The Path

Gloria in Excelsis Deo!

During any particular point in the evolution of a soul, they may be called to or choose to participate in one or more of a given number of paths. There are true paths, and there are misleading paths. The most important evaluation is choosing a path that is true. The key indicator of a true path is one that teaches the basic principles and embodies them as well; these include kindness, lovingness, honesty with oneself, doing one’s best, not beating yourself up, seeking inner truth, devotion to all of life, and being a good person and the best you can. The simplicity of the essence of a true path is its validation. Further, true paths always avoid enchantment, secrets, manipulation, fanfare–and all forms of abuse including financial, sexual or emotional/psychological.

Among the choices for true paths, if the seeker is sincere the correct path at the right time tends to “appear.” The seeker will be naturally pulled to the particular path that is correct for that individual at that moment of their development. This could take the form of a book, a mentor, a course, a meditative practice, a devotional practice, a tradition, an ashram or monastery, a Teacher, a service, or even just an intuitive learnt experience through the individual’s daily life. The particular path, or sets of paths, for a given student may change as the needs of that student change. In a Perfect Teaching-Learning relationship, many times the student will be dedicated to one particular path, set of teachings, or Teacher for an entire lifetime. For example, the Christian who dedicates their life to the Teachings of Christ. There is no “rule;” there are only patterns and tendencies.

Finally, it is important to understand that all true paths lead to the same Place. Not only do they teach the same basic Truth–although styles, languaging, and practices may vary–there is no way for any true path not to lead to one’s own Self, because it is the only Reality available.