Beyond Appearances
In the world of spiritual seekers, the image of enlightenment is often cloaked in stereotypes. We imagine the enlightened as wise sages with serene expressions, adorned in simple yet vibrant robes, often with a flowing beard symbolizing wisdom and age. These images, while compelling, can distract us from the true essence of spiritual awakening.
The Fallacy of External Symbols
Consider the figure of a guru, resplendent in flamboyant orange attire and a long beard. At first glance, these external symbols seem to exude a profound spirituality. They speak of dedication, discipline, and a life devoted to higher truths. However, these symbols are but surface-level adornments. They are, in essence, a part of the cultural performance of spirituality. The real question is: does the essence of enlightenment reside within these outward displays?
The Deeper Reality
Enlightenment, in its truest form, transcends appearances. It is not about how one dresses, speaks, or the rituals one performs. True enlightenment is the realization of nonduality, the deep understanding that all distinctions are ultimately illusory. It is a state of being where one recognizes the interconnectedness of all existence and lives in harmony with this profound truth.
A guru’s flamboyant attire and serene demeanour may buy time and may hold the disciples’ awe, but eventually, true discernment must prevail. Spiritual seekers must learn to look beyond the external and discern the depth of true wisdom.
Beyond the Mask
This brings us to the core of spiritual discernment. The journey towards enlightenment is deeply personal and internal. It requires a relentless commitment to self-inquiry, a willingness to confront and dissolve one’s ego, and an openness to the vast, unfathomable mystery of existence.
A true guru, one who is genuinely enlightened, may or may not conform to the stereotypical image. They might appear as an ordinary person, unremarkable in many ways. The true measure of their enlightenment lies in their ability to guide others toward their inner light, not through the allure of external symbols, but through the profound simplicity and authenticity of their being.
The Inner Path
As seekers on the path, we must cultivate the ability to see beyond appearances. The guru’s external symbols can be helpful signposts, but they are not the destination. Our journey is about inner transformation, about peeling away the layers of illusion to reveal the radiant core of our true nature.
Enlightenment is not a spectacle; it is a quiet, profound shift in consciousness. It is the realization that the true guru resides within each of us, waiting to be discovered in the stillness of our hearts.
Conclusion
In a world where appearances often deceive, the challenge for spiritual seekers is to cultivate true discernment. Let us not be swayed by the external trappings of spirituality but seek the deeper, inner essence of enlightenment. For it is in the quiet, unassuming moments of profound realization that the true nature of our being is revealed.
Morgan O. Smith
Yinnergy Meditation, Spiritual Life Coaching & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!
Morgan O. Smith 