then meditation is valuable to us. If our desire to give and our ability to give have increased, and our neediness has decreased, and it feels as if this is connected to meditation, then meditation is improving our quality of life as well as the quality of life of those around us. If we are suffering less and enjoying more, meditation undoubtedly is part of the equation that continues to help us turn these values around in our experience of life.

 

As for the teachers and authors who tell us things that may clash with our observations of life, and of our own life in particular, we remember that they are teaching from their own experience, from the wisdom they have gained in their own path forward in consciousness and in this world. We acknowledge them for taking the time to share their wisdom with us, we honor their willingness to share with us their path to truth, and we take into our own system whatever seems to be of value from their teaching. And we leave the rest.

 

It has been said there are many paths, but one Truth. There is much to be gained by seeing how someone else is walking their path; and even more to be gained by reminding ourselves always that our own experience is as valid as anyone’s.

 

Today I will ask myself how the coming day may be seen in light of my own path: is it a day of service? a day of gratitude? a day of silence? a day to insist upon joy? Is it a day to recognize God in my world? Is it a day to recognize God in my fellows? Is it a day to insist on knowing that wherever I am in this moment, it is exactly where I am meant to be?

 

Road to Pryor, Crow Indian Reservation, Montana