What Is The Spiritual Path?

For many years of my life, I thought the spiritual pathconnected at the collective unconscious, and the
had something to do with following one of the majormisperception that "they" are different from "us" has
world religions or pursuing an Eastern practice. I evenbeen the historical cause of most human suffering.
thought it had something to do with morality and ethics.Often this abuse is perpetuated from the collective
Today my comprehension of the spiritual path hasrules referred to as ethics and morality. What is ethical
changed completely. Instead of the complexity of anyand moral is defined by who is making up the rules.
of the disciplines to becoming a good person, I haveYet the bell that tolls for another, also tolls for thee.
found that the path is simple. In fact, some of theWhy do we act in a way that injures others?
greatest atheists have followed it better than manyIt is because we feel a deep void inside of us and we
theists. An example that comes to mind is the famouslash out like a wounded animal. We relate to the world
British Philosopher Bertrand Russell, who lived anfrom the wounds of apathy, grief, fear, lust, anger, and
impeccable life of wisdom, compassion, and grace..pride. By striking out, however, we only deepen our
"Do unto others as you would have them do untoown anguish. Although we are only trying to survive,
you." That is the spiritual path. Everything else--all thewe achieve only more peril.
theology, philosophy, and practices--lead you to thatA spiritual person, however, comes from a completely
singular ideal.different perspective. He or she is motivated by
Physically, do you like to be murdered, wounded,feelings of courage, acceptance, and peace.
beaten, or raped? Emotionally, do you like to beWhat does the spiritual path have to do with good
humiliated, disenfranchised, betrayed, abandoned,psychology? Everything. A sound mind in a sound
disrespected, alienated, and cast aside? Mentally, dobody.
you like to be cheated, swindled, lied to, vilified orCan the spiritual path be defined in an even simpler
misinformed?way? Yes. It can be defined as love.
Of course not. In fact, your whole body just cringes atWhen you love, love, love--you'll be happy, healthy,
the thought of such mishap.wealthy, and wise.
Yet, this is what we do to others. If we are trulyThe opposite of grief, misery, and unending travail is
savage, we abuse others physically. If a little morethe spiritual path. While many disciplines may lead to it,
sophisticated, we abuse others mentally andthe heart will show you the way. Once we shed our
emotionally.habitual narcissism, then the way to courage,
And in this process we abuse ourselves.acceptance, and peace becomes possible.
In actuality, there is no enemy, for we are all