Seeking enlightenment

Spiritual shopping is our latest craze. From philosophical discourses to classes on meditation, from exotic looking godmen to sessions on yoga, we flit forever in search of happiness, peace, wisdom.

The disciple asked the master, “Why aren’t more people enlightened?” The master smiled, “That’s because they see as a loss what is actually a gain.”

Then he told of a businessman whose trade flourished. When congratulated, he said sadly, “Let’s be realistic. If so many people continue to push through the front door, we will soon have to replace those hinges.”

We too are so busy hanging on to the hinges of our attachment that we often fail to enjoy the fortune of enlightenment. But by far the greatest stumbling block to enlightenment is acceptance.

“Acceptance of what?” asked the student. In answer, the master told this story. “A master had gathered his students in a hall. He gave them a sheet of paper and told them to write on it the length of the hall. Most gave flat figures.

Others added the word, ‘approximately’. Said the master, “You are all wrong.” “What is the right answer?” The master smiled.

“The right answer is — ‘I don’t know’.” Until we know that we don’t know, how can we even begin to know?

Yet, we are really on the road to enlightenment, only when we have given up every desire — even that for enlightenment.  The master was to leave his hermitage to go on a pilgrimage. He instructed his disciple to give him a monthly update on his spiritual progress. The first month the student wrote, “I feel an expansive oneness with all creation.” The master threw the note away.

The next month, the master received this, “I see the Divine everywhere.” The master merely yawned.  The third month brought this revelation, “We will all die. The Self alone is eternal.”

The master threw his hands up in despair. Then, there was silence. Months passed and worried, the master sought information. He wrote to his disciple, “Are you making any progress? Why have you not got in touch?” Prompt came the reply, “Who cares?”

And a broad smile lit up the master’s face. Relieved, he exclaimed, “Finally, he’s got it.”