When we strip all inherited and collected influences, we are left naked.

Thus the Zen koan, “Without thinking of good or evil, show me your original face before your mother and father were born.” Authenticity is more often than not these days defined as choosing to live according to childhood social programming instead of/in opposition to current social programming. Which is fine as a step along the road, but we have to keep going. Who were we before anybody taught us anything? Who were we in the womb? Before that? What “I” transmigrates from lifetime to lifetime?

The spiritual path is the most interesting puzzle available to us. It’s weird how many people ignore it these days. Another fascinating read, Pure Spirit Dharma. Thanks!