Continued from Part 1………..
………..Clueless to the source of the problems,
most attempt to fill them with surrogates –
through attachments to material possessions,
social engagements, relationships,
act of charity,
or simply by cultivating a superior self-image
as shaped by digital facade of modern life.
These surrogates gratify momentary,
feeding the ego,
offering only fleeting glimpses of joy.
The mind continues its incessant chatter.
Thoughts keep running wild.
The journey thus far
fails to fill the void one so earnestly hoped to resolve.
A serious few,
discern the futility of these pursuits,
turn their gaze elsewhere.
The journey continues…
Turning to those around us
seems a natural course.
Seeking help from family, friends and knowledgeable
appears safe and reasonable approach.
Nothing wrong in that.
Yet, after a brief exchange of words,
advice soon follows –
advise shaped by others’ beliefs,
their unexamined experiences,
their sense of right – wrong, good and bad.
The more spiritual or intellectual
inclined the other individual,
the quicker conversations turn to a parable,
a reflection of their own life story.
Though society’s intentions ideally be benevolent,
roots of the problems remain elusive.
Once again, he is left feeling incomplete.
For most,
this is where the journey shall end —
with resignation to the belief
that a life fraught with problems is the norm,
and that a problem-free life, simply does not exist.
Society and well-meaning parents
shall reinforce this belief very faithfully!
But for a few,
the Journey continues –
turning towards religious or spiritual teachings.
Practices inspired by these teachings
are followed for months or years.
Some may immerse in sacred texts,
pilgrimages, retreats, or chants.
These do bring some comfort – but not freedom.
However,
a serious seeker demands truth rather than comfort,
soon realizes that,
most religious and spiritual practices
remain caught in the net of duality.
They offer fleeting joy,
a brief escape from life’s burdens.
Yet, the source of the problem –
the very root of conflict — remains rather obscured.
Scrutinizing them for results is challenging,
as cultural conditioning runs deep.
Society regards spiritual and divine pursuits as highly noble,
and are strongly revered by family.
To question them,
one is at risk.
But my friend,
has the source of the problem been truly seen?
Have the right questions been asked?
Has one healed in the way he envisioned –
or merely scratched the surface of his wounds?
Has he genuinely made peace
with the inner demons that taint his thoughts
and disturb his dreams?
Most do not ask.
Deep down,
They sense what was lost and what was gained–
yet choose to remain
within the comfort of their suffering.
Society convinces him
that this is where it all ends –
that no answers lie beyond the
well-lit rampart of its established norms.
Those who got so far
had genuine problems,
but were not genuine seekers.
They were more invested in the journey of seeking
than arriving at a stillness
where seeking ends.
Rare is the one,
who goes beyond the well-trodden path –
beyond teachings, practises and promises
to access the source of his conflicts.
He may cross paths
with various gurus, scared halls, and practices,
but he shall not settle there.
My friend, anything attained from outside,
may light the skin,
but never touch the depths,
never the source.
The journey of truth,
journey to genuine peace
is the one within.
For the answers
lie nowhere else.
