True Purpose

The body trebles, the tongue falters, the mind is weary Forsaking them all, I pursue my purpose happily.

Ashtavakra Gita Cited in Mystical Hours

Brother Teasdale gives us this synopsis of this ancient piece of Hindu wisdom 

in these words:

“The Ashtavakra Gita, translated as “The Heart of Awareness,” expresses the single mindedness necessary to break through in the midst of all the inadequacies and challenges of the physical world. As Hindu mysticism teaches, the true self is not the body, nor is it the speech, nor even the ordinary mind, but the observer of all three and the actor in us.

The body wears out, speech fails, and the mind forgets, but the self is eternal. The Hindu tradition’s single-mindedness is characteristic of its spiritual masters, or sadhus. It is one of the greatest gifts India has given to the world.

Yet, it is not a path for everyone. In fact, Buddha’s “middle path” was a reaction to Hindu asceticism. Whatever path we find, each of us has to venture beyond our distractions and embrace this” happy purpose” of mystical understanding.”

The most important part of Br. Teasdale’s commentary, for me, is this last section…

Each of us, IF we choose or feel compelled to follow a mystical path towards a sense of wholeness and/or enlightenment, then we will need to invest in and explore all the possible spiritual paths that are available to us.

Some of which will fit easily, others will be outgrown, still others will be a poor fit, and will be abandoned. (Some will be genuine paths, others will lead you to their own limitations and delusions!)

The entire experience of the search is to be commended and considered to be invaluable for one’s depth of soul. I affirm and believe that there is, despite its risks and challenges, a sustaining value that comes from being an active seeker. 

Whatever insights we acquire, we can bank on them as adding to the storehouse of our comprehension to make whatever we discover a part of a more aware and awake consciousness. 

Realizing, with honesty and humility, that you have had to mold and shape your hard won wisdom through your trials, and your studies; Realizing that it might take you the rest of your life to apply what you have learned and earned in any truly knowing, grateful, and more complete way. 

Never be afraid of stepping out and exploring! Just be aware that it will take tears and time to refine it into a lasting awareness that serves your evolutionary steps, and that benefits humankind and the planet as a whole.