The different forms of Tradition possess the wisdom of great beings who, through dedication, inner inquiry and personal experience, identified paths of liberation for the human being, so that it might recover the harmony that has gradually been lost while an excessive egoic consciousness has made one feel increasingly disoriented, differentiated, separated and alone before the mystery of life. Those very proclaimers also pointed out that, in order to attain liberation, each person had to walk the way and experience it for themselves.
But not everyone is willing or able to do so. The mechanism of belief is deeply rooted in the functioning of the human mind. It is far more comfortable for us to adopt patterns, explanations or codes of conduct than to devote ourselves to inquiry and discovery through direct personal experience. We prefer the warm refuge of shared beliefs and dogmas, which offer us consolation and a sense of belonging, to the cold and lonely exposure of an intimate and sincere search undertaken by oneself.
Hence, in every form of Tradition we can find, on the one hand, an inner, esoteric dimension, intended for those willing to devote themselves to exploring, questioning, experiencing and realising for themselves the path to wisdom that lies beyond mythical or symbolic language. On the other hand, there is an outer, exoteric dimension, designed to meet the needs of all those who are content with beliefs and codes of conduct that provide them with comfort and security.
Sadly, history shows us that, although this was a well-intentioned approach in its beginnings, it has ended up being used in a distorted way, such that wisdom was left in the hands of a few and belief became a powerful tool of manipulation and subjugation.
This does not mean that wisdom is not present, or that it should be dismissed because of the abuses committed. It is necessary, however, to identify and transcend the harmful effects of belief and to plunge fearlessly into the intimate search for answers.
One Single Tradition
Aware of the Unity of LIFE, we must accept the inner situation of any human being, whatever it may be. But we must also, consciously, point out the limitations and dangers of belief, naturally, without any kind of imposition or coercion.
If, through cultural roots or personal choice, we embrace a particular form of Tradition, it is better to transcend beliefs and sincerely deepen in the way of realisation of the wisdom that each one presents.
To the extent that we set aside dogmatic beliefs and sincerely listen to what resonates most deeply within us, the wisdom of the one single Tradition will be revealed, beyond cultural differences or differences of presentation.
The way does not matter. It is not a question of changing beliefs, but of ceasing to believe and living fully in harmony with our most intimate nature.
Thus, the essential question that each one must answer is: am I content with consolation, or do I want to live authentically?
