Born into Exile: The Journey to True Humanity

We begin our lives in exile — not a physical banishment, but a deeper, existential one. From the moment we awaken to consciousness, we are enslaved by an all-encompassing force: our ego. This inherent self-centeredness governs every thought, desire, calculation, and action. We cannot move a finger or draw a breath without it serving our own selfish needs, our drive to justify our individualistic existence. Like a cancer, this ego consumes everything — harming others, ourselves, and the world around us. Yet, it is only when this truth becomes unbearable, when the weight of our destructive nature grows revolting and intolerable, that something new stirs within us. This is the moment when a fragile, truly human aspiration is born — an embryo of potential that marks the beginning of our authentic human development.

To be human — derived from the Hebrew *Adam*, meaning “to be similar” — is to strive toward resemblance with the singular, benevolent force that creates and governs reality. This force, selfless and loving, stands in stark contrast to our egoistic nature. Our journey toward humanity demands that we transcend our inherent instincts, aligning ourselves with the qualities of this divine source.

The Awakening: From Suffering to Seeking

For most of us, the path begins with suffering. Whether we are drowning in unfulfilled desires or numbed by fleeting material pleasures, a deeper dissatisfaction takes root — emptiness, aimlessness, a gnawing sense that life lacks meaning. This is no ordinary discontent; it is the awakening of a spiritual desire, the core of what makes us human. At first, we flee from pain and emptiness toward spirituality, seeking better fulfillment, explanations, or a purpose to anchor our existence. We yearn to understand the source orchestrating our lives.

This initial pursuit remains egoistic. We chase spirituality as a balm for our wounds, a way to sweeten our suffering. But as we acknowledge that a single source governs all that happens to us, something shifts. Beyond merely seeking solace, we grow curious about this source itself. Our intention evolves. Instead of focusing solely on resolving our problems, we become invested in knowing and understanding the force behind our existence. We begin to ask: Is this source truly good and benevolent? Can I justify its actions, no matter how they appear?

The Path of Similarity

This question marks a turning point. To truly know the source, we learn that we must become like it — at least in part. The qualities of this singular force — pure, selfless, unconditional love and bestowal — become our guide. From this moment, our development takes on a new dimension.

Each day brings new states, new layers of our ego revealed. In every moment, we must scrutinize our connection to the source. Can I verify that a single, purposeful force governs my life? Can I justify its benevolence, even when I feel pain, confusion, or despair? If not, I must work to align myself more closely with its qualities. This is no easy task. As deeper layers of ego surface, I often feel worse, further from the truth. At times, I lose my connection entirely, slipping back into the blind, aimless race of ego-driven life.

These moments of disconnection are not failures; they are necessary. The heavier the ego’s weight, the stronger our desire grows to escape its grip. Like a seed breaking through rocky soil, our yearning for true spirituality — rooted in similarity with the source — gains strength through struggle.

The Role of Environment

We cannot walk this path alone. A unique, supportive environment — a kind of spiritual raft — is essential to keep us afloat. In this closed, mutually committed circle, we find others who share our aspiration. Together, we learn and practice a practical method to emulate the qualities of the source. We make constant efforts to act with selfless love and bestowal toward one another, striving to exist as the source does. This environment becomes our lifeline, preventing us from sinking back into ego’s grasp.

Within this space, two forces emerge: a “spiritual fear” of losing our connection to the source and an unconditional love that drives us to achieve similarity with its qualities. These twin forces propel us forward, fueling our commitment to transcend the ego.

The Breaking Point: Total Surrender

At the peak of this struggle, we reach a breaking point. The ego’s control becomes unbearable, its insatiable desires suffocating. We are ready to do anything — sacrifice everything — to escape. Our desires, once our captors, now serve as the fuel for liberation. But we must take control, redirecting them toward pure, selfless love and service to others.

This decision is not partial. There can be no compromises, no lingering hopes for personal gain. Even the thinnest thread of selfish intention keeps us chained to the ego. Only when we are ready to burn every bridge, to let go of every calculation for our own sake, do we stand at the threshold of freedom. Beyond this border lies a realm the ego cannot comprehend — a life of pure, unconditional bestowal, where nothing returns to the self. It is a stormy sea, and we must plunge into it, allowing it to close behind us, washing away all traces of our former egoistic existence.

The Leap into the Unknown

This transition is the most difficult step. It demands total self-nullification, a conscious and uncompromising surrender. We must declare life under the ego’s control intolerable and yearn so fiercely for an altruistic existence that life without it loses all meaning. Yet, this new life remains unknown to us. We have no experience of it, no comprehension — only a burning aspiration to become like the source.

This leap requires help. Our environment provides the momentum and the strength to keep our eyes on the goal. But ultimately, only the singular governing force itself can separate us from the ego it created. To receive this assistance, we must initiate the process with absolute commitment, handing ourselves over to the source without conditions. We jump into the darkness, leaving behind the security of our egoistic foundations, trusting that the source will catch us.

The Beginning of True Humanity

When we cross this threshold, we enter the domain of the altruistic force. Here, our true human evolution begins. No longer slaves to the ego, we start to live in increasing similarity with the source — loving and serving others selflessly, guided by the qualities of absolute bestowal. The ego remains, but it is under our control, a contrast that sharpens our purpose.

This journey is not a destination but a continuous unfolding. Each step deepens our connection to the source, each effort brings us closer to the essence of what it means to be human. Born into exile, we find our way home — not to a place, but to a state of being, where love, purpose, and unity reign supreme.