Soul Sustenance

From Knowledge To Experience (cont.)  The same mechanism of the pole-vaulter which was explained yesterday is involved when a person wishes to attain realization of the self and an experience of a higher state of consciousness. To experience realization, we have to run some distance, collecting the necessary information. Then we use the pole of knowledge and wisdom to lift us off the ground of ordinary consciousness. But, we must then let go of the very pole of knowledge that we used to elevate our minds and take a jump of faith, flying over the barrier of 'ordinary consciousness' to experience a new and higher level of consciousness. If there is no faith, then there is not enough trust to let go of the pole and jump. Many people do not let go of the pole of knowledge and, as a result, fall (like the pole vaulter) into the spinning of speculation and the habit of analysis and discussion – they are unable to experience spiritual consciousness. The pull of the ego, which does not let them have faith, draws the consciousness back to the ground. The irony is that they think they have jumped over the barrier and regard themselves as being in the privileged position of knowing or being knowledgeful. Then they think that from this privileged position they are in the position of judging and being better than those who 'know' in a different way or in other words better than those who do take the jump of faith and are truly spiritually enlightened. The truth is that the ones who let go of the pole and cross the barrier are the ones with the more wider, mature, creative and humble intellect and are filled with spiritual strength, because of reaching the stage of experience.