Spirituality
is the exploration of the spirit.
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The spirit is also known
as the soul (Atma).
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The soul expresses itself
as
consciousness
which gives
life
to all living things.
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The consciousness
in you
is also known as
the self.
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From the exploration of the spirit
can come understanding
of the nature of the self.
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Understanding the self leads to
self realization.
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The realization of consciousness
which abides in everything in the universe
abolishes the self and the ego
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Self Realization is an
individual journey.
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Spirituality
cannot be conveyed
through words.
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It is purely experiential.
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This search is facilitated
by a teacher called a "Guru".
In Sanskrit this means
"one who dispels darkness".
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If you need a Guru
you will find him
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You may need discrimination
to recognize your Guru
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A Guru may take any form
and appear to you
in any form.
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The guru
shares his experience of
consciousness
with his disciples
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This enables them
to experience consciousness -
their real nature.
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Through his help
the disciple can transcend
his mind and body
and experience
the real nature
of his spirit
which is his real self.
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The guru takes the disciple
to the experience of the self
and through that experience
the disciple can understand
the self.
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The "Guru" shows you your goal,
points you in the right direction,
and walks with you
behind your shoulder
throughout your life.
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For some,
one meeting with the guru may be enough,
for others frequent physical contact is necessary.
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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.
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Self realization
is an ongoing process
not confined by time and space.
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Once the guru has taken you
to the ultimate experience
It requires much
application and effort
to establish your self
permanently in this state.
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Establishing yourself
permanently in this state
requires
You to leave your ego
and yourself.
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This is Freedom (moksha).
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Yoga is the process of
bringing the body,
and the breath
under the control of your soul.
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For those enthralled by
their bodies,
yoga is useful.
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It brings your body
under your control,
transcending
hunger & pain.
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Meditation
is the process of
transcending the mind.
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For those
with constantly active minds,
meditation is useful
to still the mind
and experience the self
which lies beyond.
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When you can experience the self
at will
this state is
"Nirvana" or self realization.
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This state can be experienced,
but not described.
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This state has no
attributes
so
Words are not available
to describe this state.
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This is your Journey.
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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,
learn what you need.
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God and your Guru
will guide you and help 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 we experience spiritual growth, the words of the guru
acquire context and meaning, pointing you in the direction you need to
go.
3 Words are
always subject to the interpretation, biases & understanding of the
interpreter. True growth comes through introspection.
4 There is a
divine plan for all of us, which makes available, the help we need, at
the time we need
it.
5.
Hence 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.
The words and
actions of the Guru will acquire meaning as you grow.
6. As you ascend
in consciousness, the Guru you need, to assist your growth at that
stage, will appear, guide you and teach you discrimination.
7. You need to
apply yourself to this inward journey and apply this discrimination to
everything. This leads to
spiritual progress.