The Evidence

Earnest resolve is the essence of spiritual practice. Consider the following as prima facie evidence:

Annamalai Swami, a disciple of Ramana Maharshi and a fine teacher himself, often speaks of constantly “remembering the Self,” of the need for “constant meditation.”

In Ramana Maharshi’s translation of “Devikalottara,” we’re told: “Turn the attention completely away from external objects and concentrate only upon that (the Self) which cannot be seen” (my italics).

Neem Karoli Baba, similarly, states, “Constant repetition of God’s name, even without feelings of devotion, in anger or lethargy, brings out his grace. Once this is realized, there is no room for misgivings” (my italics).

The Poetic

In all this, however, I don’t want us to lose sight of the central point. Yes, constant practice is vital–but where does the energy for this constant, intense engagement come from?

While, perhaps, impossible to define, earnest resolve is precisely the right motivation that brings serious spiritual seekers to contemplate and to meditate.

The poetic register will serve us well here as we in-heart, from the inside, earnest resolve.

It’s fire in the belly. It’s a hunger to know what I am, what all this is. A power beyond power. An intensity that keeps on, keeps on growing. A sense that there’s nowhere else to go, nothing to turn to. A wide open embrace of the stakes: die before death–or just expire.

Nothing but getting after it–that is, nothing but BEING IT!

Quiet but fierce. Relaxed but beyond steadfast.

Earnest! Earnest! Earnest!

Resolved! Resolved! Resolved!