We all know that Buddha left his family and kingdom behind to seek enlightenment. It is ironic, isn't it, that the people he left behind suffered because of Buddha's quest to end suffering. So would we say that Buddha was in fact irresponsible? Would you question his love for his wife, his parents and his kingdom? Had Buddha not left everything behind, he might not have found enlightenment and our world - including his kingdom and his family - would have lost a great mentor. So it seems like his decision was the right one after all.
If you read the memoirs of great spiritual mentors you find this theme often. It is not uncommon for these giants to leave their family behind and surrender to their inner voice.
Remember Mark 3:31: "Then Jesus' mother and brothers came. They stood outside and sent a person in to tell Jesus to come out. Many people were sitting around Jesus. They said to him, "Your mother and brothers are waiting for you outside." Jesus asked, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" Then Jesus looked at those people sitting around him. He said, "These people are my mother and my brothers! My true brother and sister and mother are those people that do the things God wants."
Often this step contradicts our notion of true love. Yet despite the apparent pain, all parties can find meaning in these occurrences. It is like these mentors break free from their social positions and from all social norms, and their loved ones will not stand in the way. Everyone is our family. When we love each other we support each other's dreams and actions. Parents willingly send their children off to college, there is no heartbreak in this step, just joyful tears. True love gives our loved ones the wings to fly.
Walking on a spiritual path you will sometimes reach dark valleys, yet as you are walking through them you realize that these shadows are just a reflection of your self-imposed limitations. As you break free from your chains you see the sun shining through. There is only one way, your way, and every step on it is holy. Never mind the occasional sadness - just like Buddha's departure from his beloved home - follow the signs of the Way and there will be a happy ending for everyone. Sacrifice is a notion that is completely meaningless to God. Find your way and see that along it everyone is merry.
By Christian and Su Zhen
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