Truth is a pathless land. JK obviously understood the different perspectives his statement “Truth is a pathless land” held, but I believe it was extremely bold and risky to state such ‘truth, in his point of view’ in a world where ignorance will always remain especially to those who allow years of fear to drive them instead of trying to understand the limitations they bind upon themselves by doing so, which of course leads them to seek contradictions defending their beliefs (speaking on religion) to further fuel the rage against whoever opposes them.
It’s the sad truth that the majority will come down to individuality from ones own illusion of strength through an ignorant, yet, some with admirable loyalty and how great their emotional attachments are towards their devoted beliefs that appears easier to let define themselves by giving them a purpose to live, a lighter burden or a possible second chance to dream, which in hindsight isn’t even their decision to make. But without truth, leaves faith blind, and with our natural human instincts to survive it’s inevitable to avoid the subjects of death, purpose, happiness, life, etc.
This is why I believe JK’s statement to be bold and extremely risky because regardless of how influential he was at the time and the impact he’s had and still has on our evolved technological society today not everyone is supposed to crawl down the rabbit hole asking dangerous questions whist potentially spending the rest of their lives in the dark completely unaware of a way out. This is why many people need to cling on to what they believe is the truth because it’s the easiest and most likely the safest way for many individuals to get through life, and now with technology evolving so quick I’ve been blessed to witness someone so devoted to Jesus Christ that nothing else would matter. I’m sure there’s many more, and I wouldn’t want anything more for them if they’re happy.
JK’s statement also relates to Leo Tolstoy’s quote “All we can know is that we know nothing”, but that in itself tells us we can still know ‘nothing’, which leaves us with something. Some foundation if you will, that can help us seek & create a more balanced understanding of truth to stand on.
I’ve been on a journey for years now and I’ve thought about taking the easy way out a few times when there doesn’t seem to be any point making the effort to pursue the light I couldn’t see at the end of the tunnel, but with meditation and other forms of practices I’ve been lucky enough to reach a real one time awakening for now.
It was near the brink of believing there was no hope where I was able to detach myself from everything that wasn’t serving me. I wouldn’t say I detached these toxic burdens in a gentle and subtle way as I would’ve liked, but I could finally see light at the end of the tunnel as 70% of my burdens just vanished. I was able to be a lot more mindful during my journey eliminating bad habits along the way and one day after many years, but only weeks this time practicing consistent meditation my mind became so clear that I broke down in happiness. I couldn’t stop crying. It felt as if my life energy was completely connected to the source and every obstacle or heavy thought that flowed through me I had an answer for. I believe in that moment of time I was one with truth itself. I am very grateful that I overcame this darkness because it was understanding the yin and yang, (dark and light) that helped set me free.
This kind of enlightenment only happens by luck, but being present with the help of meditation, detaching myself from anchored emotions, looking and sensing what really is/was beyond what my ego limited my understanding of life by judging and labelling, I woke up.
There’s a good chance you guys have read this book already but I remember reading “The way of the peaceful warrior” by Dan Millman years ago.
Regardless of his breakthrough after a tragic misfortune his extensive research in many subjects to do with the mind/enlightenment and practice in breathing techniques/mindfulness meditation he continued on for years before and later after he had regained his faith in self. He claimed to have isolated himself from society like all the gurus do, but he still had no answers. And then he heard this story that shifted his being forever.
“Milarepa had searched everywhere for enlightenment, but could find no answer--until one day, he saw an old man walking slowly down a mountain path, carrying a heavy sack. Immediately, Milarepa sensed that this old man knew the secret he had been desperately seeking for many years.
" 'Old man, please tell me what you know. What is enlightenment?' "The old man smiled at him for a moment, and swung the heavy burden off his shoulders, and stood straight.
" 'Yes, I see!' cried Milarepa. 'My everlasting gratitude. But please, one question more. What is after enlightenment?' "Smiling again, the old man picked up the sack once again, slung it over his shoulders, steadied his burden, and continued on his way."
Idk. I still haven’t hit 30 years young, but I know my life experience isn’t regrettable because It wasn’t without the exp of living in despair for years that showed me the truth that if you don’t give up you are on the right path. Obviously after the day I reached enlightenment for a short period I was able to connect some dots, but at least I’m for certain that there was a shift. One where it’s given me a massive leap towards reaching a state of ‘nothingness’.