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Zen and the Best of Them

Written by: Elizabeth Mullen

Article Overview: What exactly does spiritual attainment mean to you?

Zen and the Best of Them

What exactly does spiritual attainment mean to you?

If you are like many seekers, it may mean living in a state of bliss, unfettered by the comings and goings of material and appearing holy to the world. Or it may mean grooving out in your Zen garden daily, and chewing your food thoroughly with a holy thought always in your head. To some of you it may mean being Mother Theresa, Gandhi or equivalent loving-action-taker. Maybe it means praying daily, or hearing the divine in your mind...

Maybe spiritual attainment is a gas, a gas that you will evaporate into as you become a better/higher/more grounded/more spiritual person: the spontaneous combustion bus to the almighty. What is it really for you? and, more importantly: is that vision ultimately appealing ?!

Many years ago, after a challenging time in my career and personal life, I decided to pursue enlightenment full-out. It seemed the only goal worthy of my energy, and being unemployed at the time, a worthy "occupation".

My attempts were fervent and somewhat fruitful: I got exactly what I was looking for. The only problem was that my idea of spiritual attainment was a foggy amalgamation of hundreds of religions, paths and opinions. I had no definition of enlightenment that meant anything to me. All I could see was some vague notion of The Void, The Light, No Desires, Desire for God, Renunciation, Creativity, Being Here Now, and longing for Heaven (after I reincarnated a few more times): A.K.A. total confusion. And though I was seriously seeking, neither myself nor my family or friends found my state to be a particularly holy one. Hmmm.

If spiritual growth is your warm heart in the midst of adversity, you will attain it. If it is based on a religion, you can follow the tenants and expect the results. If it is a short walk on a long beach, then you become holy by the ocean. If you believe it is easy, you will find your spirit soaring. If you believe spiritual growth is the Grail, then you will always seek it. If you believe it lies in your perception this moment, then you have it with you always.

We can realize anytime that it is natural for our sense of spiritual attainment to a) change over time b) separate from dogma and c) become highly personalized. We can decide what being holy really means to us. We can choose a compelling vision of our spirituality, and motivate ourselves to attain it.

What does spiritual growth mean to you? How will you know if you are on the right track? Does someone hold the answer to this question beside you? If so, who is it? and how can you get your hands on the book?

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