"Seek, and you shall find", said Jesus. It is interesting to note that He did not specify where exactly we should seek. This means that we are free to seek everywhere, and we will find God. His presence is truly all-encompassing.

Why do some people stick to their "revelations" and claims of exclusivity? Perhaps, the reason is a widespread human drive to feel superior than others. When there is lack of genuine self-esteem, individuals are trying find security in self-exaltation. Some of them feel superior compared to others because they have more money or authority. Some of them feel superior because they are more educated and intelligent. Some of them feel superior because they belong to a particular race. And some feel superior because their religion "is the only way to God".

As we become spiritually mature, we realize our true place in the universal scheme of things. We all are different, but the way we express ourselves in some areas doesn't make us either superior or inferior. While striving to know better and to achieve more, we don't envy those who have greater achievements, and we don't despise those who know less. We all are fellow travellers at the same path of inner unfoldment and outer manifestation. We are called not to compete, but to cooperate and to complement each other.

God lives in every person and communicates with every person - at the level where he or she can receive divine inspiration. This is the basic truth. "God enters by a private door into every individual", said Emerson.

The universality of God is clearly proclaimed in the Gospel of Thomas:

"I am the light that is over all things. I am all: from me all came forth, and to me all attained.
Split a piece of wood; I am there.
Lift up the stone, and you will find me there."

"Splitting" and "lifting" speak of active search for the truth at the core of all things. We cannot take things for granted or deal with them superficially. The one who does not seek never finds, and soon that one becomes dissatisfied and unhappy in the midst of lavish abundance.

Quite often people are coming to me, saying:

God can be found only in our holy book;
God can be found only in our sanctuary;
God can be found only at the feet of our guru;
God can be found only in our community of believers.

I answer them in such a way: "If it works for you and makes your life meaningful, go ahead. I will rejoice with you. But as for me - no, I won't join you. I would better follow the advise of Jesus and continue to split pieces of wood and lift up rocks. My God is the Universal One, all in all".

Attachment to particular channels of supposed "divine revelation" lead to sufferings. Not so many people understand that, yet it is true. Of course, I don't mean physical sufferings. Not having enough room for mental and spiritual growth, people gradually become tense, uneasy, and bitter. But since the object of their attachment is considered to be "holy" and "above criticism", they usually project their negativism on others.

In the past I often asked myself, why adherents of dogmatic religious groups are so quick to blame others and find faults with them. Many of those people are sincere and full of good intentions. Many of them believe in immense value of unconditional love. Why, then, they end up being judgmental? Condemnation is a subtle defence mechanism of their consciousness. They judge because they suffer, and they suffer because they aren't free.

"How do we know that we found God? How do we know that we found the Truth?" It is not my intention to give simplistic answers to these serious questions. But one of the surest signs that we are on the right track is our growing sense of freedom - including our freedom from attachments. We are free to explore the Truth everywhere we are lead, without restrictions.

We may declare: "God is Omnipresent. God is present right where I am. God will be with me wherever I may go. So I choose the best of what I know, trusting in my unfolding inner knowledge".

(to be continued)