Know Thyself

“Your own Self-Realization is the greatest service you can render the world.”
~Ramana Maharshi~

One challenge that many spiritual seekers encounter is opposition from those around them. The ego may, for a time, flame the inner struggle between the human desire to be accepted and the souls desire to live in ones truth. Those who oppose you teach you how to be authentic. They will be the first to point out when your actions are hypocritical. They will demand explanations and then pick apart spiritual ideas in a way that may cause the newly awakened to doubt their own experiences and insights; however, this articulation (especially to oneself) is an important aspect of spiritual awakening.

True empowerment resides in humility and enlightenment. When you notice the egos desire to be right, to score points off a frustrating person or even to be recognized as a spiritual master, go within and consciously release the need to speak. Watch how strongly the mind responds… Your authenticity has a greater impact than changing someones mind, performing miracles or receiving temporary adulation from the uninitiated. Life will always present the ideal situation for your growth. The spiritual student will look at a challenge and ask themselves what there is to be learned. A master will look at the ease and joys of life asking the very same question.