The Plight of the Enlightened and the Unenlightened - Resistance, Opposition and Higher Awareness

How difficult the search for truth and enlightenment can be. In fact the path can seem so impassable that many give up without further effort. An enlightened teacher may have hundreds or even thousands of students-but only a small percentage obtains a glimpse of all the possibilities that could unfold before them.

The physical world of everyday reality presents many challenges to all who reside on our planet. Unfortunately, some are so unaware of what may exist beyond their immediate awareness that they only believe what is right in front of them-and some aren't even aware of that. They never become equipped to handle the concerns of the past, present or future in an effective manner. They live what Henry David Thoreau calls "lives of quiet desperation."

The enlightened individual resides in a higher state of awareness. But unless he has achieved the absolute highest states of enlightenment-the resistance and opposition he encounters from others affects him.

Following are the four stages of awareness beginning with the stage of the uninitiated. Of course, there are many more stages than this-possibly an infinite amount-but in order to simplify matters we will cover only four.

Total Obliviousness to Higher Awareness - The Uninitiated

You would think that with all the pain, suffering and frustration most people suffer they would eagerly search for a higher state of awareness-one filled with joy, pleasure and ecstasy. Tragically, most are unaware that there are higher states of existence to reach-so they never attempt it. They believe happiness is something found in the world around them-not knowing that it is within-that they already possess it. They are the uninitiated.

Now some of these people are attracted to organized religions that promise salvation after death-that is if they follow some strict doctrine or dogma. In order to keep them in line they are threatened with eternal hellfire or some other unpleasant eternal punishment if they don't submit to a "higher" authority-as if there is greater pain and suffering than they are already experiencing.

What is strange-much of the dogma is supposed to be based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. This is peculiar because Jesus said "Most of mankind is asleep." And indeed most people are.

When an enlightened one attempts to communicate with the uninitiated he has the double burden of feeling their suffering (an enlightened person is highly empathetic) and having a sudden twinge of frustration (although he quickly gets over it). Sadly, he discovers they are unteachable. In fact they are resistant to anyone who attempts to free them from their illusions. They actually oppose him-and in some cases they torture and kill him. Now that's a solution! Kill the one who sees through illusion so you can perpetuate your own illusions and delusions.

The uninitiated walk around with their eyes and ears closed. Their mind has shut down. They don't realize they exist in a dream state. The enlightened individual thinks that maybe someday they will awaken from their long sleep and realize they were only dreaming-having a series of unnecessary nightmares. However, it probably won't occur in this lifetime. So they must continue suffering in their obstinacy and ignorance.

The Seeker Who Fails To Follow Through

A person is aware he is missing a piece or many pieces of the puzzle, so he begins searching for something that could make a difference in his life. He (She) thinks there must be something that can free him (her) from suffering and frustration-so he (she) searches and searches. Unfortunately this person never sticks to anything long enough to learn the lesson. He is like "The Seeker" in the song by the Who.

"I asked Bobby Dylan
I asked The Beatles
I asked Timothy Leary
But he couldn't help me either"

This individual is similar to the overweight person who jumps from one diet plan to another. I once knew a lady who changed diet plans every 2 weeks until she became discouraged and frustrated from her lack of success. Then she would go on a hamburger, fries and ice cream binge. She would gain more weight and become depressed. Finally she would pull herself together and repeat the same cycle once again-with the same dismal results.

A person can't expect to meditate for only a few weeks and suddenly gain enlightenment. Higher awareness is a lifetime pursuit. It takes a continuous effort of meditation, residing in the higher states, positive knowing, overcoming obstacles and challenges-and everyday enjoyment of all the pleasures and ecstasies life has to offer.

I'm not sure what happens to the unfulfilled seeker. Does he or she live a life of quiet desperation? Does he receive some satisfaction from his seeking? Or does he accept the way he is with some glimmer of awareness and happiness?

Guru Dependence

Some discover what they believe is "the answer". And in many cases it is a level of higher awareness. They also discover the teacher of this higher level of awareness-a teacher who is an enlightened one. The teacher or guru helps them discover many truths that are hidden from the uninitiated. You could call these seekers quite fortunate.

When the student is ready the teacher will appear. I'm sure you've heard this saying. Some sayings end up as worn-out clichés. Fortunately this statement is true. Many times in my life-times I was at a crossroad and experiencing some uncertainty and frustration-the right teacher or book appeared. A period of further enlightenment would begin.

The problem arises when the student becomes dependent on the teacher. A truly enlightened being doesn't desire "guru status." His most urgent desire is for the student to learn-then move on to the next lesson. Unfortunately some students are so enthralled with the teacher they are unable to cut the connection. They don't realize that to be reborn into a higher state of awareness they must cut the "umbilical" cord. They must ascend.

The higher teachings speak of not forming possessive attachments. Becoming attached to a guru violates basic metaphysical law. I know you come to love your teachers and sometimes it is difficult to move on. However the next higher state of existence only becomes possible when you let go-and that means letting go of your dependency on your teacher. Anyway, he or she will always live in your heart and soul. The memories never fade away. And the teachings are yours for eternity.

Higher Awareness - Achieving Universal Harmony

In the "Pathways to Mastership" course Jonathan Parker says "When we talk about being in harmony-we are talking about the realization of the oneness within the universal mind, going with the flow, offering no resistance at all and not forming possessive attachments along the way-that would be universal harmony."

How wonderful to reach this higher state of awareness. What is delightful is that there are always higher states to aspire to. The universe is expanding into eternity at a rapid pace-and your mind and spirit can expand along with it. We can imagine all the possibilities of this existence-but can we envision what awaits us in other dimensions and existences?

I have caught glimpses of these during my meditations-and sometimes in my dreams. I definitely realize one thing-that is where I want to someday go-when my mission here is completed. However for now I am thrilled about all the pleasures and ecstasies that await me in my current awakened state of awareness. Ah, life on our great planet has its rewards-if only you open your eyes and ears-and activate your body, mind, and spirit.