There Must Be A Better Way
Over the years, I thought that since I have read lots of spiritual books and listened to talks, my life would be happy forever. I thought I would be safe and never be hurt. I have even retreated from the outside world thinking the outside world has caused me to suffer. But… life is never a straight line; it is full of ups and downs! So, when facing challenges, I become stuck, standing at the crossroads – feeling lost, frustrated, and doubtful. Whatever that I have read or listened to, all forgotten, and I don’t know how to deal with it. All the information has fallen into pieces. Worse still, the desire and eagerness to fix the problems out there give me more mental distress. These happen to me ever so frequently that I am sick and tired of it all. I have had enough! There must be a better way.
When pursuing this journey, it is not about having how much information gathered from many gurus. I have spent much effort in writing inspiring notes in a beautiful journal book, decorated with different types of sticky notes. There were even different colours of highlighting on the sentences which I found important. None of these mattered if there was no realization. It was the book that got “enlightened”, not me. Too many concepts in my head, I was getting nowhere; it was like 1 multiplied by 1 equalled 1.
When it comes to the Right Information, it is never enough to have. But one must bear in mind that it is only at an intellectual level unless there are explorations to investigate and learn further through actual observations. Otherwise, it will not make any difference, only a temporary feel-good factor. I also recognize that compartmentalizing the principles of the teaching without the Right Understanding that everything is nature, the mind will make conclusions. Such that when new information is received, more conflicting views will clash with what the mind has believed and given value to. This creates more havoc. Sooner or later, one either gives up the journey or keeps on complaining that life is not fair.
Walking on this path, persistence is required as there are challenges and difficulties. Having the confidence that there is always a way out is helpful but this alone is not sufficient. It must be consistent as well, which is why persistence keeps the process of gathering data ongoing.
When there is no Right Understanding of the teaching, the practice will not be consistent. The Right Practice is the essence of mastery. It needs the willingness to look inward with honesty and integrity. It needs the willingness to consistently check the mind in all aspects of life, relationships, and situations. This is learning with the Right Attitude – be disciplined yet patient, no hurry but no delay too, as it takes time to unlearn and let go of the defilements. Right Effort is needed to cultivate the qualities of the mind. This paves way for wisdom to arise and finally to see it right, see reality as it is. It is the process of walking the journey itself. And this journey is best walked along with similar-minded friends.
If you are looking for more value in life than just going through the daily routines, come and join us in this WISE community.
In grace,
Jeannie Siow
26 April 2022