Q – I’m trying to understand enlightenment.
A – No, you’re trying to avoid it.
Q – No, no, I’m practicing yoga, I do daily meditation, I sat a 10 day retreat a few weeks ago, I listen to Ram Dass and I’m vegan. I’m trying to get enlightened.
A – You can’t try to become enlightened. It’s a contradictio in terminis.
Q – Hmmm, you tell me what to do then.
A – Love yourself unconditionally.
Q – That sounds pretty selfish.
A – It is.
Q – Shouldn’t I become a better person first?
A – No.
Q – But it feels like I’m not good enough. Shouldn’t I…
A – No.
Q – Do you feel you’re good enough?
A – Of course.
Q – Why?
A – Because I couldn’t have done otherwise. Why get upset with myself for doing what I couldn’t do otherwise?
Q – It sounds like a cop-out.
A – It would be, if it weren’t true.
Q – So you think it’s true?
A – I know it’s true.
Q – So, you actually believe it.
A – Correct.
Q – What should I do?
A – Believe it also.