Seerdope said: I am all for exploring outside the box. Though, of course, simple being outside the box, by it self, does not make something useful and valid.
Not in and of itself. I think out-of-the-box means stepping out of one's present conceptual framework, adopting a different angle on how to look at any particular issue, acquiring different experiences, mainly, to have a check on one's present position. Our concepts and experiences could easily lead to a situation, where we turn in a circle, where our experience will be reinforced by our concepts and vice versa. The value of this, is not necessary to land at a better place, but to gain a greater degree of freedom and autonomy. Maybe you are in a golden cage, a great place, but you are dependent on it. In that sense, it simply means to expand your horizon, and that's always a good thing. Practically it could mean, that you go to a meeting of a different spiritual group, or talk with friends of a different group, read a variety of books etc. Try to take a different position, or question assumptions you usually have. It also could mean to break away from habits. I have a purusha friend who once told me that he went to a course of a different spiritual group, some kind of healing and transmission technique, so I was a bit surprised, as he didn't just do it for himself, but really worked with it. I was (and still am) a bit sceptical about the group, and quite surprised that he did this. Ultimately he got in conflict with the movement and then returned. He said, it was a good out-of-the-box experience. Obviously he felt more at home with the movement, but he felt it expanded his horizon. Anyway, he is quite a free bird, and that's how we actually met. Of course, looking at different viewpoints, doesn't necessarily mean the other one is better, or getting rid of one particular (spiritual) conditioning will make you free of all conditionings, but it will make you inevitable more free and autonomous. It means you are in charge. From what you write, I sense some fear, some fear that you are not protected enough, or a fear of the unknown. I guess that is something you have to overcome. Also, if your awareness really expands, you will start to find yourself to be uncomfortable in your present conditioning, and you will seek a different and bigger 'box', still a box maybe, but a bigger one, that is accommodating you better. To make such a switch is always challenging, but ultimately rewarding. Because who wants to live in a prison forever, even if it is the prison of your own mind? So be cautious if a group says, read only such and such books, or don't go and see other masters etc. Those people have made a box around you, and don't want you escape it.
