Dear Eckhart,

.

There seems to be a focus on going through a tragedy/upheaval to become “enlightened”.  Jesus’ crucifixion is used to strengthen this belief, but he was awakened before the cross. Can we consciously let go of the mind/ego without the push of a tragedy?

.

Dear Greg:

.

Every true spiritual teaching is about entering the state of non-resistance voluntarily, that is to say consciously.  But before that possibility opens up for you, you need to have reached an important point: you need to be absolutely fed up with suffering, fed up with drama, conflict, unhappiness, anxiety…
.
Only you yourself can truly answer your question.  However, please allow me to rephrase it, so that the question becomes more helpful.  The question is: Am I ready to let go of my interpretations (or stories) and allow this moment to be as it is?  You may need to ask yourself this question many times.  If the answer is yes, then at that moment you are free of suffering and are not crucifying yourself (and others) anymore.  If the answer is no, that means you need more tragedy, and life – which is ultimately yourself – will give you what you need.