The Tao as a Signpost

The Zone is not so much a thing to attain as it is a signpost on the journey back to the Source.
(Larry Miller with James Redfield in 'Exploring the Zone')

When you come across the Tao you will have reached the beginning of the end of an ancient journey. Sure, you still have ego to burn and you still will have your down days, but most of the time you will see a blazing sun that follows you wherever you go. Many writers tell you about the Law of Oneness and the existence of karmic laws that ensure that every good deed comes back to you very much as you will have to pay for all of your sins, yet, all that talk is academic. Along the Tao you can see the Law of Oneness in action. Time shrinks and you can literally put the pieces together. I ask you, if you can see how a certain action drags you down and another lifts you up instead, how hard will it be to choose the latter? You also start seeing how others run after worthless metal that glitters in the background, just as they run past precious stones lying right in front of them. To finish the ancient journey once you have reached that stage is easy as 1 2 3 - nothing can keep you from this birthright once the Tao has got a hold of you.

I am pretty sure that many have discovered the Tao in recent years just as I have. Larry Miller and James Redfield call it the Zone, Neale Walsch's calls it 'Conversations with God', Gary Zukov calls it 'The Seat of the Soul', Eckhart Tolle calls it the Now and the Christians call it Holy Spirit; it doesn't matter what name you give this Force; fact of the matter is that once you start interacting with it, it ceases to be a religion and becomes a life philosophy instead. At this point you are literally enlightened despite the 'I' that still needs to synchronize a little with the Force. The Tao shines the way always. Stop worrying about enlightenment would be my advice - enjoy the magnificent journey instead.