Embrace Your Spiritual Journey: Start Today for a Brighter Tomorrow
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Chapter 1: The Importance of Timely Action
It’s common to delay spiritual practices, often due to our busy lives. You might think, "I'll focus on my spiritual path when I have more free time," or perhaps you plan to dive into it later in life, believing that there will be ample opportunity down the line. But is that really the case?
Life is undeniably engaging. On a practical level, there are bills to pay. Mentally, you may feel the pressure to succeed and prove your worth. Emotionally, the desire to fit in and enjoy life can take precedence.
However, if you continuously postpone your spiritual journey, will you ever truly embark on it? As the end of life approaches, you might find yourself questioning your priorities, realizing that you prioritized the fleeting over the eternal. Don’t let the moment pass you by.
As Teilhard de Chardin wisely stated, “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.”
Section 1.1: The Journey Requires Time
While instances of sudden spiritual awakenings, like those experienced by Eckhart Tolle and Byron Katie, do occur, they are rare. Both individuals faced significant personal turmoil before their transformative realizations, with no prior spiritual training.
Many dedicated practitioners take years to achieve similar insights. Historical accounts tell of individuals in Tibet who devoted years in solitude, meditating to deepen their understanding.
Take, for example, contemporary teacher Adyashanti. He began exploring Zen Buddhism at twenty and had his first awakening at twenty-five after years of diligent practice. His journey illustrates that significant spiritual growth often requires years of effort.
If you plan to begin your practice later, you might be risking the time needed to reach a level of deep understanding.
Jack Kornfield reminds us, “The trouble is, you think you have time.”
Section 1.2: Health Is Fleeting
The narrative of "The Words of My Perfect Teacher" includes the story of a nun named Palmo, who, despite suffering from leprosy, achieved enlightenment through unwavering dedication to her spiritual practice.
This level of resilience is exceptional; most people would likely succumb to despair under similar circumstances, putting spiritual pursuits on hold while chasing cures.
From personal experience, I can affirm that practicing through physical challenges is far from easy.
While you may not face leprosy, other health issues, like long Covid, can severely impact your well-being. Your health, no matter how stable now, can change in an instant.
As we age, susceptibility to illness increases. Waiting for the perfect moment to start your spiritual journey may lead to unforeseen obstacles.
Buddha beautifully stated, “Health is the greatest gift…”
Chapter 2: The Uncertainty of Life
We often take our existence for granted, forgetting the impermanence that surrounds us—day transitions into night, and life is fleeting.
This ingrained desire for continuity, referred to as "Abhinivesha" in the Yoga Sutras, can cloud our perception of reality. A daily reminder of impermanence can help ground us.
As Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche noted, “But death is real, comes without warning.”
Don’t delude yourself into thinking you can postpone spiritual practice for years while you prepare for it.
Closing Thoughts
Engaging in spiritual practice is a privilege that many lack due to dire circumstances like war or poverty. If you have the opportunity, seize it now; don’t defer your spiritual journey.
There are no certainties that you will have time later, face no serious health challenges, or live long enough to fulfill your intentions.
While it’s essential to handle everyday responsibilities—like Adyashanti did by working in his father’s shop—there’s no time to waste. Begin your journey today and avoid the regret of misplaced priorities when life draws to a close.
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