What is the Path? How are individual experiences similar?
From a spiritual perspective, the point of life is to make the world a little better, growing closer to the Source. So that the traveler does not stray too far from this goal, the path was created. The path is the interaction between the traveler, the guide, and Baraka or spiritual grace which gives the path its vibrancy; each is essential and combines, under the correct circumstances, to provide a vehicle which results in the completed person.
On the path, each person’s experience is both unique and collective. Each person is an individual expression of the Divine element. Also, as a member of humanity, each person is similar to others and, consequently, aspects to the learning are similar.
Experiences and exercises are prescribed and given. Some are unique to the individual and others are communal. For example, the individual prays, or meditates, as an individual and as a member of a spiritual community; during the course of instruction, these experiences are both singular and collective.
Along the path, the part that ensures the student does not get lost, is the guidance of the teacher and grace under which he/she operates. Spiritually, the teacher is able to monitor the student’s progress and knows whatever is necessary to assist the student. This knowledge or spiritual capacity comes about as a result of the spiritual grace of the path. It is a capacity that exists, in part, outside the teacher and moves through him/her as necessary to guide the traveler.
Each of the great religions is a path to completion. Present in all these forms are the elements defined above. Each great path has a historical period when most active. Over time, as paths become physically more distant from the point of their inception, they age, repetition and systematization set in and they become less vibrant. Then, as God Wills, a teacher appears to restore and give life to that which has fallen into disarray.
The mystical path is always dependent upon a living teacher. The teacher prescribes individually for the student and if repetition and systematization are used, it is for a specific purpose and limited time. It is the teacher’s function to know what each student needs.
Often, these teachers are hidden and choose anonymity so that they can more effectively operate. If the hidden teachers and servants were more visible, people would not let them. function and consistently interrupt their work
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I have lived a 1000 lifetimes,
yet, I have not been alive for a day.
I have sought You in a 1000 corners,
yet, You were waiting in the quiet of my soul.
Now, I must push aside my notions
of how to proceed
and Surrender to the process
of which I am but a seed.
SB
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