“It is not necessary for you to complete the work; neither are you free to desist from it.”
– Rabbi Tarfon
Each time we choose to think deeply on the nature of reality, each time we choose kindness and peace, each time we modify our thought or action toward compassionate understanding, we are engaged in the great work. It is as if each of us is building a beautiful castle: We may be working on different sections of the castle or taking on different tasks, but it is the same great work approached in different ways.
This work is each individual’s spiritual evolution. This is not about manufacturing something artificial that is not already inherent in our deepest nature, but about bringing it out and making it operational in us and in the world. To accomplish this, it is also necessary to recognize and transform or discard whatever gets in the way of that process.
This work does not depend on our circumstances. Whatever our situation, we have the opportunity to choose the highest way we can see. And as we do this, the way is cleared for what is even higher to come to us. We can choose to walk toward greater harmony and peace in the best way we can.
The great work is not easy. We all need help to see and overcome negative imprints, non-beneficial tendencies, and messaging that encourages spending attention and life energy on things that don’t matter. One aspect of the negative training is the habit of self-blame and criticism. There is a big difference between recognizing a mistake or wrong action and having an appropriate and time-limited response to that recognition, and the habitual self-doubt or self-criticism that many of us have been trained in. There is no virtue or benefit in the habit of cutting oneself down.
We need to see through false messages, including the message that says that only weak people seek help. The exact opposite is true. Everyone needs help and none of us would survive without it. For any project, the more help—and the more effective and efficient the help—the better. For life and for the great work on which we are embarked, it makes a huge difference to have multiple sources of assistance. These can include wisdom teachings, books, teachers and spiritual guides, meditation and/or prayer, activities and practices that help maintain your clarity and health, groups of others who also value this work, and individuals you can call upon. As these sources of help become fully integrated into our day-to-day life, we are supported in the spiritual growth we seek and we learn practices and techniques that help us move in a positive direction.
Part of our commitment to this great work involves learning what we need to learn in order to act in thought, word and deed in ways that are truly beneficial for ourselves and others. And we also need to learn enough understanding and heal enough from past wounds so that we don’t cause harm. Everyone has been wounded, but we do not want to let past wounds or personal history distort our perspectives or rule our actions.
The more we grow in the great work, the more we can be of help to others and the fuller and more satisfying our lives become. This is work worth doing and life energy well spent.
© 2022 Shanti Natania Grace
Photo from https://www.peacepilgrim.org/
