I am often amused at the comments, articles, books and teachings that condemn [attack] those brave [non]souls that [un]proudly declare themselves 'Awake' or 'Enlightened'. The premise behind these teachings [attacks] follows the concept that:
a) there is no "one" in whom 'Awakening' or 'Enlightenment' happens to, and
b) everyone is always, already 'Awake' or 'Enlightened'.
Forgive my hearty laugh, but (a) cancels (b) and (b) cancels (a), so we are left with rather silly arguments that can go in no other direction but a complete circle. Rather dizzying, if I do say so my[non]self.
However, there is a flip side to this coin (as there always is) which concerns the very same teachings on those that [un]certainly declare themselves 'Non Awakened' or 'Un Enlightened'. Course, the same arguments used in the 'Awake' debates (see arguments (a) and (b) above) are aptly applied. What is a '[non]soul [Un]Awakened Enlightened [non]being' to do? After much practice and considerable experience on both sides of the coin, I offer the following to those 'no-one's currently being someones or vice versa' caught in the web of merry-go-round arguments:
1. There will come, after much contemplation, meditation, or even out of no-where, one or more considerable shifts of perception. Our first reaction is often the overwhelming desire to shout from the mountain tops the incredible things we are seeing/perceiving; stunningly convinced we are the first to ever have encountered such magical sights before. I humbly ask that you count to one million (one billion, if you are a zealous personality) before making such declarations. Usually the moment will pass and your "regular" mode of seeing will return. To refrain from buying new brown robes, sandals and vowing never to shave again ('Curse this lowly body!'), you will save your [non]-but-still-present-self from awesome amounts of embarrassment and frustration. Trust me, the Bible need not be rewritten; though I totally understand the want to do so. I mean really, the language itself is just so last year!
2. Many shifts will happen. Some will stay and some will go. Some with shake the foundation of your life, leaving it forever altered. Some will be nothing more that wispy memories. It doesn't matter. Really. It doesn't matter.
3. Following 2), there may be the belief / perception / cognition that this is "it"! You have arrived at the destination and the journey to nowhere is finally complete; though, nothing really happened and you didn't go anywhere. And you'll spend hours, days, weeks, months and perhaps even years attempting to explain that to any that will listen. Some will believe you; some won't. Some will hate you; some will love you. Some will listen to you; some will tell you to shut up. And you'll smile and relax. You'll rejoice in your nothingness. And this could last forever, but sometimes it doesn't. So read on.
4. Teachings are wonderful to a point. At that pivotal point you've got to lay them down. You've got to stop with the circular arguments, the enthusiastic tirades, the boisterous posturing and the denial. Yes, you are in denial. You do exist. You're here. You're you. You've seen some things, but so did Jesus; and your neighbor, most likely (just ask him ... we've all got stories to tell). And by the way, you are not Jesus, or Buddha or Ramana or any other saint or sage. They were beautiful bodies and souls; however, the only rights to those bodies belongs to God. Brace yourself, but contrary to what you may believe or what teachings you have stuck to tell you, you are not God. You're just pretending to be. Taboo, no?
5.) It comes down to this Taboo subject: you know when you are "you". Meaning, you know when you are pretending to be a "non-you" or a "bigger you" or an "empty you". Most of the time we blame the mind on filling us with doubt, fear or meaningless chatter; however, we even more loudly declare that we've always already been That. But, that posturing is simply a form of denial, no doubt taken by the mind; but denial none-the-less. The sense of a separate self is alive and well; stronger than ever after all the wondrous things that have been encountered. What madmen would want to give up Nirvana!? "It's heaven on earth, you silly woman! Ye shall not speak of such heresy!" But don't worry; contrary to today's popular teachings and feel good (or not so feel good) messages, this is all par for the course. You aren't the first to have fooled yourself and you won't be the last.
6.) If you don't figure it out first, life will kindly reveal to you the error of your ways. Some realize this error sooner than others; some may not for a very, very, very long time. However, once this has been revealed you will either a) bow your head, accept the truth and keep walking, or b) remain in denial. For those that find themselves in the a) category, you will find that few want to discuss your "coming out party". You've prepared yourself for the onslaught of questions and explanations; the apologies and amends. However, only a handful will sincerely inquire in hopes of either avoiding that same trap or wanting to check on your now shaky foundation. And this will trouble you; deeply.
7.) You now lay down all the teachings, save a few simple ones (like: "Shut up" or "Hold still"). You watch in wonder as the same arguments, teachings, theories, concepts and judgements you were once lost within continue on in those around you unaffected. You no longer wish to rewrite the Bible; it's a fine story, just like you. You realize what separation is and what it isn't; you also realize there is a difference and that there really is such a thing as "further to go", even if it doesn't involve an actual destination. You see those that you may have formed close bonds with were actually merely merry companions you kept to quiet down the nagging doubts, fears and annoying rants you carried with you; most simply keeping your company for the same reasons. You find yourself alone, but in a very comforting way.
8.) No one wants to know these stories. Not really. They want comfort food; something to help them "get there faster" or "be there already". It's sad; but, they too will come to this non localized place and will find comfort in throwing out that coin of circular arguments. Then, we wait and dance. And wait some more.
