In pleasure and pain, get your self out of the Way

 As we are not able to help ourselves, so we have to surrender ourselves to the Supreme completely. Then He will take care of us as well as the world.

Ramana Maharshi

 

Awakening is like a honeymoon, at least that’s how I experienced the early years of seeing the workings of the Way. Yet, just like in a marriage, a little work is required to make this merger a complete success. Interferences along the Way are just meant as an eye-opener that there is still a little ego left in unexpected places. The ego is smart that way, even the spiritual quest can be a hiding place for running towards the expected bliss while conveniently forgetting about the homework that is still required.

 

Jesus says in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteous and all these things shall be added unto you.” That’s it really, where we are going no ego is allowed. How to proceed? I would work on all levels of consciousness. On the ego level, we can sign up for the path of purpose and passion until the ego burns in the fire of spiritual accomplishment (karma yoga). On the wisdom level, we can grasp that the minder of the ego is the ego itself, but with this realization we can get the self out of the Way.

 

“Worse is better comrade,” was the battle cry of the now discredited communistic movement. How about, “better or worse notwithstanding, get the self out of the Way!” It doesn’t have to be a struggle, a simple insight suffices that “body, mind and world” were created to help us return Home here and now. Have fun with this realization and enjoy the blessings of the Way.

 

#spirituality #Jesus #ramanamaharshi