We all know what it is to hope, to experience that magical mix of positive expectation and deep desire. And hope can often feel necessary to get us through times of difficult suffering, but can it also prevent us from maturing into a deeper spirituality? Do we need hope? Can you cling to hope and be "awakened" at the same time? Is hope intoxicating, but detrimental, like a drug? And if we don't lean into hope, then what is the alternative? These are just a few of the ideas and questions we explore in this week's episode.
Resources Mentioned
Adyashanti - "The End of Your World: Uncensored straight talk about the nature of enlightenment"
Alan Watts muddy waters quote from his book The Zen Way “As muddy water is best cleared by leaving it alone, it could be argued that those who sit quietly and do nothing are making one of the best possible contributions to a world in turmoil.”
Integral theory model of spiritual development with Ken Wilbur
Karma yoga, a concept from the Bhagavad Gita, referenced by Eckhart Tolle in The Power of Now
Bible references: Matthew 19:24 (easier for camel to go through the eye of a needle than a rich man to get into Heaven); temptations of christ; book of John
