Each of us carry around our own illusions and superstitions. Quietly, we even revel in them. While we are oblivious to our limitations, other individuals see them quite clearly. They shake their head in disbelief as we go on believing and behaving this way. Of course, we are quite aware of their deficiencies as well.

How then can we move beyond our blind view of things -- whether it takes shape as a wanting attitude; a very limited understanding of a matter; or a prejudiced viewpoint?

First, it requires a willingness on our part to be objective, and look at our limited perceptions straight on. It requires a sincere evaluation of our strengths and weaknesses as a person, and identify those qualities of perception that are limiting.

Second, it requires us the will to shed those wanting attitudes and beliefs, especially those that are most virulent. This demands some inner urge and compulsion to live our lives differently; some recognition that our current way of living is just not right and we therefore need to overcome those qualities if we are to live a happy, productive, good, and energizing life.  

Finally, it demands that we make the concerted inner and outer effort to overcome that which we have our identified as limiting in our outlook. If e.g. I notice that I don’t give others a chance to speak their mind; that I tend to jump to conclusions before they have their say; that I am constantly insisting on my opinion on a particular matter, and then make the sincere, persevering effort to overcome them, I will begin the great journey out of personal ignorance.

Naturally, such an undertaking will be quite challenging, for it takes a certain psychological strength, a certain development of character, a certain level of sincerity to persevere in shedding one’s own particular illusion and superstitions. But for those who do identify our flawed attitudes, opinions, and beliefs, and make the sincere effort to overcome them, the results will be infinitely rewarding.

Among them: We will have better relationships with others; we will become far more successful in our work; and we feel a greater sense of calm and inner fulfillment. We will also become better people, garnering the admiration of our friends, family members, and associates. Perhaps most interesting that inner and outer effort to change our mental framework will tend to evoke sudden good fortune from the world around us.

Ultimately, by shedding our illusions and superstitions, we turn our current finite existence into an increasingly infinite-like reality. All that seemed limited and constrained is swept away, and replaced by a vast field of Possibility. Through our higher awareness and knowledge, we see life in its varied aspects, instead of the part, limited, or downright false perceptions of the past. As a result, we increasingly become aware of more of life’s truths, of its subtle messages; of its hidden movements and principles. As we perceive life in its myriad of truths and facets, our lives become infinitely more fulfilled. At that point, we have left our essential Ignorance far behind, and arrived at the shores of knowledge and truth of our infinite potential.

Additional: Falsehood, Error, Superstition