Shining Brightly

2024, December, Issue 128

Hiding,

Is easy,

Ever so easy peasy;

It’s so simple, so ridiculous,

that we think it can be done,

thinking that we can hide from

what is, as it is,

to simply hide our

light from view,

so that none can view or see

this most precious thing about you;

Abusers, trauma inflictors, take note!

You have no power here!

When we shine brightly,

You scatter, with nothing remaining,

nothing whatsoever, as we remain at ease;

So, if I whistle a happy tune

while being judged or chastised, or beaten silly,

know that this light is greater

far greater than your darkness

ever will be, ever;

This light is greater

than our entire dark corner of existence!

Do whatever you like,

as this person I really am

is made of pure light,

with infinite potentiality,

and it is indestructible;

You may take my life,

but you can never take

this bright infinite light!

A poem by Robert Aho © 2024

It is no mystery that I have a lot of problems with institutions, a real attitude problem. It’s really not the institutions themselves, it’s the cool kids who rise in the social ranks that are the problem, egotistical leaders who develop a sort of arrogance, and are not able to control themselves, developing a sort of abusive attitude. All institutions are in danger of being taken over by this sort of person; however, it is particularly damaging within Spiritual Communities.

Spiritual institutions require special care, or they can become a very big problem, one fraught with many pitfalls. The main reason for this is that leadership becomes something related to increasing ego, being driven by worldly concerns and allowing abuse to occur. This has no place within Spiritual Practice or Spiritual Communities. Anyone in leadership needs to take special care, so that they don’t drive people away by cultivating a sort of darkness.

The drive to increase ego and vie for social status is exactly the opposite direction that we should be going as Spiritual Practitioners. Institutions, however, seem to thrive in an environment like that, one that is constantly in social upheaval. For this reason, I have on more than one occasion, simply let it go, not involving myself further, not in the least, just simply walking away and severing all contact. People are surprised by this; however, I’ve always been very efficient with my Spiritual Practice, knowing exactly when I should hop here or there, knowing when I should let it go.

Social status requires a sort of PR campaign. I don’t have a PR campaign that I’m aware of, and neither should you. Being introspective, gazing at mind, remaining present in the most precious thing that you will ever have, means that you are on the right track. It doesn’t matter if you are a little bit awkward, or hugely weird like me. The only thing that matters is that you remain shining brightly, never letting anyone dissuade you from your Spiritual Practice.

I’m happy to report that the cool kids usually scrunch up their faces or roll their eyes within the first few moments after they encounter me. I take this as a compliment. It has become obvious that I’m not superficial or hiding anything. People in dark places seem to think that this makes one a fool.

When I encounter a bully, I really enjoy the opportunity to transform whatever they throw at me. Shining brightly when someone wants you to shrink away into the depressing darkness is a wonderful power, one requiring absolute courage, as well as indescribable perseverance.

It’s important in these turbulent times to be aware of this dynamic, while remaining committed to your own bright light. Great masters have taught that we need not worry, that walking away or simply letting go will be quite sufficient in order to maintain our Spiritual Practice. We have the ability to remain at ease under all circumstances. We simply acknowledge what comes our way, then let it go. Everything in life is nothing other than thought, an illusion of sorts. What we need to do is protect our mind by shining brightly. It is the darkness that creates the illusion of harm; so, we should remember not to become shrouded in deeply depressing darkness.

Surround yourself with people who shine brightly, avoid those who are dedicated to worldly concerns or have dark intentions. This will help you in many ways. It will prevent you from falling into despair or becoming agitated.

If our intention is to awaken, then we need to pay careful attention to the state of our own mind. Being aware of how we feel when someone diminishes us is an opportunity to transform that into something truly bright. We should never allow outside influences take away our own bright intentions of awakening or bringing great benefit to all beings.

Pay careful attention to your mind. Are you calm? Are you agitated? What has contributed to this condition? With precise attention, sift through the clutter of thoughts, and remain at ease.

We alone can navigate this turbulence that surrounds us. When our world has become disturbing, go back to your original intention of awakening. Gaze at your own mind with clarity. In time, you will awaken, despite it all.

Blessings in Light,

Robert Aho