In contemplation some years ago I began thinking on the “enlightened” teachers of the East and elsewhere. Initially the thought was of how I would love to grow in consciousness, to attain the level of awareness they seemingly have attained. Then, out of the stillness a question formed, “why”? It’s amazing how a three letter word can raise the proverbial metaphysical devil. Why is a curious little word. In metaphysics, why is typically the booby prize. When a new student asks why this or that happened or why they need to follow directions they are usually looking for the “easier softer way”, a loophole to slip through avoiding the heavy lifting consciousness raising requires. My usual response is “because pigs don’t wear red suspenders, now you now why, now quit stalling and get to work.” Talking about building a house has never raised a single roof, deciding to go on a diet has never resulted in the loss of a single pound, it is only when we take action that change happens. Individuals suffering from addiction will spend endless hours pontificating on why they are a so afflicted, assigning blame, but suggest a definite course of action and the willingness to talk amazingly vanishes. Additionally on numerous occasions when talking with a parent about their teenagers problems, the parents choose to remain focused on why, believing falsely that in why the answer can be found, while rejecting positive, but difficult action and direction. Conversation is important, but it means little and has no lasting effect without consistent positive action.
So in contemplation I began to consider the enlightened ones and the condition of the world in general. What has really changed in the last 2,000 years? Technology, general health and hygiene, transportation, better and more efficient ways of killing one another have all improved, but what of the state of our consciousness? Consider: Buddha, Jesus and other enlightened teacher’s message has been with us; in some cases thousands of years, yet we still act and think in much the same way we did during the time they lived, except now with cell phones, smart bombs and plasma TV‘s. How many have come to sit at the feet of a master in the last 2000 years? How has it changed the world? The argument can be made that without their and their student’s meditations and prayers the world would be much worse off than it is today, but I find that sentiment at best lacking.
So, who are the real peacemakers? Look in the mirror. The enlightened teachers have much to offer, but it is the raising of our consciousness by daily Living on the Spiritual Basis that transforms and improves the world. Through our raised consciousness the world approaches, one day at a time, one person at a time, the tipping point when it will metaphysically slaps it’s self on the forehead and say: “what were we thinking!” for in that moment we will all, as The Great Carpenter taught be “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God" (Matthew 5:9). We are all responsible so, Let there be peace, and let it begin with me.
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