Finding the Path is The Path

Over two decades ago, my exploration of spiritual practices led me to Vipassana meditation. At that time, I was already in a 12-step recovery program focused on relationships and was an active member of Agape, a church of religious science. Growing up in a family where my grandfather was an atheist and my grandmother, a closet Catholic, I had minimal exposure to any spiritual practices. Despite this, I always harbored a belief in a higher power, not necessarily tied to any specific religion but connected to a profound sense of truth.

In my 30s, I began contemplating the nature of this higher power, a concept I had loosely referred to as “God.” While I cannot articulate it precisely, I sensed a journey of self-discovery unfolding, intertwined with an exploration of something greater than myself. Despite engaging in Buddhist meditation for many years, I hesitate to label myself as a Buddhist because such labels feel confining. The simplicity and practicality of Buddhist teachings initially drew me in, evolving into a deeper appreciation as I delved into their profound intricacies, which seems like more of a philosophical exploration.

My connection with InsightLA predates its inception, and I have witnessed the rapid growth of Western Buddhism communities over the past two decades. However, lately, a sense of disillusionment has crept in, prompting me to question if there’s an alternative path for me. Amidst this contemplation, I recognize that the search itself is a significant part of the path, an ongoing journey of self-discovery and reliance on inner guidance. In this pursuit, I find solace, and perhaps, we can term it as a connection with the divine — a personal interpretation of what others might call God.