Most of us see, experience, and are convinced of ourselves as separate and divided from the rest of existence. This is our ongoing conviction and "reality." What can we do to solve this problem, to heal ourselves of delusion so that in the long run we may consistently live in the company of Truth only?

For some it's a hard road and for others it's a joyous path... according to their tendencies. First, you are stirred to some form of faith, faith is the guiding impulse, a conviction that you are other, or there must be more, or some irritation with the world of appearances, some dissatisfaction or perhaps crisis sets in to disturb you.

Second, you open intentionally or otherwise to outward agencies, spiritual agencies. Some help must appear in the guise of the spiritual teacher, the teaching, and/or a group of dedicated beings intent on awakening. One or perhaps all of these come. They appear and you embrace them as best you can for this initial experience of readjustment or sadhana (spiritual practice). Bear in mind this initiatory energy does not usually sustain. It is merely an introduction and the forebear of many changes.

Third, you are faced with narrowing the field, making a heart commitment to some method, master, or teaching, and if your heart calls you sincerely to do so, follow this.

Fourth, the journey begins properly. Deepening in sacred-spiritual relationship to yourself, to life, to the teacher and the teachings you embrace and deepen in your spiritual practice. You begin to experience the benefits of a solid, grounded sadhana. You shed the childhood ego, the survival strategies you have built up. You begin to erode the adult ego-sense of self that you have developed over time and calcified and contracted into. Do these things, follow these stages and in time you heal yourself of delusion and enjoy the company of Truth, God, and Reality.

For more on this theme see Richard’s book, Human Awakening at http://www.sacredattentiontherapy.com/Books.html

BLOG entry #58