In Pursuit of Serenity

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 Topic: In Pursuit of Serenity

This sermon is about some of the different spiritual practices and traditions intended to lead to Serenity and how they relate to the Path.

The state of Serenity or inner peace is much like Rome: There are many roads that lead to it. However, various mystic practices and non-Christian traditions offer a path to Serenity that originates within the Self rather than some invisible Other. These practices and traditions always require Self-Control, Mindfulness, and Patience, and include Buddhism and Taoism, among others.

When we speak of Serenity, or inner peace, we are not talking about the Zen state of meditation, but rather a personal demeanor of Serenity. Calm acceptance of whatever the Universe throws at you, coupled with the ability to see a way forward even if those around you cannot, is the foundation of Serenity. According to Path doctrine, this journey toward Serenity begins with Self-Control, and that same core concept can be found in other spiritual practices and traditions. Buddhist monks attain Serenity by letting go of attachments in order to live free and unfettered by the complications of material things. Followers of the Sikh faith, easily one of the most peaceful and benevolent religions, believe that all humans are equal in the eyes of their god. Taoism is probably the closest established religion to the Path and its doctrine; they teach the virtues of Compassion and Patience, along with their own lessons. All of these philosophies and practices can help one find Serenity, and none are superior to any others in practice.

The hardest part about living with Serenity is mantaining it in difficult situations. I often have to talk to furious people who believe I can give them what they want. When I explain that I cannot, they will often make nasty personal remarks and then hang up. According to Path teachings, I should see such conversations as an opportunity to exercise Self-Control, to avoid the temptation to retaliate, Patience, to recognize that some people just do not know how to behave, and of course Serenity, to keep my own mind calm. It is a challenge, but that is how we practice those Virtues and flex those mental muscles. I have had several escalated customers eventually thank me and wish me a good day after I remained Serene and explained the realities of the situation in a calm, non-confrontational manner. Even when we disagree with somebody, it is important to stay Controlled; losing your temper will not help anyone.

Because the Path is more of a philosophy than a religion and offers no specific definition of “god” beyond a collective cosmic consciousness, we are free to choose our own religious practice, or none at all. Whatever aids us in our journey toward Enlightenment. Do you follow a specific religious tradition? How have you used Path doctrine and teachings to augment that religion?

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