ELUCIDATIONS
Via El Fiel
Special thanks to my dharma brother Ango Neil Heidrich for his thoughtful edits
Introduction
COMPASSION: An intense sense of connection with others which gives rise to a strong desire to alleviate their suffering; the source of forgiveness and grace.
The purpose of Elucidations is to provide a guidebook for the seeker of wisdom and truth on how to actualize the inspiration garnered from movies based on The Hero’s Journey. In real life this is an inward journey and will be different for every individual but, all will find the ultimate rewards of this inward journey will be a sense of peace and expanded compassion.
Elucidations is organized in this manner: there are twelve essays, one for each step of the hero’s journey. Each essay is divided into five paragraphs, the first relates what happens in a mass media account of a hero’s journey and then what happens in a real life inward journey. The second relates a person’s emotional reaction. The third relates a mental reaction. The fourth relates a deeper spiritual reaction. The fifth relates what is learned.
Hopefully, the inward journey will pry the mind away from the habituation of the routines of life, and open the entire being to a more fulfilling experience of existence.
Throughout these essays I used the appellation The Light, for the source of the ethereal to avoid unwanted connotations, although “GOD” will appear in some quotations.
Light = Energy = Vibration = Intention = Compassion These essays are not a panacea, but a series of guideposts to provoke contemplation along beneficial avenues of exploration. I have included examples from the teachings of two of the most renowned heros of the inward journey The Buddha and The Christ. These examples are the (steps) of the Eightfold Path and {quotes} of the beatitudes of The Sermon On The Mount and The Epistle Of James indicated in the appropriate places, in the manner shown above.
The Eightfold Path
Right View, Insight into the true nature of reality
Right Resolve, The unselfish desire to realize enlightenment Right Speech, Using speech compassionately
Right Conduct, Using ethical conduct to manifest compassion
Right Livelihood, Making a living through ethical and non harmful means
Right Effort, Cultivating wholesome qualities and releasing unwholesome qualities Right Mindfulness, Whole body-and-mind awareness
Right Concentration, Meditation or some other dedicated, concentrated practice
The word translated as "right" is samyanc (Sanskrit) or samma (Pali), which means "wise," "wholesome," "skillful," and "ideal." It also describes something that is complete and coherent. The word "right" should not be taken as a commandment, as in "do this, or you are wrong."
Practice of the Path reaches into all aspects of life and every moment. It's not just something you work on when you have time. It's also important to understand that these eight areas of practice are not separate steps to master one at a time. The practice of each part of the Path supports the other parts.
The Sermon On The Mount
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the Sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
The Epistle Of James
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the trial, that person will receive the crown of life
“The best name for God is compassion.”
- Meister Eckhart
The Ordinary World
“May you live in interesting times.”
- Frederic R. Coudert
Living in interesting times was the only option available to anyone not living a monastic life the year Mr. Coudert coined this sardonic blessing. Inevitably, the pace of daily life has been accelerating ever since. Radio, television, cell phones, the internet, social media and the intrusion of hostile politics all contribute to the sensation of instability and conflict which permiates modern society. It is no wonder that many people engage in a form of escapism by emulating the heros depicted in science fiction and fantasy movies, however, though this may be a balm to an enervated spirit, it can never be a cure.
Movies by their very nature must accentuate a physical confrontation and obfuscate the spiritual/psychological nature of that cure which actually, must be an inward journey. If a person of virtue and sensitivity desires to come to terms with the conflict between societal pressures to compete for survival and their natural impulse to be at peace and with that society, they must first find that peace within themselves.
This hero’s journey, the inward journey, requires rigorous self examination, and patient determination. As an example; this little guide book is the end result of twenty five years of contemplation and mindfulness. Furthermore, the inward journey requires one to realize that simple understanding is insufficient, that a visceral comprehensive profundity must be experienced, and that, genius is merely wisdom’s walking stick.
In the course of delving deeply, the sensitive person will discover that though they are always alone in their thoughts, they are never alone in spirit, for they are accompanied by The Light; (Luke 17:22) “The kingdom of God is within”. They will find, as all who have successfully gone before, that the nature of humanity is deeply rooted in cooperation and compassion. Through careful examination, they will move inexorably from sympathy for their fellow man to empathy of their suffering and eventually to compassion for all beings, including themselves. Many others have made this journey and experienced this euphoric sense of oneness. Yet, it is not enough to blindly accept this as true, one must experience the process for themselves,... one must do the work.
Along the way, things which seemed obvious are found to be untrue, and things which seemed unlikely become obvious. What to many is an absurdity is self evident to a seeker, such as the false dichotomy of the eternal and temporal. Also, life is not about physical comfort but a search for beauty and happiness attuned to spiritual growth.
Each of us is given what is needed for spiritual growth, whether we are on the path or not, it is just that if we are searching, we more readily recognize that gift for what it is.
“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls”
- Joseph Campbell
The Call To Adventure
In the movies, a dramatic event forces the hero into an existential crisis. Typically, the crisis involves the hero’s destiny, a difficult challenge, or the unknown. In real life, virtuous and sensitive people struggle with existential questions as a matter of course. However, it may be that some dramatic event causes an emotional upheaval which initiates an inward journey in search of a more fundamental grasp of their own reality.
For these seekers of wisdom and truth, the inward journey begins at an early age and continues unabated throughout life. {Blessed are those who hunger} Firstly, as a simple search for happiness, then as this proves elusive, beauty serves as an unsatisfactory substitute. A person with a sensitive, caring nature will continually re-examine a callus, even cruel, competitive world, trying to mediate internally a satisfactory detente between society and their aggravated sensibilities. As the seeker struggles with the conflict between cut-throat competition and compassionate cooperation, the life path may branch onto thousands of possible directions.
It is possible to lose oneself in any number of psychologically distracting obsessions. Romance, art, career, sport, gambling, exploring the world, some combination of these, or others, will satisfy the majority of people for a delusional lifetime. Eventually however, the seeker comes to the same realization as the Buddah that, if it is driven by ego and desire, “all life is unsatisfactory”.
When the seeker reaches a point where any hope of a rapprochement seems forlorn, a true spiritual crisis arises that forces a step back, a disconnect if you will, which enables the seeker to view life from a new, more deeply spiritual perspective.
This is when the real adventure may or may not begin. The seeker may be able to sublimate the drive toward fulfillment indefinitely and live in the rut of a sorrowful life. However, the call to adventure will continually be a faint, nagging, questioning whisper, “what if, what if, what if.” If the adventure of the inward journey cannot be sublimated. If questions concerning The Light, feelings of sympathy for the family of man, or realizations of the conflicts of false dichotomies intrude persistently enough, then the seeker must accept the call to adventure and begin the inward journey.
“No, no “ cried all the evil spirits. Sleep, sleep, sleep.”
- Aboriginal story
Refusing The Call To Adventure
“The more scared we are of a work or calling, the more sure we can be that we have to do it.”
- Steven Pressfield
The mass media version of this stage of the hero’s journey dramatically depicts the hero sharing with others various amounts of angst, fear, insecurities and an unwillingness to change. In reality, all these trepidations are wrestled with internally. It is the rare individual who is willing to openly admit to such frailties or who realizes all the challenges involved.
The emotions that arise in this situation are deep seated and strong. There is a natural tendency to avoid even addressing the difficult issues of social isolation and personal renaissance. However, a virtuous and sensitive person has the advantage of being accustomed to self examination and has developed strong coping mechanisms.
Accepting the call to adventure of the inward journey is perhaps the most difficult decision a person will ever make. The seeker will not take this decision lightly and will examine the pros and cons from every angle many times over. If the personal crisis is not great enough it may seem acceptable to just abide in a temporary discomfiture until time heals the wound. {Blessed are the meek} Yet, an emotional scar will remain, which can be avoided with a concerted effort to deal with the issues at hand. This is how the seeker reaches the decision to definitively overcome their resistance and undertake the adventure. (Right Resolve)
Immediately upon reaching the determination to proceed, a sense of relief arises.
The seeker understands it is the correct decision and an anticipation of reward is created. Not only will the current angst and anxiety be resolved but continued growth, both emotionally and spiritually will be fostered. Even a drawing nearer to a oneness with The Light can be imagined. The greatest reward that can be wished for.
All the internal negotiations develop within the seeker a greater appreciation of their own limitations and abilities. They have come to know themselves better, and therefore they have a greater appreciation of the evolving human condition. A condition that has continued to mature over the many eons since homosapiens arose. Perhaps by now, the strings of human connection should inspire harmonious cooperation like the strings on a guitar instead of acrimonious conflict like the string on a catapult.
“Love your calling with a passion. It is the meaning of your life.”
- Auguste Rodin
Meeting The Mentor
“You cannot teach a man anything, you can only help him discover it within himself.”
- Galileo Galilei
In Myths and the movies like Star Wars and The Matrix the hero actually encounters his mentor who provides guidance, insight and wisdom. In real life the seeker generally has to rely on drawing inspiration from individuals they experience in mass media. They may find a mentor in a group setting such as with religious teachers or motivational speakers, but even in a Zen temple they will not find a mentor who is devoted solely to instructing them one on one. There is also this danger; in the search for a mentor the seeker could be ensnared in a situation where the mentor is not invested in their spiritual growth, but only in acquiring another follower, this is to be avoided because it is hierarchic and cultish.
Having made the decision to forge ahead, the seeker will evaluate every avenue for advancement they can find. There really is no substitute for a mentor, even if one must be encountered in a group setting. If a suitable mentor can be found, a whole hearted effort to comply with the path the mentor recommends will provide the greatest results. (Right Effort) After a period of time, trust, and a sort of symbiosis will develop between student and teacher. The student learns how to progress from the teacher, and the teacher learns from the student how best to teach them. From this cooperation the student develops their first inkling of oneness, something which will mature into a great asset further down the path. {Blessed are the pure in heart}
The inward journey is as much an intellectual as an emotional one. The mentor will teach the seeker that each emotion originates from that emotion’s generative thoughts. Then, a sensitive student will be continually analyzing their emotional responses to determine what thoughts caused those emotions to arise. This process allows the student to develop a trust in their innate abilities to evaluate and regulate their thoughts and therefore their emotions. (Right Mindfulness) From this practice they will develop independence and self assurance.
On a spiritual level, the seeker comes to realize that as with the oneness they have developed with their mentor, a oneness with The Light has grown. They begin to sense that they are like a child on a spiritual path, gaining entrance to a spiritual world. At the same time they realize that a maturation must develop if they are to navigate successfully in that world.
Some growth has been achieved but there is little reason to allow pride to rear it’s ugly head. There is still a great deal to be done and many lessons to be learned. Yet, one of the most valuable lessons has been fully integrated; to trust in that compassionate inner Light which infers The Light.
“You show your worth by what you seek.”
- Rumi
Crossing The First Threshold
“Six months from now you can be in a completely different place mentally and spiritually.”
- Unknown
Movies depict this aspect of the hero’s journey as moving from the ordinary world into the special world. In real life there actually is a special world that can be entered. It is a world fraught with mysteries and danger. It is not a world that should be entered lightheartedly or without preparation. It is a spiritual/psychological world, and perhaps a world of the collective unconscious, a world where ancient universal archetypes await.
Here is where the mentor proves their worth. The mentor will have prepared the seeker for the discomfort of the inward journey and will be able to soothe the uneasiness of encounters with the unpredictable. As Zen Master Kyong Ho said ”Help hard practice by befriending every demon.”
Of course this world is the same world the seeker has always lived in, but now the seeker is experiencing that world in an entirely new way. Experiencing is the key word here. Moving from the outer world to the inner world we move beyond the body, mind and emotions, to the overarching awareness of the knower.
This is where the adventure of self discovery truly begins. Now the seeker of wisdom and truth becomes aware of an ability to rise above the self centered competitive perspective, and experience the world from a nondiscriminatory perspective. {Blessed are the peacemakers} The seeker begins to see the ego as an impediment to moving beyond sympathy to compassion. The shedding of the ego is a task, but the more it is examined the more it is seen as troublesome, and the sooner it seems to be fading away.
With the impediment of the ego fading, the way is open to experience The Light within.
Now, realization arises that if The Light is within the seeker, it must be within every person. Though the vast majority of people prefer to suffer in the banal familiarity of a competitive world, a seeker of wisdom and truth prefers to abandon that world of aggrieved sensibilities and venture beyond suffering. So, a virtuous and sensitive person readily discards the fragile ego once having firmly realized they are in possession of the enduring inner Light.
The concept of the separation of self and other begins to fade and the seeker is able to appreciate it is a false dichotomy. The Light becomes a presence in every aspect of life, and especially in interpersonal relations. With dedicated contemplation, the journey continues inward and it has profound effects on the seekers emotional experience of the transient world around them. (Right Concentration) They move beyond sympathy and empathy to a flourishing sense of innate compassion with all humanity. A sense of oneness with The Light that abides in everyone blossoms. As in Hindu greeting Namaste, interpreted as “the eternal in me greets the eternal in you”.
“The spiritual path means making a path rather than following one.”
- Mark Epstein
Test, Allies And Enemies
“Always be grateful to those who give you struggle, without them you would not know the capacity of your strength… those I consider my real friends.”
- Efrat Cybulkiewicz
In the cinematic version, the hero learns the rules of the new world and there is a great deal of character development. With all the new perspectives and personal adjustments required, there is a great deal of learning to be accomplished in a spiritual landscape. The sensitive individual will find profound differences in their perception and character. As for character development, most noticeable may be a change in their sense of humor, reflecting a far greater concern for the well-being of others.
The seeker may find they no longer have as much in common with old friends, and that those relationships have become strained. At the same time, new relationships may arise that they find much more fulfilling. With an increase in concern for others the estrangement of old companions is wrenching but, it is realized the inward journey may require radical changes in every aspect of life, including occupation. (Right Livelihood) Observing their own emotional reactions from an egoless perspective, the seeker expands their understanding not only of themselves, but of what it means to be human.
Through these explorations it is starkly revealed that they have been forced to endure callus preconditioning from a reactionarily competitive world. The sensitive person analyzes how feelings arise from the thoughts that create them and develops control of those thoughts with compassionate understanding. (Right View) A growing appreciation of The Light within develops, which fosters an examination of spiritual/psychological perspectives.
Delving deeply into motivations, rationalizations, reactions and justifications from an nondiscriminatory/egoless perspective, realizations of humanity's introspective ignorance develop, engendering sympathy rather than alienation. {Blessed are the merciful} As one remembers all the suffering caused by the failure to appreciate our interrelatedness, the utter folly of xenophobia is laid bare. All these complex revelations create an irresistible fascination which encourages and impels a virtuous and sensitive person forward to a closer connection with The Light.
Continued growth is exciting, not only because deep inner conflicts are being resolved, but also because a greater understanding of the human condition is being created. After deep reflection, it becomes clear that the spiritual and the psychological are merely measurements of scale of the same phenomenon and that their separation is a false dichotomy. This engenders three results. Firstly, a calmer, more rational and compassionate individual. Secondly, even the most casual of interactions the seeker has with other people become simultaneously lighter and more meaningful. And thirdly, but most importantly, a more profound sense of The Light that abides within everyone.
“We are spiritual beings having a human experience.”
- Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
Approach To The Innermost Cave
“I don’t know what it is like not to have deep emotions. Even when I feel nothing I feel it completely.”
- Sylvia Plath
This is the point in the movies where the hero faces physical danger. For the seeker, this is the point where they must deal with their greatest unresolved issue or fail to become the hero in their own story. Of course, it is impossible to write an essay which addresses every possible unresolved issue for every reader, so this essay will address a universal issue, Mortality.
Death awaits at the end of all of our journeys. {Blessed are those who mourn} Perhaps it can be addressed in this manner, the resentment one feels for being given the awareness to appreciate the phenomenon of life only to have it snatched away. It may be possible to turn even this conflict of resentment into the satisfaction of compassionate cooperation. One cannot turn that resentment into satisfaction by nurturing thoughts of some futile, hedonistic search for personal satisfaction. One can gain personal satisfaction with compassionate reasoning and enlightened actions that improve the existence of The Light in oneself and other sentient beings in this time and succeeding generations. Truely, it is not simplistic or naive to believe that examining any issue through the lens of compassion will be beneficial.
While using compassion to manage emotional issues created by their thoughts, the seeker then learns to control their thoughts. Control is not negation, the meandering stream of consciousness will carry even the most disciplined mind through dangerous rapids on occasion. From a disinterested perspective, they will notice at once, which emotion is dominant and what corrective shift of the mental rudder is useful.
Wisely ride emotions to serenity, do not let emotions ride you to ruin.
In the natural course of spiritual maturation a point will be reached where trust in The Light arises. Many spiritual leaders have urged that their followers should surrender their will, this is an unnatural and harmful notion. What should occur and will occur in the proper time for each individual is an alignment. The seeker reaches a point where they can envision that their impulses and desires will be naturally in accord with what is right and proper, and thoughts of committing “sin” or error will not arise. (Right Conduct)
Now the seeker has had a glimpse of the possible. The peace of serene equanimity is envisionable, with perseverance and faith in The Light a point can be reached where all conflicting philosophies will be resolved. Already the seeker has overcome the false dichotomy of the spiritual essence and the physical body, for one could not exist without the other. They are two sides of the same coin. An action on one has immediate repercussions on the other. The goal now is alignment.
“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.”
- Joseph Campbell
The Ordeal
“Pain and suffering are always inevitable for a large intelligence and a deep heart.”
- Fyodor Dostoevsky
Even in the movies this is the point where the hero has a deep inner crisis, but to keep the plot line moving along it occurs very conveniently. For a person on the spiritual path it usually takes years of contemplation for enough internal conflict to arise to force them to determine to find an ultimate resolution. The Buddha did not leave home until he was 29 and The Christ did not go into the wilderness until he was 30.
The point is that a virtuous and sensitive person knows that these conflicts must be resolved to achieve the peace of serenity. They know that it could be the most difficult task they will ever attempt. This is why they have been preparing themselves by seeking a mentor, studying spiritual teachings and contemplating the esoteric mysteries. For themselves and perhaps for the sake of humanity they risk a sacrifice, in the hope that their training will be gratified. Though not a traditional seeker, it was at this point in his journey, for the sake of his friend Jim, that Huck Finn said “All right, then, I’ll go to hell”
For the seeker of wisdom and truth, the goal is to achieve a vast expansion of understanding of the human condition. If that goal can be reached, it could reap the benefits of an increase of self esteem and personal serenity. There is also the need to reap the benefits the gifts of The Light make available.
On a spiritual level the goal is a further alignment with The Light. During the ordeal the seeker will rely heavily upon their faith that The Light has led them to this point and that, that faith will not be in vain. In fact the hardships endured during the ordeal are an integral part of the journey because they cement the lessons learned firmly in the psyche of the seeker. {Blessed are those who are persecuted} The hardships also impart self confidence in the seekers ability to prevail over any future obstacles. It was at the end of his ordeal that The Christ was able to say “Get thee behind me Satan”
One result of the ordeal may be the realization of the false dichotomy of the eternal and temporal inside the field of spacetime. Within the field of spacetime the eternal is only a concept. One cannot live in the concept of the eternal. The past did exist, the future will exist, but only the omnipresent now does exist. The omnipresent now, in which life happens. However, although we physically live in the omnipresent now and are restricted to living inside the framework of time, The Light exists outside the field of spacetime and is eternal. So, since The Light exists within each of us, we actually exist in both the eternal and temporal inside the field of spacetime. With this insight the seeker can make this now the now that resonates with the satisfaction of living a compassionate life and improving the existence of their fellow beings.
“Enlightenment means changing one’s frame of reference so that all things become enlightening.”
- Mark Epstein
The Reward
“It is difficult to find happiness within oneself, but it is impossible to find it anywhere else.”
- Arthur Schopenhauer
In Mass media the hero gains a physical object, knowledge, love or an elixir. For a virtuous and sensitive person these would seem paltry rewards for all the effort exerted and, far short of the desired goal. The very least they could accept would be substantial inner change, perhaps a spiritual rebirth.
The reward a virtuous and sensitive person receives is a catharsis. A purification of strong repressed emotions, an understanding of their causes and a grounding philosophy with which to avoid future trauma. As a result, all aspects of the seeker’s outlook are uplifted and their spirit is expanded.
Having experienced a visceral comprehensive profundity, the seeker can view his former self and the human condition in an entirely new way. With eyes fully opened to the reality of what is, the seeker reaps the benefits of living wholeheartedly in the moment.
The experience of a real alignment with The Light is accompanied by an appreciation of the obligation of universal compassionate cooperation. “As above so below” (Mathew 5:12) “Rejoice and be glad for great is your reward in Heaven”.
Speaking from a philosophical perspective, The Buddha taught that there is no independent origination. Speaking from a religious perspective, The Christ said “I and the father am one” Each was conveying their vision of oneness. In the omnipresent now we come to the ultimate false dichotomy, that of the physical universe and the spiritual, nonmaterial universe. There is only one thing, specifically, the universe, and there is only one being, specifically, The Light, each composed of innumerable parts, and we find that they are one and the same. The difference between the two major worldviews should be noted here. People with a hierarchic worldview will tend to impart a personality to The Light and will have a desire to deify and worship. People with a holistic worldview will appreciate the omnipresent nature of The Light and be more inclined toward a sense of unity. In either case, the perceptions of a sensitive person widen dramatically. Sensitivity to all manner of stimuli is increased, opening an inspiring array of enriching perspectives. They are more sympathetic toward the natural world and the ethereal realm. They have greater empathy concerning the human condition. They have increased compassion for all beings. They may discover a latent creative ability. Also, a sensitive person may be granted limited visions into small aspects of the future, because The Light is eternal and is not bound like the omnipresent now to the limits of the field of spacetime inside the physical universe. Interestingly, recent scientific studies by Dean Radin PHD and others have shown that the mind manifests qualities that are similar to quantum entanglement and outside the field of spacetime.
“What happens when people open their hearts? They get Better.”
- Haruki Murakami
The Road Back
“Each night, when I go to sleep, I die. And the next morning, when I wake up, I am reborn.”
- Mahatma Gandhi
This is the part where the hero returns to the ordinary world in possession of their pearl of great price (Matthew 35:45-46) with the intent of correcting all that was wrong when they left. For the seeker there is no great expectation of world altering events.
There is however an expectation that the world will be vastly different, for themselves.
Generally, there is some disappointment. Life still requires sustenance, fences still need to be maintained. The Buddhists say “Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water, after enlightenment, chop wood, carry water”. But,... somehow the water is lighter and the neighbors are nicer. The mind is not so totally focused on the difficulty of the task at hand but a little more on the nature and beauty of the interactions involved.
The bird's song is sweeter. The smile is more sincere. The heart is light.
Indeed, there is a tendency not to take the road back at all. This tendency is responsible for the foundation of monasteries and nunneries. {Blessed are the poor in spirit} The urge to allow the journey to terminate at this point and turn completely inward is very seductive. It is possible that some people see the world as irredeemable or that they do not have the energy or strength for the struggle or that they are self centered, whatever the reason, their journey ends here. For others, out of compassion for humanity, the impulse to take the road back and share their gift wins out.
While on the road back the seeker contemplates all that they have experienced, turning it over in their mind again and again. During dreams or deep contemplation they may receive insightful revelations. They may also experience spontaneously occurring visions with personal guidance and reassurance, perhaps sourced from the collective unconscious. A virtuous and sensitive person does not rush to a rooftop to preach to the world. They know the world is not in anticipation of their compassionate elucidation and may not be willing to accept it. They also know however, that the world will benefit if they can get their healing message to those in need of it. (Right speech)
The seeker realizes that the world has not shared their visceral comprehensive profundity or received the insight granted them. For the world, all the dichotomies are still perceived as valid. The hierarchical worldview still holds sway and a holistic worldview seems damnably heretical. {Blessed are you when people insult you} The seeker must find a way to explain that things which seem hierarchically obvious are untrue, and things which seem unlikely are holistically obvious, and what to many is an absurdity is self evident to a seeker of wisdom and truth. This is why the road back is long and wending.
“The finest souls are those who gulped pain and avoided making others taste it.”
- Nizar Qabbani
Resurrection
“I am not what happened to me, I am what I chose to become.”
- Carl Jung
This point in the movies is where the hero must summon all his strength and knowledge to defeat their nemesis and save the world! The virtuous and sensitive person knows that the world will go on as it always has with or without their elucidations.
However, compassion dictates that they choose to do what they can, be it a little or a lot, to raise humanity’s awareness of a better option.
The seeker has a feeling akin to one of needing to tell a bright eyed child there is no Easter Bunny hiding eggs in the meadow,... but, there is candy. The seeker must tell a superstitious, hierarchic world there is no old man with a white beard sitting on a throne up in the sky fighting sin with retribution,...but there is ecstasy. The seeker of wisdom and truth has received the wisdom and truth, now he should choose to to transmit it. {Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial}
The ego has fallen away, so from where does the impetus to become a teacher come? They may emulate their mentor, they may have been granted skills along the path, they may try trial and error, whichever method they choose, they must try. A fully realized and complete being will draw on their understanding of the nature of the human spirit and an abundant wellspring of compassion.
The virtuous and sensitive person comes to appreciate that what is called enlightenment has been in their possession all along. The inner Light has guided them each step of the way, and only when the seeker chose not to seek it’s advice did they go astray. Now, with their attention fully focused on it’s guidance, it is neither dim nor distant. Not intrusive, but readily available.
It was at this point in his inward journey that The Buddha believed that his personal enlightenment could not be taught. As always, he was correct, one cannot transmit a visceral comprehensive profundity to another person. However, the compassion inherent in his inner Light compelled The Buddha to find The Middle Way. Speaking from his religious perspective, when The Christ said “I am the way and the truth and the life.”, perhaps his inner Light was speaking holistically. Perhaps he was recommending to his followers his example of the contemplative and compassionate spiritual life.
“In vain have you acquired knowledge if you have not imparted it to others.”
- Deuteronomy Rabbah
Return with The Elixir
“Just remember the world is not a playground but a schoolroom. Life is not a holiday but an education. One eternal lesson for us all: to teach us how better we should love.”
- Barbara Jordan
In the movies, all conflicts are resolved and the hero retires to luxuriate in the pleasures of his glory and treasure. For the seeker of wisdom and truth, this is a time of appreciation and sharing, much like the American holiday of Thanksgiving.
The seeker contemplates with gratitude and joy the tribulations and rewards of the journey, and considers ways of sharing the insights they have gained. Thoughts of recriminations for wrongs others have perpetrated against him out of their ignorance are banished. {Blessed are you when people insult you} Indeed, tribulations create the greatest impetus for spiritual growth in the individual and for humanity, therefore they are a blessing. With nondiscriminatory discernment there is no angst concerning mundane activities. They have the benefit of living a fully realized life. The prevailing consideration is to increase compassion throughout humanity.
In the act of sharing their experiences they gain deeper insight into them. Aristotle said “The purpose of knowledge is action, not knowledge”, the virtuous and sensitive person understands that this action must be wisely and compassionately applied to enhance humanity's collective well being and spirit.
Spiritually, the seeker has come to perceive, appreciate and align with the holistic omnipresent nature of The Light. Like the Metta Sutta says “radiating kindness over the entire world, spreading upward to the sky, and downward to the depths, outward and unbounded, freed from hatred and ill will. Whether standing or walking, seated or lying down”.
The virtuous and sensitive person revels in the absence of dichotomies and the resulting lack of conflict; There is only one thing, and there is only one being, and they are one and the same. The seeker experiences oneness, imparts to the world their understanding the best they can, and lives a life of compassion. The Buddha experienced oneness, taught the eightfold path, and led an exemplary life of compassion. The Christ experienced oneness, preached the sermon on the mount, and lived an exemplary life of compassion.
“Love and compassion are necessities, they are not luxuries, without them humanity cannot survive.”
- Dalai Lama XIV
Epilogue
“The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it.”
- Marcus Aurelius
The spiritual evolution of the individual like that of humanity is neither rapid nor smooth. It progresses, then regresses, then progresses even more than before.
Appreciating that even though there is an inner child in each of us that plucks at the filaments of the neural net, and that there are vestiges of the cro magnon that snag the fabric of our collective memory, humanity manages to progress. These interesting times, these blessed tribulations humanity is experiencing may seem overwhelming and threatening on certain levels, but with a more historical, calm and wise perspective it becomes clear, with our innate cooperative compassion we will adjust and thrive.
Even a cursory overview of our history assures us of this certainty.
C. 10,000 B.C.E Groups of people came together to erect the megaliths. They aligned those massive stones with the stars they worshiped as gods. Raising their ponderous sacred icons required that they worked in compassionate cooperation in their quest for oneness with The Light. Although their efforts were extremely hierarchical and misdirected, they cemented in the human psyche that compassion, cooperation, oneness, and The Light were in some way intertwined. Since that distant time, innumerable individuals have undertaken the inward journey, some spiritually, some intellectually, with varying degrees of success.
C. 2550 B.C.E. The sumerian King of Shuruppak wrote to his son Ziusudra. “A loving heart maintains a family, a hateful heart destroys a family”
C. 2000 B.C.E. The Code of Hammurabi was the first written legal code
C. 1500 B.C.E. The anonymous writers of the Hindu Upanishads stressed the importance of truthfulness and charity. "If one should desire to live in this world a hundred years, one should live performing Karma (righteous deeds). Thus thou mayest live; there is no other way. By doing this, Karma (the fruits of thy actions) will not defile thee."
C. 1000 B.C.E. The Dialogue of Pessimism explored the meaning of life
C. 600 B.C.E. Salon of the city state of Athens initiated the earliest democratic reforms
C. 550 B.C.E. Confucius emphasized personal and governmental morality, justice, duty, kindness and sincerity
C. 500 B.C.E. The Buddha taught interdependent origination and the eightfold path as a practice of mental discipline designed to achieve oneness with the universe
C. 32 C.E. The Christ preached compassion in interpersonal relations derived from a personal relationship with the compassion of The Light
C. 800 C.E. Eriugena delved profoundly into the metaphysics of The Light as the alpha and omega; source and destination without negation of personal identity
C. 1200 C.E. Rumi professed the supremacy of Love in interpersonal relations and in relations with The Light
C. 1200 C.E. St. Francis taught simplicity, humility, creativity, peace and compassion for all beings
C. 1250 C.E. Ibn ʿArabī taught “The Unity Of Being” but from a hierarchic perspective
C. 1300 C.E. Meister Eckhart gave sermons that were meant to inspire in his listeners the desire above all to do good
C. 1400 C.E. Petrarch fathered The Humanist Movement which was centered on the nature and importance of a moral humanity
1637 C.E. Descartes initiated The Age Of Enlightenment with it’s concepts of the scientific method, individual liberty and religious tolerance
1776 C.E. Jefferson and the founders institutionalized the equality of humanity 1863 C.E. Lincoln broadened that concept with The Emancipation Proclamation
C. 1850 C.E. The humanitarianism movement emerged, promoting altruism, philanthropy, compassion and eventually, human rights
C. 1920 C.E. Gandhi championed civil rights and inspired the world
C. 1930 C.E. Keynes popularized governmental regulation for the benefit of the general population
Today, deaths from famine, natural disasters, and child mortality are all lower now than any time in human history. The world wide suicide rate has been dropping for the last twenty years. Deaths from warfare are at an all time low. The number of people living in absolute poverty is vastly lower than ever. People the world over now have greater access to shelter, clean water, health care, electricity, transportation and general infrastructure than ever before. People around the world, from every walk of life, volunteer their time, contribute their money, protest injustices and commit their lives to the improvement of the human condition because of their innate, undeniable compassion.
The leadership of these historical figures and heros of the inward journey are important, because they exemplify the best of what it meant to be human in the zeitgeist of their respective times. When one wise individual progresses they can do much for the advancement of all humanity, and as humanity progresses they provide an advanced platform for the next visionary to see a more holistic unity. So, after millennia of discipline, cooperation, compassion, contemplation, philosophy, theology and wisdom we can consider ourselves fortunate to be the inheritors of so much effort and insight.
Furthermore, having technology place at our fingertips all previous elucidations can only be considered a boon to the seeker of wisdom and truth. These gifts give each individual invaluable guidance, which allows their spirit to soar beyond intellectual concepts such as dichotomies and serenity, to pristine awareness and then,... to just be.
To just be,... until that time when all the patience of all the bodhisattvas of all the worlds is gratified, and the universe can attain nirvana. Until that time, through all our solitary and collective tribulations, individual seekers and the entirety of humanity can derive comfort from our oneness with the transcendent compassion of The Light that universally abides.
“Compassion is the source of all that is good, lack of Compassion is the source of all that is not.”
- Chaking Ben Jones
“Whether you believe in God or not does not matter so much, whether you believe in Buddha or not does not matter so much; as a Buddhist, whether you believe in reincarnation or not does not matter so much. You must lead a good life. And a good life does not mean just good food, good clothes, good shelter. These are not sufficient. A good motivation is what is needed: compassion, without dogmatism, without complicated philosophy; just understanding that others are human brothers and sisters and respecting their rights and human dignity.”
- Dalai Lama XIV