Following the Dharma
As we travel through life, we are presented with an array of choices at every moment. Each choice has an outcome that will itself present another choice. The path of our choices and the state of mind that we make them in, create our experiences and the direction of our life...This cycle of choices and the resulting outcomes of those choices comprise the factors that create our karmas.
At every point when making a choice, there is always one choice that is the absolute perfect choice. That perfect choice is what I call the Dharma. It is the very best choice of all. The outcome of that choice will light up our life. When we make this choice, there is an intrinsic feeling inside of us that just knows that we have chosen wisely. Sometimes this choice may actually go against the laws of Mysticism but, as a rule, they usually are in perfect alignment.
The difficulty in following the Dharma is because it springs forth from the very depths of our heart. What makes it so difficult in the determining the correct choice of the Dharma resides in the fact that the heart is also where our psychic center is located. To complicate things even more, the Heart Center sits right on top of the Occult Center.
As a result we are constantly bombarded by the thoughts and feelings of everyone we come in contact with, especially those people that we hold closest to our heart. Their fixations and dreams constantly swirl about us. We often find ourselves being swept up into these powerful influences which can cause us to be fogged and manipulated into making choices that, deep down, our very heart knows is wrong. The detrimental interferences are not constricted to outside influences. Our own ego, as it tries to exert and define itself, routinely overrides the heart as well. Thus the small and quite voice of our heart of hearts is drowned out by all of the shouting of our ego, friends, family and society itself.
For most people, determining the path of Dharma is best done while working with a Spiritual Teacher. An advanced Spiritual Teacher has the ability to look deeply into our soul and direct us impeccably towards the Dharma. As the connection with the Teacher is polished and his or her connection to spirit starts to awaken in our soul, the influences of the chaotic world are pushed aside. In my life, having a Spiritual Teacher was absolutely crucial to my awakening.
The practice of meditation, or stopping thought, will also push aside the influences of the world. The by-product of this practice opens up our heart and brings the awakening energy into our everyday life that allows us to see and make the “right” choices more and more throughout the day.
As we cut through all of the layers of interference and begin to get in touch with with the deepest and most holy part of our very soul, we come to the supreme realization of all… The Dharma.
Love,
Shiva
