True Understanding

The intellect is an integral component of our inner constitution, and in order to live a balanced life we must employ this important faculty alongside all the others which are at our disposal. The mind requires that our surroundings shall be meaningful; our intellect demands order, rationality and reasonable explanation. We cannot live in chaos without suffering; we must know and understand if we are to exist in peace. Such understanding is quintessential to the aspirant who wishes to tread the spiritual Path safely, as the mystical worlds through which he will pass upon the right road inevitably present an inexhaustible multitude of glittering seductions, alluring illusions, distractions and very definite dangers. Certain basic qualities are therefore a fundamental requirement; among them is intelligent discernment born of right spiritual understanding. Such understanding will promote steadiness amidst the play of opposites that exist throughout dualistic creation: good and evil, better or worse, happy and sad, etc., and will protect the aspirant from going astray.

Of paramount importance for us as aspirants upon the True Path is that we become profoundly conscious of our own ignorance; to recognise and acknowledge that we are ceaselessly self-deceived by the recurring illusions created by our own minds. If we believe that we already know best, then we certainly cannot learn anything new or move forward from where we are. As determined seekers of Truth we should comprehend well that the first and greatest step toward Wisdom is the realisation and candid acceptance that we are presently fools, and particularly so when compared to those Enlightened Ones who have already attained the Goal.

The bridge between the temporary human consciousness and Cosmic Consciousness is built by the mind purified of erroneous thinking; it is understanding which transforms, not merely the desire for change. Once a basic understanding of the great laws of the universe has been gained, right attitude will certainly dawn within us, and thus favourably adjusted in our perceptions of the world, we shall delight in sharing our newly-discovered treasure with and for others as we begin to tread the grandest and most fulfilling path of service. We shall realise in our new-found happiness the great, wonderful yet simple universal law that for every flower of love and charity planted in a neighbour's garden, an undesirable weed shall disappear from our own. In service to the world we shall see how the garden of the gods - humanity - unfolds and blossoms into a truer, more resplendent and divine expression.

True understanding allows us to consciously and intelligently embark upon the rich, colourful and varied adventure which life truly is. The previously hidden effulgent light of the spiritual Sun will then begin to emerge in bright and golden hue from behind the clouds of past erroneous thinking habits, and will scintillate into our conscious awareness, illuminating and dispelling all our false perceptions as it reveals the radiant magnificence of Reality. We then begin to walk the True Path surely and safely, equipped with and protected by our new understanding and awareness which so adjust our attitude toward life that, as we conduct our life in alignment with universal law, we come to see that we can never again fall back into the cold and lonely shadows of our ignorant selfhood.