Awakening sense

vital diversions

Though there may be a glimpse of awakening,
Ego-mind continues indulging in its doubts.

After all, its very survival is at stake,
Such diversion and division its trademark.

It seeks to convince all comers of its point of view,
Even while itself lacking true conviction.

But eventually this small self is easily disarmed,
Overpowered by our awakening-self's gentle compassion.

inside the mirror

What do you mean by saying our inner garden is within us?

That doesn't mean confined within our body, though it may be hidden there.

Meaning we aren't our body?

No more than we are our mind.

But to say this is within us seems to create a conflict of space.

Let's say we have gateways or keys within us that open to a greater expansiveness than the physical world.

OK. So where are we located as ego-mind?

We're trapped within ego-mind, fast asleep, while thinking we're awake.
In a sense, we exist within mind's mirror, seeing the reflection of what we expect to see.

I'm trying to follow, please go on.

So, what I'm suggesting is that we can step out of the mirror, or, better yet, break the mirror. As our core self comes into play our sense of self expands.

Sounds like different dimensions coming into play.

No doubt, along the way of our inner journeying there's all sorts of phases and stages. But there's no need to get fancy when remembering one basic point: that the essence of our journey is from self to Self. Anything else can become a major distraction.

 

 

the cutting edge

You've mentioned that spiritual seekers share traits of both lover and warrior. In what way?

The warrior cuts away whatever obstructs the path to Self.
The lover seeks only to long for the radiance of the Beloved.

Yet the warrior has a burning love for Truth, and the lover is ruthless in discarding whatever obscures the Beloved's presence.

So both are willing to make sacrifices.

Both share a fearlessness and dedication.
What results is a willing sacrifice of ego-mind's control.

Forgetfulness of self is a starting point that both share, a forgetfulness of ego-mind's hopes and fears.

You seem to prefer the way of love more.

It's not a matter of preference, for these traits really become inseparable at some point. Still, heart's knowing, its conscious recognition of the Beloved's ever-presence, of Self's radiant light, is more immediate and accessible to most.

Can you elaborate?

Another way to put it is that heart/mind is where we feel awakening's pull toward our real Self.

How is that?

We have a golden thread in our hands that leads out of ego-mind's labyrinth. We have a key to our inner treasure hanging around our necks.
Gradually we get the awareness of this thread, of this key.

Then we've turned from the distraction of self-absorption to the work of self-effacement.

 

a cryptic note

What do you mean by 'awakening's wish to awaken through us'?

It's not ego-mind's wish, so this helps point that out.

That sounds a bit cryptic.

Hopefully, to ego-mind, it is.

Why hopefully?

Because if ego-mind were really comfortable with the idea of awakening, it might try claiming it for itself. It might enjoy adding the tag 'awakened' to its trophy list.

But the way you're putting it, that's not possible.

That's right, not possible, only deluded if attempted.
But as long as we're dominated by ego-mind, in its cocoon, we remain vulnerable to its ploys.

Back to awakening's wish. Can you elaborate?

It's a deeper urge coming through our core self that we're usually unaware of.
When awareness comes, we wish only to cooperate as unconscious Self becomes conscious Self.