MushroomTrip said:

Can't you just finish your college and then go find spiritual fulfillment?
I say that because, in this way, you are able to chose freely. Maybe you won't want to return to the materialistic world... but maybe you will, so in that case you have a diploma and can work something you like.

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So... I am in the same predicament. I have changed my major to religion, and I plan on doing some study abroads before college ends for me. I am currently a 2nd semester sophmore so I have two years left. After college I plan to travel a lot, maybe do some Peace Corps. I think this time between finishing college and my travels I will find what I need. Currently though I am attaining what I need in my self and not looking for the guidance of others. I am attending meditation/yoga classes and talking with other people - I find that is my best way.

Here is what we all know, but are afraid to face... even me so I am not saying this like I am there yet. But, it was shown to me once so I somewhat know the ways...

It is in us all. We do not need the help or mentoring from another. When did Buddha finally find his peace? When he went out leaving the old ways and did his own thing. Do your own thing man. I have been wondering about finding a teacher as well. I don't think you can go out there and just find a teacher like people say... they will come to you. When you are ready it will come to you. You do not need to "seek" just be. Do some intense meditation. Try and free yourself from attachments. Do not seek, just let be - that is the thing we all have trouble with.

That is what I have trouble with at least. I seek to find enlightenment when it is already here. I am trying to allow it to be in me without trying if that makes sense. It is hard and not fun. Though, I know it is right.. I have my faith in God, who is me, and you, and everything, and nothing.

This is my path, the pathless path.

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Side note - I am wondering what good it does to learn about things like this. Should we all not find it in ourselves? Learning certain techniques is alright I guess, but everyone is different and has another way of getting there. I think I may cut off practicing learned ways, and do what feels right to me. Constructive criticism?

Oops don't mean to steal the thread.

dblaney said:

On the other hand, I am still in college. I fear that if I leave now, I will not be able to support myself comfortably for the rest of my life. I fear I may end up doing some menial job that I don't enjoy at all. Given the choice, I would rather do something that I enjoy and that can benefit others.

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Quote:

dblaney said:So I've got a bit of a dilemma. Do I give up the materialistic world and scholarship in order to find a teacher and find liberation? Or do I continue school (in order to be qualified for an enjoyable, beneficial job) while practicing in my free time (which is made difficult by being surrounded by temptation and almost no individuals who also are in pursuit of liberation)?

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There are others on your path who share your pursuit, though perhaps they are farther back on the path and can't see what liberation really means.  (I regret not seeing you over winter break, I had no idea you were going back to school so soon - but I don't think it really matters in the long run.  )

I have thought about this many times.  Many nights I've dreamt of stealing away and making my way somehow to the Amazon, there to seek out a wise ayahuasquero and become what I was born to be...

And yet here I am, doing the same things as you, going to school, getting drunk on the weekends, listening to music and hanging with friends, and still finding time to conquer my demons and face reality with whatever courage and clarity of intent I can muster.  It feels so lonely sometimes, wishing there was someone who would love me unconditionally, understand me fully, and guide me gently.  But I realize that I am not alone, that every human seeks liberation and some merely have no intellectual, spiritual, cultural, social, or familial framework for understanding the nature of their reality.  But it's all about love anyway, and love is a simple thing that you can communicate and build upon every day, wherever you are.

I have found my teachers in the words and books of great spiritual seekers of the past and present, in the revelatory sacraments of psilocybin and cannabis, and in people like you, man!    Speaking on a personal level, I would be lost on my path today without the guidance you've given me, whether you know that or not - not only through our conversations and interactions, but through the vibrations I sense emanating from you, from the wisdom I sense in the way you speak and carry yourself.

I know your path leads to liberation.  I know that in my heart. 

Silversoul said:

According to the Kabbalah, when are ready for your Tzaddik(enlightened teacher), they will come into your life. It's not a matter of looking. You must simply continue to work on perfecting yourself until the time is right. Interestingly enough, it says the same about one's soulmate.

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