There are many metaphors for spiritual development such as cultivating a garden, climbing a ladder, etc., but cooking is one of the least used and appreciated. Spiritual books and teachers can give us recipes, but we must still apply them and develop our unique take. It is possible to be “too” creative or eclectic in spiritual practice and thought; there are techniques and ingredients for spiritual growth that simply must not be thrown out without considerable risk of indigestion or even food poisoning. Most of all, spiritual realization is like a perfect dish: it won’t look or taste the same to everyone; one’s cultural traditions are going to influence the outcome; and yet there is a One Taste: a simple feeling of deliciousness (bow to Ken Wilber for the borrowed language). So cook up your realization. And cook naked some time, just because it’s fun.
About Joe Perez
