Do all paths lead to Divine Union? Whether the ultimate goal is the idea of spiritual union, the attainment of peace profound or cosmic consciousness, it is a question that often presents itself to the sincere seeker on their personal journey.

There is a point where all the different paths leading us up the mountainside actually meet. There are many individuals who are genuinely seeking for something, and who are inspired and spurred on by something intangible but which beckons. For example, you could say that the musician, the artist and the scientist are all effectively studying the ancient wisdom in the pursuit of their work. Whatever our sphere of activity, there comes one day when a light dawns. At that moment, the purpose of all that has been studied on each of these paths is revealed to the sincere traveller: —the Unity of All in All.

The Dawning of Truth

When the next great truth dawns, we realise that the ultimate goal or state of being is not to be won by exercises. It is not the perfection of our music, art or science that the Cosmic considers. It is the heart. Does our heart beat in sympathy with all that lives?

This dawn of understanding marks a radical change in our lives. Before this moment, many of us were subject to the same fears that worry the rest of humanity. We were very much a part of the mad scramble for a worldly foothold, influenced by the contemporary noise of voices in conflict, seeking personal ascendance over others, and bewildered by the judgements of others. In our quest for truth and clarity, our journey has been beset by the cacophony of warring interests and fixations.  Now, at the moment of realisation, the futility of it all becomes piercingly clear. Perhaps at this moment we recall Plato’s picture of the people in a cave, judging the world from the shadows on the wall. Before the new understanding, perhaps we believed with our blinded fellow humans and shared their ideals; now we long to share with them the peace and fulfilment that has illuminated our own life.

Before now, achievement and success may have seemed so important in our life. Now it is only service to humanity that matters; that inspires our daily actions, reactions and responses. For example, we find we can rise above notions of creed, race, and nationality. We can consider things from a heightened view; one which transcends individual differences, and recognises the common humanity that is the beating heart-centre of our existence.

The Evolution of Humanity

 How, in our new understanding, can we contribute in some way to the evolution of humanity? Any contribution, great or seemingly small, is equally of value and is more important than all the prizes and applause of the world. In our new position of expanded consciousness, we have gained a new standard of values. In our interactions with others, and in our awareness of ourselves, we can now tell the difference between what is inspired by the higher self and what merely appeals to the ego. We really can regard every experience with a new understanding and allow this understanding to make itself felt in the lives of others.

It is true that we must know something more of the Divine plan before we can help to further it. Certain features of this plan can be grasped by all students of religion, philosophy, and mysticism. Consider for example the realisation of the underlying unity that underpins everything that lives. On the scale of evolution, humanity is linked to the perfected spiritual beings above it, to our fellow human beings, and to the animal and plant kingdoms. Occupying this position in the great scheme of things means we have opportunities as well as responsibilities. We can, by direct encouragement, or simply by example, encourage an empathy and understanding with other religions and nations. Tolerance is more constructive than hatred, or the malicious fostering of distrust and division.

Love and Service

The Path of Love and service is the most needed path in the world today. It is not difficult to live a life of love and service in our own sphere of life; to do the little neighbourly deeds that make life easier for the unfortunate person next door, or to lend an ear to a lonely soul. If these small acts of kindness were multiplied, they would relieve the world of much pain and conflict.

Meditation and introspection can help us realise the widespread implications of the term: “Love and Service.” In my thoughts, words and actions, am I breaking a spiritual law in ignorance? Have I reduced in some way the sacrifices that I need from others? The mystical student can be one burden less in the world; we can be helpers. We can be the ones to make sacrifices, not the ones who need the sacrifices by others.

At the same time, we are, after all, human beings on the personal path of evolution, and it is perfectly natural that we will all, at times, be immersed in our own problems. However, we can try to rise above our own problems and be more concerned with the problems of others. In many cases, in giving, our own problems can sometimes be resolved in the process. We can even make use of our own problems as indications of the problems perplexing others. Through our increasing spiritual knowledge and inner inspiration, we eventually find that we now have a way of solving our problems which our neighbour has not. One could say that, as we are all connected, helping others ultimately benefits the individual.

The world can be a horrifying spectacle—cold, ruthless, harsh, barbaric. The cruelty seems to be inflicted upon everybody and everything—the earth itself, the plants, animals and humans. The cave dweller still looms large in the human makeup. We shudder at the sight of it all, recoil in horror at the thought that the cave dweller was ourselves not so many incarnations ago. But in Cosmic terms, time means nothing. We can make amends at every opportunity, do what good we can when opportunity arises; and be assured, once you are open to inspiration and are moved to help others, the opportunities will come abundantly.