ENLIGHTENMENT

by Bernie Siegel, MD

Most people I know find enlightenment through their emotional or physical difficulties. Wouldn't it be better to be educated about life and prepared for its difficulties by listening to the wisdom of others, rather than suffering your own break down in order to become strong at the broken places? Many painful events become our blessings because of the lessons they teach us and the voids they fill in our lives. I believe it is better to be blessed with wise parents, teachers and spiritual leaders than adversity.

Some must learn the hard way that darkness leads them to the light just as charcoal under pressure becomes a diamond. Again, it is a painful journey through the tunnel of darkness.

Today's books have nothing new to say. We may have new stories but they only repeat ancient wisdom. So read the words of the sages and learn from those who have gone before us. The themes of all the great spiritual leaders have much in common. If you seek enlightenment, get started by paying attention to what has already been said and don't wait for a personal disaster to bring you the gift of enlightenment. You may know the saying, "If you seek enlightenment, seek it as a man whose hair is on fire seeks water." It takes that kind of desire to truly face the light.

As a physician I have seen much suffering that seemed to make no sense. I have searched diligently for the answers to why we have a world filled with pain and difficulties. What has helped me most in this quest is that ultimately I realized we need to act with compassion and that it is evil not to respond with love. We have free will and when we choose to love, it is a choice which makes our love meaningful. Free will allows us the opportunity to become co-creators and hopefully, some day create a true Family of Man and our own Garden of Eden. As a surgeon, I know we are one family, despite our actions, because we are all the same color on the inside.

A veterinarian friend of mine listed five points necessary to train animals properly: Love, Trust, Respect, Consistency and Commitment. This is what enlightened people give each other, as well as their pets. The questions I ask you to consider to awaken yourself and see the light within are:

1. What is evil?
2. Who can you hate?
3. Who can you love?
4. Who is the enemy?
5. Who is the Lord you work for?
6. What do you need to say that you haven't said?

I won't answer for you but as you journey toward the Light, the answers will become apparent. When you are enlightened, you will understand the power of love. So ask yourself why we say "kill with kindness," "torment with tenderness," "love is blind," "love thine enemies" and "love thy neighbor as thyself." Therein lies the answer to life and enlightenment.

Several years ago I fell from our roof, hit my head and developed amnesia, an event that dramatically improved my marriage and family life. When my memory returned, I had a difficult time with my wife and children because I remembered all their faults. A therapist friend said she could save me from years of therapy. I asked her how amd she replied "go home and read I Corinthians, Chapter 13 and live what it says". Until you are enlightened and capable of loving completely, try amnesia in your relationships and daily life. It will help immensely. Or if that doesn't appeal to you, the next time you don't know what to do and seek the enlightened choice ask yourself, "What Would Lassie Do?"

"But now faith, hope, love, abideth these three; but greatest of these is love."
- I Corinthians, 13:13