Ask The Master: 8 Oct 2007

Q. This whole issue of Enlightenment worries me. Am I working towards it in the right way?

If you're working towards Enlightenment - and worrying about it, on top of that - you can be sure you won't get anywhere close! The only way to approach Enlightenment is to forget about it altogether. Of course, it's not easy to forget, but the problem with focusing too hard on the destination is that you miss out on the joys of the journey. Surrender to the present moment, and the future will take care of itself.

The worry about enlightenment is the last big declaration of the ego. Don't be deceived by it; it is only taking you further away from your destination. Enlightenment can happen only when you are in the egoless state, ready to receive. Enlightenment is not a performance, it is not something to be achieved through anxiety and effort. On the contrary, when you are ready, you will slip into it of your own accord, naturally and effortlessly. In the meantime, do the best sadhana you can: simply Enjoy!

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This excerpt has been taken from the book: Uncommon Answers to Common Questions