Chapter 4.VII.10-19 – The Real Question

April 13, 2021

Yesterday we left off with the understanding that we need to formulate a goal early in the journey and that a meaningful goal must be consciously undertaken, consciously organized, and consciously directed. (8:2-3) In this part of the section we learn that our goal must have value and this value is determined by its eternal nature.

Humans have spent quite a bit of time on goals that seem eternal but are really just pretending to be. The alchemist trying to make base metal into gold, the mathematician trying to solve pi, the perpetual motion machine and even the idea of preserving the body with cryogenics in the hope of somehow preserving life for eternity are all just trying to find the eternal in something that is not. These are all examples of looking to the ego for protection and seeking eternity in the temporary existence that the ego offers. These are all “things you want to learn …because their value will not last.” (10:6)

The ego, in its way of interfering with what will bring about its own demise, compromises with the eternal in the same way it makes sure we forget the real question. It compromises by leading us down detours in search of eternity and thus makes us forget our goal. “It hopes to hide the real question and keep it out of mind. Its characteristic busyness with nonessentials is precisely for that purpose.” (12:5)

Jesus tells us that “ideational preoccupations with conceptual problems set up to be incapable of solution are another favorite ego device for impeding the strong willed from real progress in learning.” (15:1)

This is particularly important to understand. When we get into tangents that we put all of our efforts and will into solving we are proving our strength of will. This is used by the ego to keep us from becoming conscious of the fact that we have lost sight of our real goal and our real question. Now we can accept this strong will and use it to “set yourself the goal of really studying for this course.” (10:1) It is in studying and mastering this course that we will learn to use our strong will for the purpose of keeping our goal in mind.

When we find ourselves in the midst of any diversionary tactics, we must ask ourselves “What for? What is my purpose?” This will bring our focus back to our real goal and give us an opportunity to consciously direct our efforts on behalf of it.

Reflection:

Have you set the goal of really studying this course? Why? Why not?

Try to start the day today asking yourself, “What is my purpose?” Spend some time reflecting on this question and letting the answer come into your mind.

Suggested Practice:

I seek only what is truly eternal today.