Ego is the
resistance to what is.
~ Adyashanti
~ Adyashanti
In my last post I focused mainly on
substance abuse and codependent relationships.
These are excellent ways of avoiding any kind of psychological
development or spiritual evolution.
Given that these recent posts respect one’s right to, if not devolve, at
least maintain a low level stasis. After
all, growth can be painful and nobody likes pain. As 2012 reaches its Cosmic Climax it might be
a good idea to keep a good supply of oxycodone handy. In this post, however, I want to assure
everyone that it is perfectly possible to remain static while being completely
socially acceptable. No one wants to do
jail time and we all want to maintain at least a pretense of having a happy,
well-adjusted family.
In
fact having a strong sense of superiority when it comes to addicts, homeless
people, homosexuals, “nerds,” etc. is a good way of hanging onto your personal
status quo. Just keep reminding yourself
that you are better than “those people”.
Duality, division and fragmentation are the heart and soul of non-awakening. Be as self-righteous as possible. Never admit that you might be wrong. Never concede that others might be fellow
human beings in suffering. They just
have a “victim mentality.”
Religion
can actually be a great tool in this regard.
Now religion can be an evolutionary tool. It is a vehicle for teaching morality,
etc. Don’t worry it is also a great way
of avoiding any true spiritual issues. I
think it was Carl Jung who said that religion is a great way of protecting
oneself from God. Or something like
that. The important point is to maintain
a sense of separateness and specialness regarding your personal religious
affiliation. Always remember that your
religion is the best. Or even better, remember
that your religion is the only true one.
I
haven’t paid much attention to the Catholic belief system that I was raised in
for some time. But when I was attending
Catechism classes in grade school I learned that we had stolen the copyright
from the Jews and were now the “chosen people.”
Unfortunately, because I started discussing this with my peers in public
school who were of different, but at least Christian orientations, I began to
have my doubts. After all they seemed
nice and I liked many of them a lot. This
was the beginning of my downfall (or perhaps, “upfall” depending on one’s
perspective.) Now that I have talked
with people of all kinds of different religious perspectives I feel like a spiritual
slut. Please don’t follow my example.
Adhering
to a patriarchal, authoritarian and punitive belief system is essential. Neuroscience, through the new field of “neurotheology”
has shown that these kinds of belief have the ability to actually shut down the
more evolved areas of the brain. That’s
what we want, right? Always remind
yourself that you are a sinner and basically unworthy. It is not enough to separate yourself from
others and feel superior. It is also a
good idea to regard yourself with disgust and loathing. That way you are sure to get into heaven.
If
you are more inclined towards the rational, scientific view, don’t worry. Neurotheology indicates that you are just as
unlikely to develop those higher cognitive and feeling functions. Whatever your beliefs are just hold onto them
tenaciously. Your thought-construct of
yourself and reality is “reality.” ‘Nuff
said.
