HEY SEEKER! DROP SEEKING ENLIGHTENMENT!

November 21, 2016

For many years I have had interests in meditation and spirituality as a means to well being, happiness and peace of mind. As i delved deeper into the fields and with greater exposure to different groups, techniques and methods, it became apparent to me that many individuals were in search of the elusive goal of enlightenment (whatever that may mean!) And spiritual organisations, teachers and gurus held out the “enlightenment carrot” for all those seekers who chased it.

carrot

Looking at this rationally, enlightenment, otherwise known as moksha in hinduism or nirvana as known in buddhism, is the absolute peak or pinnacle of self enquiry. It is the very ultimate. Compare this to sports, and it’s like winning a gold medal in the Olympic games. Though so many want it, so few achieve it.

The problem with focussing on enlightenment as a distant goal, is that it takes the focus away from the “here and now”. For many spiritual seekers, one of the greatest gains they will make in their pursuit, is dropping the pursuit of enlightenment, and focussing on what needs to happen in each and every moment.

Enlightenment is absolute contentment, clarity and peace with the way everything is in the present moment. Dropping the search for an elusive enlightenment will bring the greatest of freedoms for the overzealous seeker. That’s why in my book, Meditation and Martini, I write that the sublime can be found in the most mundane of activities. No need for lotus position. No need for robes. No need for movements. No need for gurus. Everything is there within you.

sweep

 

If you are new to meditation and spirituality this concept is critically important. Just focus on a regular meditation practice and allow the rest to take care of itself. Our practices water the roots of the plant. Enlightenment is the ultimate fragrance from the flowers. In the same way that you can’t produce the fragrance without watering the roots, enlightenment can not happen without doing the groundwork.

I hope that’s helpful!

In Health and Wellness

Ranjit