Very few will get any benefit whatsoever, from this effort of mine. In truth, I write because I've been told to. I've enjoyed it; that's enough for me. In writing this I have attempted to be sincere and sensible. In so doing I have deceived you - knowledge is neither sincere nor sensible. This is a secret, by tradition, we keep from the beginner - but I have found that secrets keep themselves; so there, I've said it - you have been warned.
The purpose of this book is to provide pointers, for the direction in which a beginner on the path of wisdom, needs to explore. Each person must make their own journey. You cannot learn real knowledge from a book, but you can gain valuable insight and council, on where to apply your time and effort. There are so many blue chestnuts being flagged before a would-be traveller in spirit, that a little clarity as to where our main chance lies, is of essential value.
From time forgotten, the rule has always been: 'go into the wilderness alone'. In these modern times, this rule remains true. Experience is everything. To spend time debating theory and principle can be an enjoyable pastime, but never mistake this for real knowledge. We need clarity of purpose, and the ability to review, re-examine and ponder; but the bread and butter of growth is effort and action. Think, weigh and decide first, by all means, but then you must apply a change - a different behaviour - to your daily tasks. Thought must become flesh and bone, else you are deceived, and a deceiver. Till one day you'll no longer find a line between the sacred and the mundane.
To have power, words must be spoken by one who has suffered for the right to use them. This is a journey for which you must pay dearly. Pleasure, happiness, pride, comfort, acceptance, respect, safety - all must be sacrificed. This road is hard, lonely and dangerous; surely only a fool would take it? Best you don't begin if such words upset you. Best you don't begin if such words do not upset you. We almost always start for the wrong reasons. Filled with images of conceit - heroism, admiration, to salvage wounded pride, social failure, to avenge your disgrace etc. "I'll show them who I really am!" It is only natural to step off on the wrong foot, but if these are the fruits of your spiritual efforts to date, I suggest you have slipped into the path of Spiritual Growth the Easy Way, and you will find this book boring.
I'm not saying those on "the hard way" don't enjoy themselves. (I've already said it's not serious or sensible.) On the contrary, the laughs are thick and fast. But they laugh on the other side of their face. It is a strange experience to discover yourself laughing at your agony, or sad and disturbed in your pleasure.
When you see and know what it is you must do, yet you also realize that no one will thank you for it - in fact you're going to suffer rather badly for it - it is precisely in this that some of the deepest humour is enjoyed. But the joy is in the depth of the soul, and is often not available to us in the midst of our travail. It is quite an achievement to know both at once.
Nevertheless the road has been well trod - the footprints of many true friends can be a solas.
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