Like a Pyramid

Like a pyramid 
Here I stand
Showing you the path
of our ascension

The question, oh atheists and theists alike, is not, "Is this doctrine true or authentic?" The question is, "Do I see a path to transformation here?" or later, "After having exposed myself to this, am I transformed?" The Buddha understood this. There are many paths to transformation. Some of them are religions. Others haven't been created yet.

In choosing a path to transformation, ask yourself whether potentials might facilitate:

Intention; you have to commit. It has to be your personal project. You will need your friends and family, yes, but they will be supporters or sources of lessons. They can't determine or solidify your intention, or make decisions for you.

Discipline; the reason for the intention. You need will power to break thinking and acting habits that work against transformation. Some good news is that you develop discipline as much by the time and energy you spend searching for truth as by any repetitive practice, especially when effort is made with awareness. Even going through your daily tasks builds discipline if you are fully present.

Surrender; you are now learning how desperately your ego needs to control the uncontrollable. This is, as mentioned before, the source of your worry and the number one obstacle in your life. More good news: As you work on any of these elements, you enhance the others. If you are present and intent on developing the discipline to transform, you need not worry about it. Do what you can, when you can.

Humor: Is there space to give expression to lightness of being? It's a very important component of transformation, as well as it's fruit. Here is where you actually realize your transformation. Having learned the value of creating "space within a space," as Rinpoche called it, as well as how to cultivate it in diffusing tension within yourself, you are ready to help others see and manifest that value. Instances of the manifest power of humor in healing are mercy miracles, and you know it.

You'll also be happy to learn that you don't lose any of the benefits of these lessons. When something clicks, or even when you sense that subtle layer of understanding rest on your vision, that lesson is yours forever, even if you don't remember it tomorrow. There will always be refreshers, according to your development and upcoming responsibilities or opportunities for learning.