“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back– Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”

William Hutchinson Murray
from the Scottish Himalayan Expedition 1951

Grist for the Mill

So at the beginning of the journey, you are very eclectic… a little of this and that. A Buddhist meditation to quieten the mind. Some Sufi dancing to get the body and heart open. Some Tai Chi when the body’s not balanced. Some massage to loosen it all up. A mantra as a centring device. Many methods to choose from the spiritual smorgasborg.

But there comes the point where the pull in you starts to draw you in the direction of what is called one lineage or another. These could also be called ways or aspects of God; they all go to God, but they all come through slightly different routes. They are your dharmic path.

Ram Dass – from Grist for the Mill