which -ward?

it is said defilements lead downward
spiraling one into immense suffering
with unimaginable entanglements
perpetuating wrong views

it is said goodness lead upward
where pleasures are unlimited
day and night intoxicated in it
where enjoyment is all one does

it is said earthling looks forward
of what is important only in this life
caring not whether heaven or hell exist
where insecurity is their daily living

it is said deludedness look backward
enjoying what has gone
or suffering what has passed
totally oblivious now is all there is

downward, upward, forward, backward
are what all sentient beings ride on
unbeknown there is another option
far nobler than them all

some may call it inward
to opposes an outward search
but I say neither of them is true
only to realize what is already now

realization is key
of one that sees correctly
of formations the mind fabricates
endless in cycles until understood