I want to be clear that I come at this from a very dry early Buddhist point of view. Others will see things differently, this is just my view.

I think this stuff, the shadows and darkness, the dreams, the special numbers, is just so much spiritual drama. Maybe you’re hanging out with some bad folk on some spiritual level. OK, well, so what? How is it different from hanging out with the wrong people on the bog standard human level? It’s not great, but that’s the situation we find ourselves in sometimes.

If you’re afraid to let go of something, try to calm yourself. Practice observation of the breath. Practice the basics. Observe kindness, compassion, equanimity. Be un-impressed with your fear and your dreams and your spiritual attachments. It’s really not that important. Just walk the path. Continue letting go. Continue to investigate your mind and your emotions. Observe things arising and falling away. See the impermanence of all this stuff.

There’s a book about Zen called “Sit down and shut up”, which I believe is the best title for a Zen book ever. (I haven’t read the book, I just love the title.) Sit down and shut up. It’s rude, but it’s actually good advice. Just sit, that’s all. Just practice. All this stuff is no big deal.

I recognise this is probably not the kind of advice you were hoping for. I hope it will be of use to you. If not, know that I wish you wellness, happiness and spiritual freedom. Good luck on your path.

• This reply was modified 9 years, 7 months ago by Will.