Question: Answer – Seeking the Right Connection

Seeking the Right Connection

Often times it is not that we require a new teaching to further our growth, but a renewed commitment, effort and willingness to dive more deeply into the study and application of our chosen and worthy path. –Steve

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Q: Dear Steve: Re: “Seeking the right connection.” you wrote in June VFJ: isn’t it “inner resolve” that allows us to live (or apply) the truth or reality of what we’ve studied (or chosen?) to guide us? Liz S.

A: My brief statement titled: “Seeking the Right Connection” was intended to reflect the restless notion of many who are periodically driven to find a teacher or teaching that will result in their hoped for fulfillment (ease). I frequently notice that seekers are not willing to devote themselves in depth to their current path of study, and that they instead, attempt to link up with some other spiritual growth resource which seems to promise more potent or even exciting results. This is natural, human nature, and is fine. It is all useful learning, but as one matures in the process of self-integration work, the restless tendencies are replaced with deeper sincerity and dedication, and a new capacity for persisting regardless of ego challenges. One who is thus resolved can make rapid progress by plumbing the depth of the Teaching, which will always be comprised of three basic aspects: purification methods, philosophical study, and principles of living. The existence of an authentic Teaching Way, which always includes these three aspects, is due to the reflex expression of an individual who has undergone direct spiritual knowing and has thus been inspirationally motivated to compose a Teaching based on this authentic realization, for the potential benefit of others who seek spiritual resolution/integration.

Your remark that “inner resolve is what allows us to live or apply the Truth or Reality of what we’ve studied or chosen to guide us,” is certainly valid. I would say that “inner resolve” is the result of being prompted by the Truth of our being as it naturally and continually impulses toward ultimate resolution/integration. Certainly when one has known the revelation of Truth, there is the unmistakable recognition that spiritual resolution/integration is of utmost necessity, is truly “the only dance there is” and naturally becomes one’s living priority.

We engage in our chosen spiritual practices to hasten the resolution/integration process of being whole. Mind-body balancing and purification, philosophical contemplation, and application of harmonious living principles assist us efficiently when we remain resolutely and steadily involved. When we are driven by restlessness we tend to dabble and fluctuate in our search for fulfillment (ease), making only superficial efforts toward our worthy aspiration.

As progress unfolds, our efforts to live the principles and comprehend the philosophy are replaced with knowing and naturalness. The Teaching is what we become and therefore what we ultimately are.