True to Your Nature
17 January 2026Reflection
Every day, we learn something along the path. This morning I was reflecting on two events this week - one was mentioned in my last post (asking Quakers about animal “food” after meetings) and another was an interaction with someone who was attempting to change the agreed terms of our interactions. In the second case, suffice it to say that there was an attempt to coerce me to do something after we had agreed on a course of action. I stood up for myself (repeatedly) and the other person finally backed down. I replayed the events in my mind for awhile afterwards. These events had me reflecting this morning on the place of consistency and integrity in our spiritual journey.
True to Yourself
Do you find yourself agreeing to things that you don’t think are appropriate? Do you find yourself silent to things you think are important? The spiritual journey is not just about meditation, contemplation and similar - it is also about living an authentic life. Some would have you believe that speaking out is somehow aggressive or inappropriate, but that is the theology of cowardice. Remaining consistent with your values and speaking out for yourself and others is central to spiritual development.
Spiritual Company
If I had agreed to go to that Quaker Meeting house mentioned in my last post and afterwards sat silently while others consumed the flesh of innocents or the milk of their dead babies, this would not have been a spiritually positive experience. I would have been untrue and walking backwards on the path. Don’t let others hinder you on the path. As the Buddha said:
If for company you cannot find a wise and prudent friend who leads a good life, then, like a king who leaves behind a conquered kingdom, or like a lone elephant in the elephant forest, you should go your way alone.
Better it is to live alone; there is no fellowship with a fool. Live alone and do no evil; be carefree like an elephant in the elephant forest.
Dhammapada, Verses 329 - 330
Following the Light
You know what is right. The truth is within you. When you stray from this knowledge because of the influence of those not consistent, you will struggle and suffer. Quakers talk about the inner light and Buddhists refer to your Buddha nature. Whichever you prefer - follow that truth that is your birthright.
May all beings know peace!
Gerald T. Jordan, MBA, MEd, MCouns