Marketing for Wisdom Teachings? Opening Doors for Non-Entrants? Or Discovering the Path?
Recently a friend remarked, “Why are there only few people interested in the wisdom teachings and in group meetings? Why don’t you do some activity in the public to attract more people?” Some time later, another person asked, “Do you do any get-to-know events or meditation retreats?”
I knew that behind the answers I spontaneously gave there is much more than some short remarks can explain. It is about discovering your path. And about understanding what is your inner urge and that of others.
I told the first person, “Spreading the wisdom teachings cannot be done by propagating them but by way of one’s own inner transformation. And to talk about it, there has to be a searching soul showing a deeper intent.” Curiosity might be a starter but it needs perseverance.
The second person I wrote about some possibilities of coming into contact, and there was no further reaction. There are many such ephemeral contacts. Opening doors for non-entrants?
For a long time, I thought that it is mainly a matter of informing people to arouse an interest so that they find “the spiritual path”. And with my enthusiasm for the path I was going I wanted to get others interested in it. I identified the path with the movements I was associated with for a while. And in a way I thought that this path I was going was the right direction also for others. However, quite a number of times I discovered after a while that I needed to change my course and left movements. With each change, temporary co-walkers stayed behind and new ones came.
It took a long time until I really deeply realised that “the path of the soul” and “the teachings I feel associated with” are two different things. And shifts in my inner orientation need not cause, from my side, shifts in outer associations. On the other hand, changes with the path of friends or close ones need not result in shifts in my inner orientation. This realisation caused some profound changes in me. It happened about 3-4 years ago. Now, when people come to me complaining about things – in society, with others, with the teachings – I inwardly check, does it touch my association with what I am doing or my path? I can respond in a friendly way without taking their viewpoints – and without feeling a need of explaining mine.
The wisdom teachings help me understand myself and clarify my understanding of others and of the greater nature. But if I don’t relate them to myself they are like straw and not corn. Trying to “market wisdom” is like distributing straw or giving food to people who don’t want to “eat”. And what is food for others might not be the same for me.
It needs lot of discrimination to realise what is nourishing for your soul and what you better leave off. And not to leave off the right thing because of what others think. It does not matter whether there are many people interested in the things that are good for me, or for you.
April 28th, 2017 at 3:36 pm
Thanks for sharing your insight, Ludger.
I believe there is often a gap between inner yearning and finding a spiritual path with which we can empathise. All of us have an innear yearning -and craving- at least for the Love all Teachings embody. And also sometimes we need a little more suffering to open up to It…
I feel the need of creativity to explore ways in which we may reach our hearts and those of others, beyond and perhaps including certain spiritual practices.
It does not have to be something one forces oneself to undertake, and I agree absolutely about perseverance. But I think we often misunderstand -I have. Whichever the path, it is always kind to ourselves, and compassionate. It is like luring a child to play. Also, we often remain with the formal aspect of a practice -well, they are in vogue nowadays-, with no inner contact and introspection, with no recognition of our sensations and sincere feelings (including fear and anger). We have somehow come to belive we must only aknowledge love and altruism if we are to become “spiritual”.
So, I’d ask: what touches your heart and stirs curiosity and enthusiasm? Even as small as it may appear. If you can’t find it now, can you search in your childhood? How can you share this with others?
I believe so profoundly that recognizing, training and rejoicing in the gifts we received from Nature, under the form of innate talents and resources, are the guiding lights to find our spiritual path, and practice, which is ultimately the path of self knowledge and self mastery.
I also believe that when you tune up to this, the right teacher stands next to you and shows you the way. All this Teacher will do is help you trust on what you already know and carry within. And invite you to get into the adventure of exploring and sharing with others.
April 28th, 2017 at 3:52 pm
Thank you Ana for sharing your thoughts. I very much agree with your pointing to creative exploring, about stirring curiosity and enthusiasm. I’d call it the inner fire. And certainly also the acceptance of the sincere feelings – yes, sharing is fine – imposing or expecting certain reactions from others better not.
April 28th, 2017 at 4:30 pm
Je suis tout à fait d’accord avec toi Ludger. Les choses viennent à point pour chacun au moment opportun. Merci encore pour ce travail magnifique que tu fais. Tes peintures symboliques sont très belles. Fraternellement Jacqueline
April 28th, 2017 at 4:35 pm
Merci Jacqueline pour ton feedback. Bien amicalement Ludger