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East and West:A New Challenge
Chapter Ten East and West:A New Challenge
Ihave a strong feeling that in my last life I was a spiritual ascetic, perhaps in India,and probably living in meditation on a mountaintop somewhere.That way oflife has a comfortable familiarity to it,and there is a longing somewhere within me to continue to live in that blissful simplicity! However,I know that this time I have chosen to take it to the next level — to integrate the spiritual,mental,emotional,and physical aspects ofmy being and learn to live in balance in the world.
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Itisinterestingtolookattheworldfromtheperspectiveof maleandfemale,orspiritandform;indoingsoIhavediscoveredsomefascinatingthings.Inasense,theEastcanbeseento
represent the feminine polarity.Many ofthe Eastern cultures have an ancient and powerful spiritual tradition.Until recently,their strength and development have been primarily in the intuitive and spiritual realms,at least in comparison with the Western world. They have lacked development in the physical realm and,as a result,they have experienced a great deal ofpoverty,chaos,and confusion.
The energy in the West (Europe and the United States) is more masculine.In modern history it has focused primarily on developing the physical realm while paying little attention to spiritual development.As a result,we have made incredible technological progress but we are experiencing a terrible poverty ofspirit, a feeling ofdisconnection from our source.
These two worlds are drawn to one another just as men and women are — with a certain amount offear and distrust,but an overwhelming attraction nonetheless.Eastern spiritual teachings are flooding the West,and Western technology is gravitating toward the East.We are each hungry for what the other has.
OneofmyfavoritementalpicturesofmytravelsinIndiais this:Iwasstandinginabazaar.Infrontofmeweretwobooths. Oneboothhadbeautifultraditionalhandcrafteditemsforsale.A groupofEuropeansandAmericanswerecrowdedaroundit,eagerlybargainingforthelovelytreasures.Theotherboothproudlydisplayedavarietyofplasticitems—bowls,kitchenutensils,even plasticshoes.AlonglineofIndianspatientlywaitedtheirturnto purchasethesepreciousthings.Naturally,neitheroneofthe groupscastevenasecondglanceattheother booth!
East and West can learn from each other,but like women and
men,they must ultimately find within themselves that which they admire in each other.Hopefully,the developing Third World countries will learn from our mistakes and develop a technology that is more harmoniously attuned to the spirit and the environment.And we in the West must develop a spiritual path that helps us to deal with the physical world.
The Eastern spiritual traditions (and our Western spiritual traditions,as well,for that matter) are based on removing oneselfas much as possible from the world in order to connect more deeply with the spirit.The world,with its temptations and distractions, is a very difficult place to maintain a focus on,and commitment to,inner truth.
Thus,mostserioustraditionalspiritualpathshaveinvolved somedegreeofrenunciationoftheworld—relationships,money, materialpossessions,pleasures,andluxurieshavebeengivenup. Theidealhasbeentowithdrawtoamonasteryormountaintopand pursuealifeofquietcontemplation,givingupallattachmenttothe world.Eventhosewhochoosetoremainhouseholderswithfamiliesandjobshaveusuallyfollowedstrongrulesandrestrictionsthat aredesignedtokeepthemasseparatefromtheworldaspossible.
This contemplative spiritual orientation has been a necessary and powerful step,but it is reflective ofthe split we have maintained between spirit and form,between the female and male within us.To be a spiritual seeker,we have had to leave the physical world.“Enlightenment”has been the reason for reclaiming spirit by denying the body — transcending form by leaving it.Thus, individual beings have become “enlightened”in the sense that they
have fully realized their spiritual nature,but they have not fully integrated that enlightenment into their form.When they have eventually left their bodies,the world remained largely untransformed.These masters have supported and preserved the intuitive principle in our world and have paved the way for us to take the next step — the integration offeminine and masculine,spirit and form,and the subsequent transformation ofour world.
Those ofus who choose to be spiritual seekers and transformers must now move into the world with the same degree ofcommitment to our spiritual selves as we would have ifwe renounced the world.This path is much more difficult!We are now challenged to surrender to the universe,to follow its guidance and to do so while having deep,passionate relationships,dealing with money,business,family,creative projects,and so many other “worldly”things.Rather than avoiding our attachments to the world,the time has come to acknowledge and work with them.We must move into the challenging situation,move into,recognize,and own all the feelings and attachment,and learn to embrace the full range ofour experience.
Meditation
Relax,close your eyes,and take a few deep breaths.With each breath,drop more deeply into a quiet place inside yourself.From this place ofcalm,start to see a new image ofyourselfin the world.Your focus is on the universe and you follow its guidance. You trust yourself.You feel strong and courageous.You carry a
sense ofknowingness with you into the world.Because ofthis trust and focus within yourself,what you create on the outside is beautiful.Your world is nourishing to you and others.You are having deep,passionate relationships,and are dealing with people, money,your career,your body,and everything else around you.
You are able to be in the world and enjoy all worldly things,yet keep your commitment to the universe within yourself.This commitment is reflected in the light and power you feel.
