Authenticity

@gatehealing: When somebody struggles with that authenticity, what do you suggest?

Lama Surya Das:  We all struggle, with many things. Buddha himself said that the unenlightened, worldly life is full of dissatisfaction and dysfunction, including looking for what we want in all the wrong places, which is hard and frustrating work. Struggle and questioning, doubt, inquiry and investigation are all part of the true path of authenticity and self-realization, culminating in spiritual freedom, bliss, inner peace and enlightenment. Keeping your sincere questions alive can be more productive in the long run than settling for simplistic or ready-made answers. Patience and perseverence are called for in this pursuit; continuity and discernment are secrets of success. Hasten slowly, and you shall soon arrive.

@karmamule: But how can I recognize authenticity?

Lama Surya Das: Authenticity is not easy to define, but I’m quite sure you can usually tell when people are faking it. How do you know if you are in love, or simply in lust, or just like someone? These are things adults have to grow and mature into and find out for themselves. Knowing oneself for oneself is a bit harder, but also more rewarding. I’ve heard, amusingly enough, that  women can fake an orgasm, but men can fake an entire relationship!

Seekers of truth must be honest and sincere, among all, and beware of self-deception, the most pernicious form of dishonesty. Authenticty and genuineness follow on the heels of that.

Truths are many, but truth is one.

Submitted by @gatehealing and @karmamule via Twitter August 26, 2010.