Many of us feel the need to read self-help books or spiritual writings on regular basis. We do it early in the morning or before bed time. We feel a sense of peace inside of us and somehow stronger to face the world. Some of us can cite beautiful citations from holy books or even know by heart the story of Buddha. Can this knowledge bring spiritual well being? Let's explore this.
Knowledge is generally a buildup of info. When we collect expertise, we could happily point out that we "understand".
Having explained that, the spiritual path is somehow different. Spiritual well being is not originated in knowledge; it is absolutely just how life is developing in front of you, not what you "want" it to be.
You can be joyfully having a chat with a person about what Buddha has shared with his disciples, feel good for a few minutes yet still you know the worry that is awaiting you as soon as you leave this talk. Your spouse, your boss or your troublesome kid is not too far and you know you cannot escape them! In this situation, we could claim that what is happening in the background, behind your "desire" of well being -by sharing beautiful stories- is your real experience. Your problems did not disappear, they're just on stand-by.
You could try to conceal that with denial, addictions or video games. However, it will definitely never ever last. Ultimately you will certainly experience some misery or whatever feeling you have been bottling inside of you.
To answer the question: Can knowledge bring me spiritual well being? I would say that knowledge can be a great introduction to it but by itself it would never bring you to it. Curiosity and the yearning have certainly their place on the spiritual path. But the real yearning, beneath the one to learn is the one of liberation. Knowledge doesn't liberate you for too long. In the long run it can actually get you further and further away from the spiritual path.
Take a few seconds and imagine how it would be if you could experience life at its greatest. Imagine that sensation of liberation lasting for minutes, hours and days at a time.
How will it be if you're in touch with a constant "knowing", a moment to moment "knowing", always there in your experience no matter what impossible situation is happening in your life?
Knowledge is generally a buildup of info. When we collect expertise, we could happily point out that we "understand".
Having explained that, the spiritual path is somehow different. Spiritual well being is not originated in knowledge; it is absolutely just how life is developing in front of you, not what you "want" it to be.
You can be joyfully having a chat with a person about what Buddha has shared with his disciples, feel good for a few minutes yet still you know the worry that is awaiting you as soon as you leave this talk. Your spouse, your boss or your troublesome kid is not too far and you know you cannot escape them! In this situation, we could claim that what is happening in the background, behind your "desire" of well being -by sharing beautiful stories- is your real experience. Your problems did not disappear, they're just on stand-by.
You could try to conceal that with denial, addictions or video games. However, it will definitely never ever last. Ultimately you will certainly experience some misery or whatever feeling you have been bottling inside of you.
To answer the question: Can knowledge bring me spiritual well being? I would say that knowledge can be a great introduction to it but by itself it would never bring you to it. Curiosity and the yearning have certainly their place on the spiritual path. But the real yearning, beneath the one to learn is the one of liberation. Knowledge doesn't liberate you for too long. In the long run it can actually get you further and further away from the spiritual path.
Take a few seconds and imagine how it would be if you could experience life at its greatest. Imagine that sensation of liberation lasting for minutes, hours and days at a time.
How will it be if you're in touch with a constant "knowing", a moment to moment "knowing", always there in your experience no matter what impossible situation is happening in your life?
About the Author:
Carl Serapian is an innovator in the field of personal growth with over a decade of research. For a limited time and for free, he's sharing his discovery of a simple yet powerful meditation rooted deeply in the yogic science of the spiritual path. You can find it on his latest website that teaches exploring and sustaining the spiritual path without having to change your current daily activities.
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