Spirituality
is the exploration of the spirit.
*
*
The spirit is also known
as the soul (Atma).
*
*
The soul expresses itself
as
consciousness
which gives
life
to all living things.
*
*
The consciousness
in you
is known as
the self.
*
*
From the exploration of the spirit
can come understanding
of the nature of the self.
*
*
Understanding the self
can lead to
self realization.
*
*
The realization of consciousness
which abides in everything
in the universe
abolishes the self and the ego
*
*
Self Realization is an
individual journey.
*
*
Spirituality
is purely experiential
It cannot be conveyed
through words.
*
*
It can be experienced
but not described adequately
in human vocabulary.
*
*
This search is facilitated
with the help
of a teacher
called "Guru"
In Sanskrit
this means
"one who dispels darkness".
*
*
If you need a Guru
you will find him
*
*
You will need discrimination
to recognize your Guru
*
*
A Guru may take any form
and appear to you
in any form.
*
*
If You seek a Guru
Opportunities to meet him
will appear automatically
*
*
The guru
shares his experience of
consciousness
with his disciples.
*
*
This enables them
to experience consciousness -
their real nature.
*
*
Through his help
the disciple can transcend
his mind and body
and experience
the real nature
of his spirit
which is his real self.
*
*
The guru takes the disciple
to the experience of the self
and
through that experience
the disciple can understand
the self.
*
*
Once the guru has taken you
to the ultimate experience
of the universe
It requires much
application and effort
to establish your self
permanently in this state.
*
*
Establishing yourself
permanently in this state
requires
You to leave your ego
and yourself.
*
*
The "Guru" shows you your goal,
points you in the right direction,
and walks with you
behind your shoulder
throughout your life.
*
*
For some,
one meeting with the guru
may be enough,
for others
frequent physical contact is necessary.
*
*
The Guru does not impose his will
on the disciple.
He guides the disciple
and allows the disciple
to grow at his own pace in his own time.
*
*
Self realization
is an ongoing process
not confined by time and space.
*
*
This is Freedom (moksha).
*
*
Yoga is the process of
bringing the body,
the mind
and the breath
under the control
of your soul.
*
*
Through Yoga you may experience
Other states of Consciousness
*
*
For those enthralled by
their bodies,
yoga is useful.
*
*
It brings your body
under your control,
transcending
hunger & pain.
*
*
Meditation
is the process of
transcending the mind.
*
*
For those
with constantly active minds,
meditation is useful
to still the mind
and experience the self
which lies beyond.
*
*
When you can experience the self
at will
this state is
"Nirvana" or self realization.
*
*
This state can be experienced,
but not described.
*
*
This state has no
attributes
so
Words are not available
to describe this state.
*
*
This is your Journey.
*
*
There are no accidents on this journey.
Everything comes to take you
in the direction you need to go
for further growth and progress.
*
*
Accept everything.
*
*
Ask yourself or your Guru
what lessons You need to learn.
*
*
Learn what you need to learn
from any problem you face
so you can progress on your journey.
*
*
God
through your Guru
guides you
and helps you
on your journey.
Notes.
1. Many
commentators have tried to explain spirituality in words, in many
religious and spiritual texts. Spiritual concepts can not be adequately
explained in words.
2. Words can only
indicate the concept but cannot lead to understanding. They serve as a
guide, so that as you experience spiritual growth, the words of the guru
acquire context and meaning, pointing you in the direction you need to
go. The words help reassure you, that you are on the right path and have not lost your way.
3. Words are
always subject to the interpretation, biases & understanding of the
interpreter.
Guidance from a Guru is always directly to the disciple. From heart to heart not through the mind. Avoid seeking interpretation of the messages, you receive from your guru, with other people. It can lead you astray. If you need clarification ask your Guru to explain again. Spiritual concepts are experience based and hard to understand through words.
4. Spiritual growth comes through introspection and application.
5. There is a
divine plan for all of us, which makes available, the help and the means we need, at
the time we need
it.
6.
We have
the oral & experiential tradition of Gurus and disciples in India
stretching back into the depths of time. The Guru communicates directly
with the disciple both verbally & non verbally.
7. The words and
actions of your Guru will acquire meaning as you grow.
8. As you ascend
in consciousness, the Guru you need, to assist your growth at that
stage, will appear, guide you and teach you discrimination.
9. For Spiritual growth,
apply yourself, to this inward journey.
10 . Om is the eternal Mantra. This helps you in your journey to self realization.
Practice it and it will aid you in your journey.
*
* *