There are many doors that lead to personal enlightenment. Each of us embarks on our unique journey, encountering challenges, revelations, and moments of clarity. As the Taoist adage suggests, “When the pupil is ready, the master will appear.”
It is a special occasion when after years, perhaps decades, we meet a kindred spirit.
I’ve come across people who have found their own enlightenment. Their doors that led them to enlightenment may be different, yet all lead to the same source. These doors, whatever they may be, should not be judged; they reflect the infinite ways the universe guides us back to the Tao.
How Do You Know You’ve Met a Kindred Spirit?
When you meet a kindred spirit, they may share their story of enlightenment—the unique door that opened for them. Their words might resonate deeply, awakening something within you.
Suddenly, you’ll feel joy. It may arise in the form of laughter, a spontaneous smile, or a warmth that fills your being. You may feel compelled to share your journey, recounting where you’ve come from and how far you’ve traveled on your path. We are always in a process of becoming.
The Profound Calm of Qi
In Taoism, the life force, or Qi, flows through all living things. A kindred spirit has the power to awaken and amplify this flow, bringing a profound calmness into your life.
Meeting such a person feels like encountering a fellow traveler on the Taoist journey—someone who intuitively understands your path, shares your values, and aligns with your essence. Even if you’ve just met, it may feel as though you’ve known them forever.
After the Moment of Joy
The joy and calmness linger after meeting a kindred spirit, leaving you with a sense of tranquility. Yet, life inevitably moves on. The external world, with its daily challenges, may begin to erode that moment of connection.
Taoism and Buddhism remind us of this truth: “After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.” The path continues, and we must tend to the mundane realities of life.
But the memory of meeting a kindred spirit stays. It becomes a source of quiet strength and inspiration, reminding us that we are not alone in our journey.
This is the way. This is the path of beings walking in harmony with the Tao.
