A framework for determining ethical action when institutions can no longer be trusted, grounded in bhakti's emphasis on direct relationship and inner knowing.
Mirabai lived in a time when religious institutions were corrupt, rigid, and hostile to her. She did not ask the Brahmin priesthood for permission to love Krishna; she loved directly, danced in the streets, and built community around that devotion. For those navigating anticipatory grief, this poses a question about dharma—right action—when systems that traditionally guided ethics are crumbling. Bhakti offers a radical answer: dharma becomes internal. We cultivate direct relationship with what is true, what is loving, what serves life. We ask ourselves, not the institution: What does this moment require? What does integrity demand? What would love do? This does not mean lawlessness but rather a shift from external authority to inner knowing informed by wisdom traditions, community, and consequence. In civilizational transition, this capacity for ethical autonomy becomes essential. We cannot wait for perfect systems; we must act from our examined hearts, in concert with others who are doing the same.
Peri can explain this concept, give practical examples, help you decide whether it applies to your situation, or recommend a journey if appropriate.
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