“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing . . .”—Henry Miller
A Fresh Viewpoint
by Lesley | Mar 13, 2013 | bliss, consciousness, travel | 11 comments
11 Comments
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Ah yes, but when we arrive at a destination, we see what we’ve been dreaming of…
So true, Nelson, and beautifully said. It seems that once we do arrive at the place of our dreams we are ready to forge into yet new territory, all seen inside, then manifested on the outer. How fortunate we are to be great adventurers in eternity.
What is our destination…what is MY destination? Ah, this question has plagued me since I was in my teens. In ’63 JFK was shot dead…and I wondered, while the world wept, what in blazes was going on and how could such a thing have happened. I was eight years old and started contemplating deeply (as deeply as I could) on that fateful day in November. I lived in France at the time, on a military base, and simply wondered what this life was all about…especially when death was inevitable for everyone. This strong “urge to know” followed me like a powerful ghost, haunting all my experiences to come. Perhaps I knew subconsciously that I had to find answers IN THIS LIFE…and the sooner the better. And that began my search for “MY ULTIMATE DESTINATION”. This intense “urge to know” prodded me to leave a lucrative corporate career in search of truth. For twenty years I listened to those supposedly in the know, went to seminars, read umpteen spiritual books, wrote to India for the treasure of the knowledge of yoga and its highest attainments…to no avail. I was low and dry, empty handed and sadly frustrated. At 37 I ran into a chela of the Sat Guru and two years later wrote my letter requesting membership. That was two decades ago…and I am still wondering “what is my destination”? Refreshingly, this question is no longer a splinter in my brain, as it was prior to meeting the blessed Sat Guru. I am no longer consumed with the future but am being given the gift of a new and fresh viewpoint…every day. As long as I am progressing in “viewpoint”, as long as I feel the Love and Grace, as long as I am assured that progress is being made, I am a happy humanoid and delighted soul.
What a soulful story, Al. Truly, you have the deep yearning that takes one home to God, as I do, and many others who read this blog. It is an insatiable hunger that also haunted me through my youth until I really came to understand that the true destination is within. I too rely on a guide to help me explore the depths of that “place.” And thus, most days, I live without the ravaging hunger that once drove my search. Most days, as you say, I am happy and contented, knowing that my viewpoint is constantly evolving.
Lesley, I love your quote, and resonate with Al’s reply. As a newer chela on the path, every day the “journey” of raising my viewpoint consumes much of my attention. Without Garji, I cannot imagine how I would proceed. Daily I struggle to loosen my attachments while still taking care of the responsibilities which are mine on this earthly plane. Daily I am grateful for those souls whom I have met on this Path, and for the love, encouragement, viewpoints and satsangs which we share. I know that only through the Master’s grace, love, and mercy will I reach my destination, and I am content to move within and seek the Shabda Master’s guidance and blessing.
Leslie, you shine with devotion. You may be new on this path, but it is clear that you are a longtime traveler. I am happy to get to know you in this astral way and look forward to seeing you continue to blossom, as I myself do. Truly, the destination is already right here, right now.
I enjoyed Al’s reminiscing about the longing for understanding he felt so young. I have thought a lot about viewpoint in my life as well. Something that has amazed me after getting on the Path and having my own viewpoints overhauled, is how fearful humanity in general is about changing their outlook. Volume 1 was the introductory book that was available to seekers when I started the Path, and a statement I read in that book stuck with me like a tick. Something like it’s okay to be born into a religious belief, but it is not okay after a lifetime to die in the same belief. Yet I was surrounded by people who had taken vows and oaths to remain true to their faith no matter what, and it was literally (well, it felt literal) killing me. What a joy it is to see a group of chelas who are willing to change their spiritual viewpoints in a heartbeat when they find a greater truth, and that it is not just accepted, it’s expected. Thank you, Lesley, again for a beautiful contemplation.
Thank you, Rudy, beautifully said! I love the way our teacher invites us to “turn on a dime.” Changing one’s mind really is a sign of consciousness rather than the weakness that our society paints it to be. I too am grateful to be surrounded by those who see that life is about continually evolving our concept of ourselves and thus about the entire cosmos.
Lesley, the picture of Cordova Road in your post was so magical when I first viewed it! I do love those dirt roads, is that in New Mexico? Those words by Henry Miller hold so much truth in them. Now being a Chela on MasterPath, my destination is one of an expanding consciousness on the way to being a God Realized soul! This journey in consciousness is really all about my expanding view point or my new way of seeing, and as The Master says, this journey is never ending! Thank you fro sharing these words and Cordova Road!
Beautifully said about viewpoints & new perspectives from you & from all the comments. Contine to enjoy your blog !
Thank you for tuning in, Susan. I too enjoyed the many new perspectives readers brought to this.