THE PATH TO AWAKENING

We have almost reached the end of this program. Yet the journey is only beginning. Or perhaps, as we already know: nothing truly begins, and nothing ever ends.

In the introduction, I spoke of that force we call life—or the divine breath.

This mysterious force has been propelling conditioned flows into the void for ten billion years. This energy that can transform a slender shoot into a towering tree in no time at all.

Of course, this force does not act only on matter. It accompanies our thoughts, intentions, choices, actions, and so on.

One question remains: in which direction will we allow this force to carry us?

The Final Illusions

The “self” is no longer at the center of experience. At least, we are working toward it. Everything that once revolved around it is beginning to crumble.

Achieving success in life, accumulating material possessions, gaining recognition, finding love, seeking happiness… attachment to anything impermanent brings suffering. We know this now, don’t we?

We have spent so much time chasing these illusory pursuits. It is now time to forgive ourselves and turn the page.

So, let us face reality: what is left to do?

• Create? Yes, it is a noble activity. But today, a single click allows artificial intelligence to compose music, write a song, create a drawing, or even produce a book… often better than we can.
• Help those who suffer? Of course, it is essential. But isn’t it like filling Danaë’s endless barrel? Wars always return, people remain unaware of what afflicts them. They continue to suffer, again and again…
• Meditate in a cave? Become a monk? It is better than nothing: inaction allows conditioned flows to cease… Nature thanks us for polluting it less. But if we have already reached awakening, what is the point?

We see it: even the noblest activities have lost their meaning!

The Gentle Fragrance of Compassion

Let us summarize:

• Identification with the “self” brings suffering.
• Attachment to the persistent illusion of impermanence brings suffering.
• Ignorance of the fact that every action produces an effect brings suffering.
• The only remedy to suffering is the realization of our true nature.

This is where everything converges: beings suffer because they have not realized awakening.

When we truly understand this, a wave of compassion arises within us. Will we leave our brothers and sisters in the endless cycle of suffering?

Or will we do everything we can to share the flame of awakening with them?

Compassion is the capacity to recognize the suffering of others and to feel a sincere wish to alleviate it.

If you have realized awakening, you will, in turn, wish to pass on the flame of awakening to as many beings as possible.

 I share my feelings in the Facebook group The Path to Awakening to help others.