James Adams

A tree is more than a tree. The consciousness of a tree is ubiquitous — ever present. Consciousness is one. It cannot be fragmented.

Yet when consciousness occupies a tree, it plays the role of a tree. In other words, the Dharma of consciousness — for that incarnation is to be a tree.

All of nature is one, beautiful Dharmic tapestry. Humans are not excluded from this.

We all have Dharma — an inner calling. It is our Dharma that connects us to the Dharmic tapestry that fills our hearts with so much love and abundance. Nature knows it’s Dharma. Yet us humans? Many of us have forgotten our Dharma.

Dharma is our true authentic mode of expression. It is the reason why we decided to incarnate in the first place.

All spiritual paths leads to the same eventuality — we are one.

In some instances, reaching this spiritual realisation may create a lack of motivation to express our Dharma.

Yes we are part of the one infinte consciousness, yet here we are occupying human vessels.

Surely there must be a reason for this
What are we here to do? What are we here to be?

The answers of course, lie within.

Three aspiring yoga students are sat round a table. A spiritual guru walks into the room. The guru says:

“Welcome dear brothers and sisters. Today, one of you will have an opportunity to take shelter in our ashram, where you will be trained under the supervision of our senior gurus.”

She proceeds to lift a note out of her pocket and says:

"Now I will ask each one of you a question. The one who answers the question to my greatest satisfaction will be invited to stay at the ashram"

She looks at the first aspiring student and says, “Tell me what you know about spirituality?”

The first aspiring student, with a big smile on their face says, “Well, I've read the Bhagavad Gita — cover to cover. I know all of the great stories of Arjuna and Krishna. I’ve also studied the Upanishads and know what it takes to be a devoted yogi”.

The same question is asked to the second aspiring student, who leans forward and says, “I’ve attended 3 Eckart Tolle seminars. I’ve read 2 of Sadhguru’s books. I know so much about the Kundalini Shakti energy and want to awaken mine under the guidance of your wise teachers".

The guru looks towards the 3rd aspiring student, who is sitting quietly and says, “Now what do you know about spirituality?”

The 3rd aspiring student remains silent for a moment. This puzzles the others. After 20 seconds, the 3rd aspiring student says, “Well to be honest, I know very little. I have tried to read religious and spiritual texts but I don’t learn too well. I try to make up for this by having a kind heart and devoting my time for the betterment of others”.

The guru gives thanks to each of the aspiring students for their answers. She then leans over to the 3rd aspiring student and places her palm over their palm and says:

"We would be honored to have you stay at our ashram. Your heart is as pure as the trees that surround our walls. You accept that knowledge alone is not the way. You have what it takes to become an actualised guru."