Some leaders use threats to win adherents. They invoke death to force good behavior and to herd people toward paradise.~ from 365 Tao: Daily Meditations, Entry 20 ~
Others woo with grand promises. If you have no satisfaction, they offer bliss. If you feel inadequate, they offer success. If you are lonely, they offer acceptance.
But if we do not fear death and are happy, what will such leaders have to offer? Spirituality is an organic part of daily life, not something dispensed by a professional. True spirituality is liberation, not just from the delusions of reality but from the delusions of religion as well. If we attain freedom from the fear of death, a sound way of health, and a path of understanding through life, there is happiness and no need for false leaders.
For me, this is another way of saying that no one else can lead you to Tao or God; you -- and only you -- must clear the path you choose to take.
When we look to others to tell us where to go and how to step, we're walking THEIR path. This is not to suggest that other people's paths through life may not be congruent with our own. However, as each of us is a unique manifestation of the glorious mystery, no two paths will be the same.
So, when we cede guidance to someone else, we may be forsaking elements of our own nature and, if our journey violates that nature, we won't end up where we think we're going.
When we look to others to tell us where to go and how to step, we're walking THEIR path. This is not to suggest that other people's paths through life may not be congruent with our own. However, as each of us is a unique manifestation of the glorious mystery, no two paths will be the same.
So, when we cede guidance to someone else, we may be forsaking elements of our own nature and, if our journey violates that nature, we won't end up where we think we're going.
Yeah, we forsake who we are and try to become other people.
ReplyDeleteThat happened to be when I came to Canada. In churches, cultural "violations" were considered sins. So I set out to become tame, polite, and quiet like them, so I could be "holy." But the result was that I became bitter, and I couldn't change myself, anyway. I'm who I am.
I know it's not easy, but you need to let go of the bitterness because it does you more harm than anyone else. Isn't it liberating to be yourself without having to check a rule book to see if it's okay?
ReplyDelete