Misunderstanding on the path of spirituality

 Misunderstanding on the path of spirituality

 Misunderstanding on the path
'Misunderstanding' is a very common error we often do in our daily life. Some time we misunderstand words thereby creating problem while at times, we misunderstand silence, which creates problem. Henry David Thoreau once stated that, "In human intercourse, the tragedy begins, not when there is misunderstanding about words, but when silence is not understood."

However, he said it in some particular context but it is true in every context of human life starting from the basic relationship among humans to ultimate relationship with 'God'. He said that, 'tragedy begins when one do not understand the silence.' Many mystics have used the 'Path of silence’ to attain enlightenment and embrace 'God'. It is widely accepted that 'Enlightenment' has nothing to do with outer world and words. It is transformation of your inner self, and it happens in silence when you come to know yourself, that is why it is called ‘Self Actualization.'

'Mystics' and 'Spiritual Masters' have suggested various paths to this wonderful world of spirituality, still only few could stepped in there. When we search for the reason behind this, we find 'misunderstanding' as a major factor. Spiritual teachings are complex for two reasons, first is, we always try to understand it from the worldly point of view that means our approach will be political and diplomatic. Secondly, it has to be complex as it is tries to transform the most complex creature of nature. On the path of spirituality one who could catch the exact angle, embraces 'God' and on this path even a little misunderstanding may keep her/him far away from the great spiritual rewards. Spirituality is about refining our human perception beyond the five senses.

One of the most common misunderstanding people confront in the path of spirituality is, they try to regulate the outer world, for ultimate change of inner world. Teaching says that, "the outer world is a reflection of your inner world." Means when enlightenment happens, inner world transforms, sometimes one may also find self floating in a new outer world. The point is that there is a direct relationship between the inner-world and the outer world. People often misunderstand it and try to change the outer world so that inner can be changed. It is not a reversible reaction. It is easy to change things of outside, that is why people opt for the easiest path, but they forget that, many destination of life has no short cuts.

Enlightenment is a birth, a birth of new consciousness. A conversation of a Zen master with a seeker, resolve the same misunderstanding from the mind of seeker.

"A disciple who loved and admired his Zen teacher decided to observe his behavior minutely, believing that if he did everything that his teacher did, then he would also acquire his teacher's wisdom. The teacher always wore white, and so his disciple did the same. The teacher was a vegetarian, and so his disciple stopped eating meat and replaced it with a diet of vegetables and herbs. The teacher was an austere man, and so the disciple decided to devote himself to self-sacrifice and started sleeping on a straw mattress.

After some time, the teacher noticed these changes in his disciple's behavior and asked him why.

'I am climbing the steps of initiation,' came the reply.

'The white of my clothes shows the simplicity of my search, the vegetarian food purifies my body, and the lack of comfort makes me think only of spiritual things.'

Smiling, the teacher took him to a field where a horse was grazing.

'You have spent all this time looking outside yourself, which is what matters least,' he said.

'Do you see that creature there? He has white skin, eats only grass and sleeps in a stable on a straw bed. Do you think he has the face of a saint or will one day become a real teacher?"


Misunderstanding happens when we do not imbibe things as they are, in their true form. It happens when we mould them according to our personal belief and prejudice. That is why, many saints suggest that while listening to master, make yourself empty from everything. Only empty vessels are capable to fill themselves. Keep on reminding yourself with lines from some unknown master that,

"Your outer circumstances are the mirror of your inner world. Change your inner world, and you change your outer world."
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