You might think that a spiritual warrior’s renunciation would involve giving up food, rest, a home, comfort, or luxuries. Such asceticism is considered by many to be a path toward spirituality. That’s not the type of renunciation I’m going to write about today. This is something much better!

I’m currently reading Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior, by Chogyam Trungpa, a Buddhist. This isn’t the first Buddhist text I’ve read, but it is the first by Chogyam Trungpa. I find his writing illuminating and gentle. I’m nearly to the end of part one, “How to Be a Warrior”. The other two parts are “Sacredness: The Warrior’s World” and “Authentic Presence”.

Chapter eight in part one is “Renunciation and Daring”. I love the definition of renunciation!

What the warrior renounces is anything in his experience that is a barrier between himself and others. In other words, renunciation is making yourself more available, more gentle and available to others. Any hesitation about opening yourself to others is removed.
– Chogyam Trungpa

I’m sure a lot of people have problems opening themselves to others. Renouncing that self-protective shell is a step for any spiritual warrior to take. How can you connect with others spiritually if you’re keeping it all to yourself?

I have a friend who talks about the importance of helping others, but who doesn’t seem to be doing anything about it. He is worried about other people’s energies affecting his. He’s concerned that negative vibrations from others will have a negative effect on his life. Rather than walking openly, being that spiritual light among them, he usually keeps to himself and avoids people. He has no visible means or service pathway to help others.

This is a person who needs to shed that self-protectiveness, in order to be a spiritual warrior. The light shining within us, in our hearts, is from God. That is our communication portal, and the light can envelop us and shine outward. With that happening, there’s no need to worry about the negativity of others afflicting us. I’m not saying we should purposely surround ourselves with the worst influences ever, but only that we are here to teach the fallen, the hopeless, the empty. Those are the people waiting for a spiritual warrior to walk by and share the light.

If you’re a spiritual warrior, consider reading Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior, by Chogyam Trungpa. Prepare yourself to renounce all the barriers that keep you from helping those in need.

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