But how does the True Self emerge? What maps exist for the pathways of the soul? Who can we trust to give us directions for the inner landscape? If we could see and understand our soul’s journey, might we not learn something of our eventual destination?

For the whole of our recorded history–roughly the last 6,000 years - attempts have been made to map the spiritual journey. The map-makers were poets and prophets, philosophers, artists and explorers, people who took life-changing inner journeys and left detailed records. They looked deeply into human experience and recorded the pain and the joy. At their best, these “cartographers of the spirit” demonstrate sensitivity and insight into the human existence, enriched by a connection to something higher. These wise men and holy women, the shamans and, more recently, the psychologists and psychiatrists, have all contributed to our collection of maps. Ironically, the proliferation itself has produced more than a little confusion.

Consider the sheer number of approaches: from Abraham to Zen, from Aurobindo to Zeus, psychoanalysis, Hinduism, Catholic vs. Protestant, Transcendental Meditation, the various versions of Islam and Buddhism and the guidance of any number of gurus, mystics and teachers. For the serious seeker, the multiplicity of methods can be overwhelming. (Not to mention that many schools of thought seem to contradict one another, and schisms and splits and sects abound. Even among major and well-established teachings, claims of exclusivity and correctness would contravene any universal utility!)

Studies attempting to synthesize the great spiritual and wisdom traditions agree, that “best” maps tend to point in the same general direction: greater understanding, greater love, greater meaning, the expansion of awareness and wisdom. These are the desired rewards, the rewards or the fruits of a committed practice. The path of the practitioner is a journey toward spiritual enlightenment and growth, a higher consciousness, a transcendent, transformative soul, movement towards increased maturation and, like a healthy plant, movement toward the life-giving source of the light.

Bear in mind that the vision of self-realization is always unique and the emergence of the True Self is never a straight line. Think of an oak with its far-reaching root system and outstretched branches and its journey from acorn through sapling to mature tree. Each of us is at a different developmental stage in terms of the emergence of our True Self, let alone in finding our authentic expression in the various areas of our lives. We might need to work with several practices to stabilize the human structures (those core areas that make up a complete person, such as health, wealth, relationships, work, spirituality, and so on). And, just as a tree may need additional support to hold it upright while it grows through certain stages, so may we.

Some understanding is helpful about the core principles and practices, both psychological and spiritual, that support the emergence of the True Self. Ontogony offers its own map for modern times; a curriculum designed to give a greater awareness of what is needed, a solid grasp on the methods, and the confidence to know that it’s working. In truth, Emergence is a process that happens whether or not we know how or why. However, we can set a foundation that helps it happen faster and more consistently. We can be proactive in untangling ourselves from illusion and choosing to awaken. We can learn to meditate and pray effectively, to distinguish rigpa and maripa in everyday life, know the real parameters of integration and the relationship of the shadow , become familiar with our subtle anatomy, understand the role of the body as a vessel for the Divine. We can learn to deal with death and dying and free ourselves to live this life more fully.

We liken the path of the Practitioner to those of explorer, researcher, healer, and facilitator. Practice is the mid-wife to emergence. We hope you will use every opportunity to nourish the roots of your true self through meditation, self-reflective therapy, energy work, perhaps deep dive into an active dream practice, and to further moments of contemplation throughout your day.