The Allure of Ignorance, the Rut of Stubbornness
So, we’re seeing here that the most elementary, most external requirement for growth is the willingness to let go of what you believe should happen, what you believe things should be, what you believe will make you happy. – A.H. Almaas, Diamond Heart Book One: Elements of the Real in Man
How many ways are there to express ignorance or stubbornness? How often do we find these two traits in the same person?
Very few people can learn physics, chemistry, or any other advanced subject independently. Few would even attempt to do so. It’s common sense to seek guidance and instruction when delving into something complex or subtle.
It’s interesting how many of us, on the spiritual path think we can do it on our own. I’m not talking about religion, dogma, or doctrine here. I’m talking about one of the most complex and subtle realms of exploration one can engage. And yet, many of us believe we can do it ourselves – we believe we know what direction we need to go. Everyone suddenly seems to be a class-a psychic when it comes to inner growth.
Ego as a Defensive Structure, a Habit of Ignorance
Freud proved that the ego is, first and foremost, a defensive structure, a coping mechanism. It is a universal phenomenon that the mind that the ordinary person identifies with is fundamentally a “groove machine.” It keeps running in the same circles and will continue to do so even when we believe we are going in a different direction.
That’s why it usually takes much suffering or something radical to wake us up. The ordinary mind will not leave its rut until it becomes so painful that change is not an option.
Think this is not so? The biggest rut is believing that we are separate individuals. The number of people challenging or giving up this fantasy is few indeed.
Here are a few ways we express ignorance or stubbornness:
- Refusing to consider new information or perspectives
- Dismissing expert advice and insisting we know better
- Sticking rigidly to beliefs despite evidence to the contrary
- Rejecting facts that don’t align with your worldview
- Being unwilling to admit when you’re wrong
- Insisting that your way is the right way
- Not being open to learning and changing your mind
- Discounting others’ lived experiences that differ from yours
- Believing stereotypes and prejudices without question
- Rejecting science and empirical data that contradicts your beliefs
The Smog of Ignorance
Ignorance and stubbornness often go hand in hand.
Someone ignorant may stubbornly cling to their limited knowledge and not be open to deepening their understanding. Meanwhile, someone who is stubborn sticks rigidly to their perspective and refuses to consider alternatives or new information.
Both traits demonstrate a closed-mindedness and lack of humility. The ignorant person doesn’t know what they don’t know, while the stubborn person refuses to acknowledge their limitations. They are unwilling to admit the possibility of being wrong or change their minds. This prevents learning, adaptation, and growth.
To overcome ignorance and stubbornness takes humility, curiosity, and open-mindedness. One must be willing to acknowledge the gaps in one’s knowledge and others’ perspectives. Letting go of ego and assumptions creates room for deeper understanding. No one has perfect knowledge, so maintaining intellectual humility and flexibility enables progression. The path forward requires recognizing our limitations and being open to continuously learning and evolving our worldviews.
Embracing Beginner’s Mind – maintaining youthful curiosity to keep deepening self-understanding.
The mind is endlessly fascinating in its complexity. Yet so often, we assume we know the terrain without inquiring deeply. There are concepts like Buddha mind that propose our ordinary perception is limited. Rather than stubbornly rejecting unfamiliar ideas, we would benefit from open-ended curiosity. The mind holds much mystery and potential waiting to be discovered. But it requires humility to question our assumptions and explore new paradigms. Instead of clinging to current convictions, we can adopt a spirit of adventure. There are always further reaches of wisdom if we remain eager students, willing to challenge old habits and investigate higher states of consciousness. With beginner’s mind, we position ourselves to profoundly expand our understanding of this marvelous mind we each possess.