Radical acceptance has been one of the pillars of spiritual teachings. The concept of salvation is the central tenet of Christian teaching. Bhati yoga is one of the spiritual paths within Hinduism centralized in terms of complete surrendering and loving devotion toward Brahman. The Buddha's teachings inquire all its disciples to dwell within and realize the state of wisdom insights, Satori (悟り), of the nature of impermanence, Aniccā vata Sankhārā, "Impermanent, alas, are all formations!" Through profound observation of the Way of nature, Laozi, the Taoist philosopher, developed the philosophical practice of Wu wei (无为). In shamanistic traditions throughout human history, the foundation of its essential premise is that an invisible Force permeates the lives of all visible and invisible manifestations and the cosmos. It is for us to live in alignment with this energy. Joda, the Jedi master, reminded and blessed all his young padawans, "Feel the Force!" It is surrendering to the force that wisdom insight arises and allows us to move through life with ease.
Cultivating a deep practice with a developed capacity to live in the awareness of radical acceptance is the key to gaining wisdom for liberation. The acquired skill of mindful awareness of reality as it is without resistance, avoidance, or judgment and coming to terms with life challenges or sufferings will lead us to a more profound wisdom of the true nature of our existence.
The wisdom gained from the radical acceptance, through pure awareness of accepting and embracing, even surrendering to the psychological and physiological changes, can lead us to greater peace, clarity, and resilience. Sages after sages from historical times to the present pointed out this truth in many teachings. Yet, many of us develop the profound practice of radical acceptance into daily living.
In the depth of practicing radical acceptance, the nature of reality reveals itself. Laozi, an ancient Chinese Taoist philosopher and the father of Taoism, revealed the nature of reality through the wisdom and practice of Wu wei (无为) from the infamous 81 chapters of the Tao Te Ching, emphasizing the importance of allowing nature to take its natural course and recognizing non-action or non-doing sometimes is the best action. Living in the wisdom of Wu wei (无为), being in tune with the natural rhythms of life, and responding according to its natural motions. The Buddha, the enlightened one, taught us this natural movement of all existence in the cosmos as impermanence, the nature of change. It's living in tune with the natural rhythms of life as it allows us to stay in a state of pure awareness, relaxed, spontaneous, and responsive to respond to the needs of the ever-changing nature of existence. This wisdom allows us to achieve true peace and happiness while living in harmony with the universe and effortlessly achieving our goals.
A brief reflection on the teaching of Radical Acceptance by Quan NGUYEN, ND - 02/24/2023