Friday, December 29, 2006

Walking the Middle Spirtitual Path

There are as many spiritual paths to the top of the mountains as there are seekers climbing the mount. It is a trap to believe that any one is valid for every seeker. The Universe revels in diversity - just look at the planet we are riding on. Now, think of the diversity of the life, the landscape, and the environment. Imagine that there are billions of other planets out there, and every single one is completely unique, and completely diverse as well.

It's a little humbling right? It may be easier to let go of any belief that you have the answers about anything for anyone but yourself.

Traditionally, in spirituality there are two main paths. The path of the renunciant - the left hand path. And the path of indulgence - on the right hand. Again neither is better, and neither worked for all beings.

The archetypal renunciant gives up worldly possessions, becomes a hermit, or moves to a monastery. They essentially reject the world around them. And some find enlightenment. The problem with this path is that many who follow it get caught up in aversions. They are so focused on pushing the world away that they don't let go of it and just let it happen.

The archetypal indulgent seeks all knowledge, immersed in the world of the senses, surrounds the self with trappings of spirituality. They gather all things on their path to them. And some find enlightenment. The problem with this path is that many who follow it get caught up in attachments. They get so focused on holding on to things that they lose control.

The middle path is the path of no attachments and no aversions. Lester Levinson of the Sedona Method described it as hootlessness - where you no longer give a hoot. It is also described as imperturbability. Nothing can disturb you because you are peace. It is a beautiful floating where you can dip into and out of the world as you wish. You become easy with the world, unattached and not pushing.

The middle path may not be for you, but it's worth your consideration.