It has often been said that Westerners have a hard time grasping the concepts of Eastern Philosophy and Religion, but that is not necessarily true. In fact, many who are very well learned in these matters note that the Eastern path to enlightenment is not all that difficult to understand. Unfortunately, many who attempt to teach it make it so.
A friend recently reminded me of this dilemma and stated that he learned more from Deepak Chopra, who just happens to be wearing sparkly Elton John sunglasses at his seminars in Beverly Hills! Too funny, but perhaps one goes where those who are willing to pay for their services desire them. And adjusts to the audience as they’d like to see him and addresses their concerns about the version of Eastern Philosophy and Spirituality they are willing to accept.
My friend then says, I hope you are not related to this gentleman? Ha ha ha. No, but I’ve sat down at the Coffee shops on the West Side (LA) and listened to all the kabitzing and it is rather funny to listen to them carry on. It’s an interesting group, that and the Malibu Crowd, hilarious; “free sex, give us all your money, now you are enlightened” Some of the stuff that goes on is, well, what it’s not is Eastern Spirituality. Anyway, it’s fun to watch everyone trying to be so serious about it, when they clearly don’t get it.
Perhaps, this reminds me of why I believe that those who seek spiritual enlightenment from an Eastern perspective ought to be a little careful in choosing their spiritual mentors and instructors. Also those who want to truly understand should probably not try to learn it in a classroom from a Western “cultured” professor. Please consider this.