Anyone have the directions? GPS? Map? Anything!?

This fellow is wise enough to play the fool;

And to do that well craves a kind of wit.

William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night

We strive for direction in this life of ours. Sometimes we look to our friends for approval, in the guise of guidance. Sometimes we look at social media, mimic our parents or read self help books. Trust me, life is not withholding direction from you, it's just that Direction comes from Gurus.

I'm a Sikh, a religion whose roots start in Punjab but embodies a philosophy that is universal and melodious. The importance of self-knowledge and scientific inquiry is as important as equality in Sikhism. Constant emphasis is placed on every Sikh, or anyone paying attention, to focus their mind on the direction that helps their karma blossom. One of the main reasons why I love being a Sikh is because of the importance of our becoming Warrior Saints. What a great paradox!

Undoubtedly, like most religions, Sikhism fell into the despair of dogma and regiment. Patriarchy took over like it did with Judaism, Christianity, Catholicism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and all the others. Men become powerful and wield their power by waging wars against other ideologies. I can only hope in my lifetime that I can experience and be part of a religious/theology that is run and executed by women rather than men. Can you imagine?

I've gotten off topic, and that can happen when we speak about religion. I think one of the most beautiful adages of Sikhism, Buddhism and many other religions and philosophies dating back to Socrates is the emphasis on learning from Gurus/Masters. The importance of seeking someone who you respect, of someone who is both humble and open to share their knowledge with you, goes beyond your experience. Often, a guru comes in the shape of a teacher, a parent, a dog, a child, a stranger or a lifelong mentor. Gurus and Masters enter our lives and shape our experience like water sustains our structure. Some Gurus have the power to embolden you. Some can take you under their wings.

There are many frauds too, just like with all things. Money can be made by manipulating people. And where greed is left to its devices, without any treatment of its various ailments, people will find a way to take advantage of the collective people's longing for studentship to the Guru. There are ways to tell who the frauds are, but I'll leave that to another discussion, or maybe more personal ones.

What is more vital to get across in this discourse is that we are all seeking direction. Sometimes when we are unaware, we follow whoever and whatever gives us more attention. Attention is power. Even modern quantum physics proves that photons, when projected through slits, change their vibration when they are observed, versus when they are simply let to act on their own. Our conscious attention to something gives it power. With that, we are slowly becoming students of Facebook, Instagram, people who get many likes or people who get attention for various materialistic reasons.

Of course, there is no true GOOD/EVIL. There are only shades of light. When we recognize our own light, and our ability to become even more vibrant and illuminated, we ignite a fire of passion to strive for that end. Without that realization, we are left to repeat cycles within our lives that frustrate not only ourselves but everyone around us.

Next time, when something bad happens to you, think of it as a Guru. It is an opportunity for you to learn something and evolve. When someone comes into your life with a perspective of you and an opinion, pay attention to it, receive it and take what you can to evolve. Question everything (as people often have motives) but also absorb what you can. Maybe something may help you understand something later. Take some time to observe people on a street, a fair, anywhere that people interact. Notice the humanity, and then feel it within you. Spend some time seeking teachers, masters, gurus. Find people that you can respect who have much to teach you. Find people that are open to teach you without fear and without judgement. Watch your dog, or your cat, and notice how they teach you great lessons everyday! Listen to children, they have great wisdom. It is untainted, raw and true. Pay attention to them and your own inner child will smile and grow joyful. Take heed of their inquiries, of their understandings, as they may lead you to be more True to yourself and all you know.

Maybe you are a Guru, a Master, an unaware enlightened spirit as well. Share it! No matter what, live with a sense of inquiry, curiosity, a passion to connect with Gurus and Masters, and you will experience your share of amazingness in this life!