Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at 1:01pm
The status quo—never to be embraced by truth seekers
Column: PERFECTBALANCELIFE
One fundamental requirement for being on the spiritual path is the willingness to fully embrace the reality of being loved and hated at the same time. Truth seekers always upset those who do not want to be shown a different way that is outside their own particular worldview and way of doing things. Most people are excessively uncomfortable with moving outside of their comfort zones. What about you?
If we claim to be on the spiritual path we are destined to by cursed, blamed, misunderstood, and marginalized. At the same time we can also expect to experience exalted states of inner peace, contentment, and profound gratitude. Authentic religious traditions and spiritual disciplines require one to see and think differently about what is being experienced. Often this will result in our needing to challenge, critique, question, and doubt what we are being told by others. This is normally not a problem when the environment is conducive to this kind of interaction. Where do we find such an environment readily available?
When people get upset—for whatever reason—they tend to get defensive. This can lead to all kinds of immature behavior. Two extreme examples in the realms of science and religion illustrate this phenomenon: Galileo and Jesus. In both cases these men suffered at the hands of those who were unwilling to look beyond the status quo. This human inclination, to resist and defend one’s point of view against another that is deemed too radical and different, is so much a part of the suffering and pain experienced during the development of human history. Are we better or worse off as a human race due to the fact of people deciding to question and challenge the status quo?
Spiritual truth seekers have no choice in this matter. We are called to speak out and tell to others how we see things and what kinds of changes need to be made in our world. This is just one natural consequence of being on the spiritual path. May God bless you as you move forward in speaking your understanding of the truth. Oh, by the way, make sure you keep your swift horse within range.
Jack LaValley is a practitioner of the martial arts, physical cultivation exercises, and sitting meditation. Although currently working in the hospitality industry, he spends much of his free time helping and working together with those who are pursuing the spiritual path. Jack and his wife, Wha-ja Oh-LaValley, a native of South Korea, reside in Westchester County, New York, and are the proud parents of three beautiful children. Jack is completing his book manuscript, "A Perfectly Balanced Life: Living Each Day with Wisdom and Strength," and expects publication to be in October 2008. You can reach Jack at: perfectbalance1@optimum.net © Copyright 2008 by Jack LaValley.
If we claim to be on the spiritual path we are destined to by cursed, blamed, misunderstood, and marginalized. At the same time we can also expect to experience exalted states of inner peace, contentment, and profound gratitude. Authentic religious traditions and spiritual disciplines require one to see and think differently about what is being experienced. Often this will result in our needing to challenge, critique, question, and doubt what we are being told by others. This is normally not a problem when the environment is conducive to this kind of interaction. Where do we find such an environment readily available?
When people get upset—for whatever reason—they tend to get defensive. This can lead to all kinds of immature behavior. Two extreme examples in the realms of science and religion illustrate this phenomenon: Galileo and Jesus. In both cases these men suffered at the hands of those who were unwilling to look beyond the status quo. This human inclination, to resist and defend one’s point of view against another that is deemed too radical and different, is so much a part of the suffering and pain experienced during the development of human history. Are we better or worse off as a human race due to the fact of people deciding to question and challenge the status quo?
Spiritual truth seekers have no choice in this matter. We are called to speak out and tell to others how we see things and what kinds of changes need to be made in our world. This is just one natural consequence of being on the spiritual path. May God bless you as you move forward in speaking your understanding of the truth. Oh, by the way, make sure you keep your swift horse within range.
Jack LaValley is a practitioner of the martial arts, physical cultivation exercises, and sitting meditation. Although currently working in the hospitality industry, he spends much of his free time helping and working together with those who are pursuing the spiritual path. Jack and his wife, Wha-ja Oh-LaValley, a native of South Korea, reside in Westchester County, New York, and are the proud parents of three beautiful children. Jack is completing his book manuscript, "A Perfectly Balanced Life: Living Each Day with Wisdom and Strength," and expects publication to be in October 2008. You can reach Jack at: perfectbalance1@optimum.net © Copyright 2008 by Jack LaValley.