The Right to Know

This past weekend marked the “liquid-only” phase of our fall dietary cleanse. This phase is a necessary component of the cleanse and supports “the right to know”.

The liquid weekend used to loom large in my mind. Comparable to how Frodo and Samwise must have felt as they crossed the swampy plains preceding towards Mordo, filled with a bit of dread accompanied by a simple “I must”.

This weekend was different, surprisingly uneventful in fact. I attribute this to one simple principle, what the yogis call adhikara. 

Adhikara loosely translates as “studentship” thought the spirit of the term means “the right to know”. The right to know is two-fold. 

Number one, it is our human birthright and capacity to experience higher knowledge.  

Here, “knowledge” takes on a deeper dimension. It is not mundane facts but rather, direct insight into the subtle layers of creation, accompanied by the will to live in alignment with them. 

As a practical example, seeing that the source of a dysfunctional pattern has its roots in a childhood trauma. And to move towards love once again, is an exercise in adhikara.

“We have the capacity to experience knowledge with a capital K.”

The second order of adhikara–the right to know–has to to do with earning the right to know. The right to insight is earned through some regular practice or even ordeal. There are many myths that tell of the sacrifice entailed before the boon of Knowledge is bestowed. 

And so it is with seasonal cleansing. Cleansing is skill grown through repetition; fear and obstacles are important parts of the curriculum. Adikara is revealed overtime when live in accordance with our higher Self, our natural birthright.