Endless debates about the nature of reality, about who is real, what is real, the nature of I am, duality vs. nonduality, here and the hereafter, processes of manifestation, awakening and enlightenment, and on and on are a gigantic waste of time. I consider these things occasionally as a thinking person might, but on reflection I rather think we can find better ways to live into our finite moments.
Consider this: We are here in this manifestation, in these bodies. Despite possibilities of potential illusion or materialist reality, we are experiencing life now, as it is. Despite the potential illusion of time and space, we deal with time and space and the obvious effects. We are born, we live a while, we die. We can debate this but not escape it. In short, we don't really know if we are living in the Matrix or not; what happens after our bodies die; what is "reality" and what is mental construction; the nature of Ultimate Reality, or even if that exists; the full capacity of our brains and the totality of mind; if there are other dimensions, or not. So why waste time preaching and theorizing about any of it? Why not live the life we live hot off the press, as it unfolds for us; value every relationship, every living thing we encounter, every moment we have; optimize our experience through intentional life styles; treat every single thing as sacred; and always be thankful and in awe? I think if we do that Grace happens. And that is all that matters.
We do know what we experience and that we have choices and can act. We may not know any more than that, but we do know those things. So, a good beginning may be to note our experiences, pay attention to life as it unfolds. From there, acknowledge the different possibilities based on different actions, utilize the power of choice. Choose to act differently. For every action there is a reaction. Positive actions provide positive results. If you chose to be intentionally healthy, happy, attentive, and compassionate, your experience of this life will be different than if you made other choices. But don't take my word for it, or anyone else's. Try it.
This, I think, is the ultimate meaning of a "path". Not a road that leads to a specific destination, or end-point. But, rather a "way" to live. Maybe, if we didn't worry about what others do, or about salvation, or reincarnation, or enlightenment, or duality, or spirituality; maybe if we just lived life to the fullest we will be fulfilled. Is a path so defined still spiritual, or religious? I don't know. Does it matter?
Consider this: We are here in this manifestation, in these bodies. Despite possibilities of potential illusion or materialist reality, we are experiencing life now, as it is. Despite the potential illusion of time and space, we deal with time and space and the obvious effects. We are born, we live a while, we die. We can debate this but not escape it. In short, we don't really know if we are living in the Matrix or not; what happens after our bodies die; what is "reality" and what is mental construction; the nature of Ultimate Reality, or even if that exists; the full capacity of our brains and the totality of mind; if there are other dimensions, or not. So why waste time preaching and theorizing about any of it? Why not live the life we live hot off the press, as it unfolds for us; value every relationship, every living thing we encounter, every moment we have; optimize our experience through intentional life styles; treat every single thing as sacred; and always be thankful and in awe? I think if we do that Grace happens. And that is all that matters.
We do know what we experience and that we have choices and can act. We may not know any more than that, but we do know those things. So, a good beginning may be to note our experiences, pay attention to life as it unfolds. From there, acknowledge the different possibilities based on different actions, utilize the power of choice. Choose to act differently. For every action there is a reaction. Positive actions provide positive results. If you chose to be intentionally healthy, happy, attentive, and compassionate, your experience of this life will be different than if you made other choices. But don't take my word for it, or anyone else's. Try it.
This, I think, is the ultimate meaning of a "path". Not a road that leads to a specific destination, or end-point. But, rather a "way" to live. Maybe, if we didn't worry about what others do, or about salvation, or reincarnation, or enlightenment, or duality, or spirituality; maybe if we just lived life to the fullest we will be fulfilled. Is a path so defined still spiritual, or religious? I don't know. Does it matter?
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