Balance, the middle way, we hope to list toward it. At times, it seems that we do not. Often because we fear we are wrong. Like fumbling for a needed object in the dark, we go too far one way or too far another and we think it’s all very hard. We really make it harder by resisting error. This is why I chose paradox as a topic. The truth is seen in error. We learn from our mistakes, hopefully.
If I were to speak the worlds greatest most earth shattering truth to one who was not ready for it, it would do damage as if a lie. I have a favourite t-shirt printed with the words “I’m probably lying.” So I will say, I’m probably lying. For whatever I say there is perhaps an equal and opposite truth. And if I start that swing, then if you find my words false or not, you move forward.
So our practice, our lives, they are the same thing. Use the techniques, the tools. Where you find wisdom embrace it. Plato was once asked by a student, “How do you grow to be wise?” Plato grabbed him by the back of his head and held it under the water of a nearby well. When he let him up after a brief submergence he said, “When you want wisdom like you wanted air, then your path will be clear.” I paraphrase but that was the gist.
The Bible says in all your getting, get wisdom. Solomon rose to be a king by his deep hunger for wisdom. Wisdom is the end product of all human experience as paradoxical as human experience is.
So, left hand path or right, dark or light, the Brahmins speak truly. All paths lead to Brahma. All paths lead to that central encompassing truth. The trick is choosing wisely. Whatever path you follow, follow it knowing it for what it is…if Buddhist, read the sutras, Hindu, read the Vedas, Christian, read the Bible. But do it knowing what you seek. Do it not to empty your mind. The Bible even speaks of not seeking with a spirit of ignorance. Seek with purpose, and purpose comes from within. There is not one source. All of life is a source of wisdom for those with the eyes to see, the ears to hear, a heart at peace.
Enculturation is just ease of following someone else’s lead. It isn’t necessary. We do have free will. We can swim up stream or down, and we choose the consequences that emerge in our life. But life is itself, we are not its source, just one of its infinite manifestations.
Life is balanced. The programming is our doing. We choose off or on, left or right.
Your thoughts are welcome. Be well friends.
Travis Saunders
Dragon Intuitive
~science,mysticism,spirituality~