Venture into the Unknown

What do you do if your heart is attracted to something that our society or our spiritual community frowns on? Especially for us spiritual travelers an encounter with our darker side can be quite problematic. We say being greedy, competitive or full of lust is not good, but then we have to accept that sometimes we are just like that. But at the same time, we recognize that these experiences cannot define us, just as being loving, peaceful, or blissful is passing us like cloud as well.

You struggle to stay away from whatever it is that you think is tempting you, but it keeps on coming back like a boomerang. It seems like it is an invisible force that is driving you towards it. Don’t be afraid if this is happening to you. Follow your heart and face what life brings your way. You will certainly encounter moments of pain, doubt and darkness, but you have no choice anyway. Hiding behind your spiritual mission would only postpone the inevitable encounter, while facing your demons is often the only way forward. If you observe yourself for a long time, it seems that at different stage we are learning different themes. Take your chance and learn what comes your way. Don’t waste your time and experience everything like a dream. Be open to the experience and realize what is going on inside of you.

Sri Ramakrishna, the Hindu mystic of 19th century India, was manifested divine love, yet when one of his disciples refused to kill a cockroach because that went against his notion of spirituality, Sri Ramakrishna in fact told him that he had to kill it, just to show to him that killing is part of life as well. Similarly, why don't you consider your encounter with the dark side as your lesson plan to get suppressed stuff out in the open. Dance with life, and if you are alert enough, if you are there, you will know what the Tao has in store for you. Be brave, walk into the dark; adventure to the unknown.

Every reaction has a counter- reaction; that is the Law of the Tao. When you are drawn with a lot of force towards something, it means the Tao is in action. Jump into the flow and follow the Tao. Trust in the Tao's good intentions; She always has a plan for you. Don't worry about what our society or spiritual community thinks, you walk on your path with an open mind and open eyes. Your resistance comes from your expectation of what is supposed to happen and you judge certain outcomes as bad. But as a matter of fact, you never really completely grasp what is going to happen, and what the Tao has in mind. There is something mysterious and incredibly creative about life. Release your control of life, and let Her take you for a ride.

Follow your passions and understand how your path can heal you and everyone who walks with you. The Tao will always give you an opportunity to pour your heart and soul into something that you believe in. Tensions can be transcended, conflicts can be understood and wounds can be healed. If you ever find yourself throwing dirt on love while following your passions you know for sure that you have overlooked something. Wherever She treats, love abounds. Follow Her path towards freedom, peace and joy. Venture into the unknown and let Her surprise you!

By Christian and Su Zhen