I would ask of the seeker, "Are you so committed to finding the truth that you're willing to spend the rest of your life and ten lifetimes beyond?" That's the kind of persistence I'm talking about.
Yes, it is normal and natural for a person to check on the state of their spiritual progress. "Are things getting better, yet?" "Am I noticeably happier as a result of what I'm doing?" "Have I learned what I wanted to know?" Etc. Every time we check on how we're doing, we reinforce the idea that we are separate entities making progress toward some imaginary goal. This idea is part of the overall illusion of personal selfhood. It is a misconception, but it is the misconception that everyone falls prey to.
In order for the thought structure supporting a sense of selfhood to collapse, a person must stop reinforcing the thought structure by leaving self-centered thoughts behind and focusing attention upon what is happening in the present moment. Keeping attention focused upon what is here and now gradually changes how a person interacts with the world. One becomes present rather than remaining lost in an imaginary past or an imaginary future (or an imaginary present).
This is no game for the faint of heart; it is a warrior's game, and it requires a warrior's mindset. What do you want? Do you want to wake up? If so, it will take ferocious dedication and unwavering attentiveness. You must draw your sword (metaphorically) and plunge into the unknown with no hope of survival. There is only one direction. Forward!
Yes, it is normal and natural for a person to check on the state of their spiritual progress. "Are things getting better, yet?" "Am I noticeably happier as a result of what I'm doing?" "Have I learned what I wanted to know?" Etc. Every time we check on how we're doing, we reinforce the idea that we are separate entities making progress toward some imaginary goal. This idea is part of the overall illusion of personal selfhood. It is a misconception, but it is the misconception that everyone falls prey to.
In order for the thought structure supporting a sense of selfhood to collapse, a person must stop reinforcing the thought structure by leaving self-centered thoughts behind and focusing attention upon what is happening in the present moment. Keeping attention focused upon what is here and now gradually changes how a person interacts with the world. One becomes present rather than remaining lost in an imaginary past or an imaginary future (or an imaginary present).
This is no game for the faint of heart; it is a warrior's game, and it requires a warrior's mindset. What do you want? Do you want to wake up? If so, it will take ferocious dedication and unwavering attentiveness. You must draw your sword (metaphorically) and plunge into the unknown with no hope of survival. There is only one direction. Forward!
