Thursday, 21 February 2008

Spiritual Burnout

There are times when we feel spiritually low and burnout. While it is popular belief that this might mean it is time to "take a break" from any tedious spiritual training, I personally see that for a mature enough spiritual practitioner, there is no better time to really put his spirituality to the test. As the saying goes, "When you hit rock bottom, the only way is up." I mean, how can anyone who is serious about seeking liberation actually "take a break" from this goal? Of course this is a lot easier said than done. But what is truly worth doing will always require much effort; Enlightenment isn't going to come easy.

Imagine the Buddha as a Bodhisattva in His previous lives taking breaks from perfecting Himself! Is that not absurd? Being spiritually burnout is a sign that one has not been looking after his spirituality while he might think he had been doing so all along. There is no such thing as "too much" spiritual practice. Spiritual practice anyway, is to be integrated into everyday life. It is simply everyday living with a spiritual touch.

Great effort is needed not only to say, being able to meditate long and steady, it also means meeting totally down to earth responsibilities like being a better son and friend etc. Spirituality is not up in the heavens, it is here on earth where you stand right now. The next time you burnout, remember that your spirituality was probably never properly kindled in the first place! A good flame burns on unflickering and bright.

Source: www.thedailyenlightenment.com


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