In the Cave till our Grave

[air]

Many of us stay in the cave till our graves because we are so restricted and protected by our belief systems that all our lives, we choose to live and die in the cave. Just like a frog in the well, we are not willing to explore the reality of who we truly are, what we are, where we have come from, and where we will go.

We are so programmed as children and young adults that whatever we have learned in the first two to three decades of our life becomes the constitution, the rules, and the laws of our life. Our philosophy refuses to go beyond that. We live and die with the roots we have been given. And because of these roots, we are unable to change the shoots and the fruits. Thus, we live our entire lives as the same tree.

But once in a while, some of us may walk out of the cave to see the beautiful sunshine outside, to look up at the sky and see the clouds, birds, moon and stars, realizing that the life in the cave was restricted.

In the same way, we believe that we are this body. We live and die in those little families that are known to us, without realizing our true Father, our Creator. Who is our Creator? Where did we come from? Essentially, who are we?

When we contemplate deeply, we realize that we are not this mortal body, but the divine spirit, which is nothing but the power of God, the almighty Creator – omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscient – who we cannot define or comprehend. Much later, when we have the courage to think further, then only we realize that we are not just the spirit, but also the power of God – beyond being the spirit alone.

God has manifested into everything in this world. Without God, there is nothing! This entire world is a manifestation and not a creation of God. Therefore, we are God, disguised, manifested as this human body.

It is on deep contemplation that this realization is arrived at – as to who we are and who God is. Once we realize these answers, we can live a life of bliss or Aananda, knowing the truth that God is everywhere, even in our hearts!

AiR

[sparklekaz]

Hi Air,

A beautiful well thought out post, which I really enjoyed reading. I agree with you that many people are born, and live their entire lives, without ever daring to explore what's 'out there', outside of their self contained worlds. Some are afraid to. They cannot cope with anything that challenges their thoughts and beliefs systems; And, then there are those who simply content with what they have, and so feel they need nothing more. Which in some ways I feel is an enviable state. For don't we all seek that 'inner contentment'?

I don't believe there is anything wrong with either way, it has to be something that an individual feels is right for them. And their reasons for living as they do. I always think that it's the intention behind why we do, what we do that's the most important. If someone feels fulfilled, happy and at peace in the way they live, then they wont feel the need to explore and why would they. The feelings you speak of, the urge to break out of self imposed limitations are usually felt by someone who is unsatisfied and senses that there is more, that they need to know. This feeling will project them outward.

Then there will be those who are never content with what they have and are always yearning for more. And this has nothing to do with wanting to enrich their lives by broadening their horizons and knowledge, but more to do with a soul who is not at peace and always looking for that experience that will distract them from their feelings of lack of purpose and unhappiness.

I believe that God is everywhere and that heaven and the conditions of hell can be found in our every day lives. We don't just find experiences of spirit when we go off exploring. If that were the case, how do those souls who devote their lives to solitude and contemplation, come to realization. I think the journey you speak of Air, is the 'inner journey'. Though I know many outer journey's into the world and outside of any rigid belief system can help us to find moments of inner clarity, and a deep appreciation for what we have. Though many see the spiritual path as one of pilgrimages and travel. While I think they can be important experiences for growth on a interpersonal level; from a spiritual point of view they are more of a distraction.

One of my favourite authors is the late Gill Edwards. She shared a quote in her book 'Living Magically' that really resonated with me. "When the god’s created Heaven and Earth, according to an old Eastern story. They were left with just one problem; Where to hide TRUTH. They did not want it to be too obvious, since observing the search, would provide them with great amusement. One god suggested, placing it at the top of the highest mountain; another on the furthest star. A third god said, it should be hidden in the deepest and darkest abyss, and another the dark side of the Moon; the oldest and wisest god said, ‘No. We will hide the Truth inside the heart of each and every human being. That way, they will search for it, all over the Universe, before discovering it.”

I loved this story, it made me smile and it illustrates beautifully, how man/woman, continually make their lives complicated. We know so much about the world around us, but so little, about ourselves and the world within us. I think we can look at the cave in two ways. As somewhere to hide from the world, or as an 'entrance way' to a much vaster place, the world within us. It's all about perspective isn't it.

Love and light
Kaz

[mojomojo]

Man, who chases two rabbits, catches neither.