Also, not yet having experienced higher consciousness in a
consolidated and transforming manner, these veterans can — and now and then do —
veer off their own path. You will have to be strong enough in your determination to love
and help your senior friends get back on course, or when necessary, go on alone.Many
longtime unenlightened seekers are only dabblers resisting transformation. You may have
the bittersweet experience of becoming the oldest veteran on your path as all your
once-inspiring buddies turn away from the goals you share. You will be grateful to be
steady and true to your quest but you'll miss your dear friends, whom you admired so much.
Bearing in mind the precautions about senior devotees, don't
lose heart. Look for humble, kind men and women with universal hearts.
They will strengthen you when you are weak or on a wild mood swing, give you smiles and
helpful words when you feel alone or don't know what to do next. Their faith will give you
hope. Their experiences help you to discern true from false, successful development from
fantasy.
How do you recognize true companions and fellow seekers? How do you know they will help
you develop your faith, rather than smash it in pieces?
[ Recognizing true companions ]
