michaelsharrington (Hridayam)

Seeking has become an ancient habit, a pastime of the mind, seemingly following us around for eons. One day through grace, and our own relentless yearning for truth, this habit turns obsolete, is seen as unnecessary. We discard it because we have realized all we need is already within us.

Thoughts and the thinking processes seem so reflexive and natural to most of us. And the allure is so deeply imbedded that we never question the validity and reality of the thinker. As we investigate and inquire into the thinker-conception, something happens. The thinker cannot be found. We have been attuning to a phantom, a false voice that not only has no power but is a non-entity.

Even for the most intellectually consumed and restless minds, there are brief instances between thoughts where reality lives. Pure space resides there; eternal peace reverberates.

And in these brief flashes, an opportunity presents itself in the space where form meets formless. This most subtle space is where peace is found, where love abides. The peace we want, the love we seek, the elusive joy we wish for is always waiting for us.

This contentment is more easily recognized as a presence found between thoughts, when we first wake up from deep sleep, or as we are just falling asleep. Just as we emerge from sleep, one is powerfully reminded of what lies beyond the state of sleep. What is ever-alive within us, that which animates all life is God, the Absolute Consciousness.

Stillness practices, breathing exercises can be helpful pointers or guideposts, yet we must lose interest in the periphery, superficial, restless and chaotic movements of the mind.

This happens through earnestness, a sincere heart, and grace.

As we let go of seeking through the mind, through thought, seeking ends; the real search begins, the search for Reality, the Self, God, the Absolute. And once the real search begins, we lose interest in the surface aspects of our life. The worldly play, the day to day external happenings, and the resulting drama are no longer the center of focus. Whatever we need do in God’s Divine Play naturally happens and we are fully aware but unattached-as our focus is on the Source rather than the reflection.

The search for the real begins to take up all your spare time. It consumes you, dissolves personality and sense of individuality, as one melts into the Source.

When the soul-search ignites inside your heart, nothing else holds sway. You are held captive by a potent force that guides your life, leading one ever deeper into the bliss that is ever new joy.