Finding your path

People thrive on different spiritual paths; devotion might suit one while knowledge fits another, yet both can lead to fulfillment. Self-inquiry suits those who seek reason, devotion comforts those less inclined to explanation, and Karma Yoga serves those wanting to help others with no expectations. While some practices like meditation gradually calm the mind, it's crucial for individuals to recognize their natural inclination for effective progress. 

As is often said, a teacher appears when the student is ready; a true guru brings peace and clarity, not intellectual pride. Their presence can still a person’s thoughts and maintain a heightened state of awareness over time. It is important to trust one's intuition in assessing the guidance received and the path taken.

Some paths of meditation require deep learning and complex techniques, drawing individuals into an ongoing cycle of acquiring, understanding, and processing ever-changing knowledge. This quest is infinite, similar to the futility of counting all the stars in the sky. However, those who devote their energies to achieving and experiencing stillness can gain its rewards sooner. 

A wise teacher once said, "You've come to the garden to eat mangoes. How many trees are in a garden and how many branches each tree has – what is the use of such calculation? Eat the mangoes and don’t count the trees."

Realising Self through Devotion

Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa once said “There are many doors to God’s house, the main gate, the back door, even the utility entrance. No matter which door you enter through, you get in the house.” 

Devotion to God is a direct path and the easiest way to self-realization. If one does not attain this deeper awareness through their faith, it may signify some errors in their practice that hinder spiritual clarity. This necessitates sincere introspection and modifications in our comprehension and deeds. The first step is to assess whether our devotion is authentic or contingent on the hope of rewards. 

A revered teacher once said, "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind." But do we genuinely apply this devotion to all facets of our interaction with the divine? We face internal struggles, with parts of ourselves hesitant to fully surrender to the divine in every expression. 

There is ultimately one supreme spiritual being—whether embodied or not—pervading nature and all creatures. Some people often resonate with the physical forms of worship yet find it challenging to connect with the formless nature of their personal God. On the other hand, devotees of the formless may find difficulty in embracing its physical representations. 

The next task is to recognize the divine within others, which when understood, helps us avoid causing harm through our thoughts, words, and actions. Finally, seeing ourselves as part of that larger divinity ensures we treat ourselves with kindness. Recognizing God in all things fosters a continuous and omnipresent awareness of the divine, both within ourselves and in our surroundings. Remain living in the state where you don’t feel the sense of other; come to a realisation those who were already dead, those who are presently living, the non-sentient things that you see around and that which is yet to born and yet to manifest, everything is God.

Beginning of wisdom

The journey of spiritual growth starts with examining the beliefs we take for granted. Commonly, we participate in spiritual rituals and practices without critically assessing them, adhering to them merely because they are the norm. Visiting holy sites, undertaking pilgrimages, adorning oneself with sacred garments or threads, engaging in pujas, conducting homa, reciting mantras, or forsaking worldly life—fortunately, none of these actions are prerequisites for attaining spiritual purity or discovering our fundamental natural state.

It's possible to carry out many rituals without being spiritual, while others may be spiritually successful through a simpler life. Considering God is everywhere, both externally and in your heart, question the necessity of visiting holy places or the need to pray when God already knows all your thoughts and occurrences in your life.

Why does your mind wrestle with responsibility and fail to unwind in meditation if God makes all possible? Who meditates—body, mind, or intellect? Outside meditation, who governs your life—you or your persona? Are you distinct or unified? Are you truly the essence of a human being, or just a mental construct adhering to the human model—a misperception for life’s experiences? When death occurs, what exactly is it that ceases to exist and who actually comes to an end?

Have you ever reflected on your fundamental ideas that seem intuitive but are incorrect? Breathing occurs without our control, although we claim to breathe. Thoughts emerge on their own, yet we say we're thinking. Emotions surface without our summoning, but we possess them. The concept of 'I' bubbles up, and we mistakenly attach ourselves to it.

Acknowledging that our lives are a tapestry woven from threads of false beliefs and misconceptions is a sign of true understanding; it heralds the dawn of genuine comprehension.

Dispeller of Darkness

Without an understanding of ourselves and our intrinsic characteristics, we are left in darkness. The guru serves as one who eliminates this lack of knowledge by imparting wisdom. On Guru Purnima, we honor the role of the guru. My teacher consistently reminds me that "God is the ultimate guru." Both human beings and God embody both formlessness and form. This shared attribute is encapsulated in the view that humans were made in the image of God. God transcends gender and components, yet has the capacity to manifest in any shape. As the prime mover, God initiates action without being affected. Unchanged, God influences the rate of transformation. While widely recognized as the creator, the challenge for many lies in acknowledging that God also dwells within creation.

Observing a predator's hunt is common on wildlife shows, where sometimes the prey's mother can only watch. Though heart-wrenching for her, all creatures involved possess souls—a fragment of divine essence. In a state of detached observation, these natural occurrences play out transiently against a backdrop—the 'screen,' which here represents God at a sublime level, a presence that remains constant amidst change. In the absolute sense, this screen too is illusive, with existence itself being the paramount reality.

Human life comes with a variety of lifestyle choices. We might live predominantly attending to our physical, social, spiritual needs, or seek higher aspirations seeking gods or the absolute reality. With free will, we have the freedom to follow any chosen pathway.

Many of us are in this world simply to experience creation, not necessarily to seek lessons, as we originate from the highest plane of being. Evolution isn't a necessity for us; our primal state doesn't entertain time. Possessing immense potential, our true nature is impervious to fear or anxiety—there is nothing apart from us to dread. Bliss dominates, rendering us content without the compulsion towards worldly thoughts. Our ignorance drives us to search for peace and contentment in relationships, activities, and ideologies. Once enlightenment occurs, one's inner self radiates like the sun.

A Genuine Master

Throughout history, authentic masters have graced our planet, yet often went unnoticed by the majority. Identifying a genuine spiritual master is like searching for a needle in a vast expanse of beach sand. Observing the world, we find that many systems have been compromised, their integrity eroded. Regrettably, religious systems often top this list.

In a playful manner, my master advises against embarking on a Himalayan quest in search of ascended masters. While authentic masters do reside there, they often inhabit remote, inaccessible locations. If you venture forth seeking a genuine master, be cautious of encountering counterfeit figures—some of whom may indulge in cannabis.

Prior to embarking on my transformative journey, I harbored a quest to discover an authentic spiritual master—one who remained steadfastly honest through life’s trials and tribulations. After years of searching, I encountered a remarkable individual: someone genuinely honest, peaceful, and deeply committed to the welfare of people both near and far.  

In my spiritual teacher, I discovered all the qualities of an exceptional human being. I’ve never encountered another master who delved as deeply into the science of meditation, the state of samadhi and happenings of life in astral and casual planes of existence. He was in link with the pillars of Light, the spiritual hierarchy all the time, working in physical and astral plane, yet totally available for all the meditators. Much like a diligent researcher, he generously imparted knowledge about the Great Light, Light work across the world and other parts of creation, anchoring various spiritual energies; their characteristics, how to tap these energies and the knowledge of their use in our daily living. In essence, he embodied a living repository of spiritual wisdom.

He transformed our approach to worship, shifting it from idol worship to honoring energies. Additionally, he altered our perception of eclipses, turning them from inauspicious events to auspicious moments. Most importantly, he showed us that the spiritual path can be joyful and light-hearted; his knowledge-sharing sessions were often filled with laughter and jokes, rather than being overly serious.

As he approached the end of his earthly journey, my guru remained undeterred by health concerns. Instead, he reassured us that he would continue to care for his students from the astral plane. His parting advice to his students; meditators was to equip ourselves with spiritual knowledge and spiritual energies, preparing for the work ahead and wait.

Spiritual Awakening

A world teacher said that the best way to help someone is to help him become spiritual. A spiritual person see transcending the duality and follow his intuition. When he learns about spirituality, especially his identity and nature, this changes his whole outlook on how he lives his life. Such a person will excel and be resilient even if the whole world is judging him wrongly. He will be a universal citizen and do exactly what is needed for the situation. He will manage any life situation well and live a respectful and wonderful life. 

One near death experience, one glimpse of eternal, one out-of-body experience, one Samadhi experience or a state of bliss can make a big change in how someone views life and make ordinary experiences less important. Such experience shows a new perspective that removes the ignorance and gives a bird's eye view of reality—spiritual vision to an individual. 

My masters words still rings in my ears “Spiritual Enlightenment is a process that involves multiple spiritual awakenings!”.

Unselfishness is God

As individuality diminishes, inherent virtues naturally come to the forefront. A revered master once stated, ‘Goodness emanates from God, while evil is a product of creation.’ Although everything created eventually meets its demise, goodness endures. Despite the challenges of balancing meditation practice with worldly demands, it remains crucial for meditators worldwide to recognize the role of selfless masters who nurture them with spiritual energies behind the scenes. These unsung heroes serve as invisible beacons of guidance.

My guru explained to the students that a great master transcends planes, traveling from a distant realm to impart spiritual energies during their check-up sessions. These energies enhance our spiritual progress and elevate us to the next level if we’ve made strides. After expending all the energies, the master returns to his world and enters a state of tapas once more, accumulating them over thousands of years for the benefit of future spiritual seekers. This perpetual cycle continues, fueled by the master’s selflessness.

Countless masters labor for the welfare of humanity on this planet, many of them remaining unknown to the world. Their driving force is profound love. Some masters have attained salvation, granting them the freedom to dwell in a state of ultimate bliss. Yet, they willingly sacrifice this bliss to engage in the labor of tending to God’s garden. 

My guru once asserted that unconditional love represents the pinnacle of manifestation, and if there exists anything greater, it is the act of sacrifice.

End of Search

Once, a student asked a greatest spiritual master, ‘How much time does it take for transformation?’ The master replied without hesitation, ‘It takes a second. One has to make up their mind. That’s it.’ 

Another spiritual giant of similar caliber once stated, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand.’

Throughout spiritual journey, a seeker of truth navigate life in pursuit of the divine. It is widely accepted that this destination remains elusive within the current incarnation, necessitating multiple lifetimes to address karmic debts or liberate oneself from the bonds. As a part of their spiritual practice, many individuals engage in introspection to refine their thoughts, actions, speech, and deeds. Some believe that performing virtuous acts will lead to salvation through positive karma. In the path of devotion, people genuinely believe they will ascend to heaven after their physical bodies pass away on Earth. Meditators spend years progressing from one chakra to another and from one stage to the next, often perceiving this process as endless.

In the spiritual journey, one arrives at the destination without physically moving an inch. The distance is merely a mental construct. When the illusion of the false ‘I’ dissipates, the authentic ‘I’ shines brilliantly, akin to thousands of suns. Good and bad karmas are like clouds—both obstruct our view of reality. These clouds can be fast-moving, slow-moving, or seemingly motionless. During meditation, a person unknowingly burns both good and bad karmas. During meditation, the appearance and disappearance of blankness shift the meditator’s perception from the illusory small ‘I’ to the expansive natural ‘I’ for a brief moment. The consciousness, previously confined within the body, mind, and intellect, is released, allowing for a fresh breath in the naturally expanded state. Within the same body, the amalgam of impure consciousness radiates like pure consciousness, offering a glimpse of the absence of individual identity and the presence of witnessing awareness.

The path of devotion is simultaneously the slowest and most effortless. Love for God dissolves the mind like a sugar cube in water. Those who worship God seamlessly immerse themselves in the divine nectar. Each dip in this nectar purifies the mind, and as individuals draw closer to God, their character radiates even more brightly. 

The journey of meditation involves seemingly effortless effort. However, meditators often encounter distractions and diversions. Some seek guidance from multiple spiritual gurus till their last breath, while others are drawn to mystical powers. Some devote their entire lives to venerating their guru and following the spiritual path, all while keeping their ego intact—much like a shadow cast by a burning candle. Some become healers, tarot card readers, or authors of spiritual books. And then there are those who establish their own schools of thought as spiritual leaders deviating from their original goal.

The path of knowledge (Self-Inquiry) provides the swiftest route to realising the divine. It distinguishes the spirit from the intelligence of the body, mind, and intellect. Like a sharp-edged sword, it cuts through impure consciousness, rejecting anything perceived as an external object and affirming that it is not the true self.  The result is immediate and instantaneous.

We can consider the path of devotion to that of a snail, the path of meditation to an ant, and the path of knowledge to that of a bird. 

In God’s creation, every path leads to God—even the one that seemingly denies God, unbeknownst to the people. Swami Vivekananda once remarked, ‘You will be nearer to Heaven through football than through the study of the Gita.’

Impurities in Mind

Similar to how a cyclone forms over the sea, moves inland, and brings rain and strong winds, impurities from the unconscious mind gain strength through thoughts and emotions. These impurities then ‘make landfall’ in the conscious mind, driving a person’s actions. Despite this turbulence, there exists a calm center within the storm—an alert observer may notice it. Just as the physical body has innate intelligence, the intellectual and mental bodies play powerful roles. The mind governs both intellect and physicality, and when impurities surface, they impact thought, action, and speech.

Impurities don’t always originate solely from an individual; they can also stem from a cosmic mind shared by everyone. How people handle these impurities varies based on their maturity level. Some are drawn to them, some absorb them, and others reject them. The extent to which an individual is connected to their inner self influences this process. Our inner self helps us deal with emotions, stay self-aware, maintain clarity, and find purpose in life. A strong connection with the inner self enables resilience in the face of adversity.

This inner self exists behind the person (our outer self) who grapples with managing life through body, mind, and intellect. Our outer self—the aspects we present to the world—acts as a protective shell while we navigate external demands.

When a person acts from their conscience or intuition, they are already in touch with their inner self, mitigating the negative and lasting effects of impurities. However, for others, these impurities can feel like being possessed by a ghost, causing loss of control and harm to themselves and those around them.

Our true adversary lies not outside, but within ourselves. Within us exists the capacity for both goodness and evil. While we cannot entirely eradicate this inner darkness, we can transcend it or overpower it. People engage in various practices, each choosing a tool that resonates with them. Some opt for prayer, appreciating its simplicity. Others choose meditation or self-inquiry. Each method offers a unique path toward healing, transformation, and transcendence.

Purpose of Life

The purpose of human existence lies in recognizing the divine within and expressing it outwardly. No other purpose exists. In the ultimate reality, there is no cycle of universe creation, sustenance, and dissolution. There exists no distinct individual, no inherent nature, no personal deity or personal God, no birth, no death, no karmas and no reincarnation. Goals lose their significance when nothing happens in reality. Ultimately, nothing holds weight, regardless of our actions or achievements in this temporary ever changing world. 

All existence is a product of thought. The fundamental notion that defines both an individual and the world is the ‘I’ thought. Remarkably, throughout a person’s entire life, there is never a moment of doubt concerning this thought. While the existence of God may remain uncertain, the individual ‘I’ remains a trusted and undeniable reality.

Individuals passionately invest effort in evolving into better versions of themselves across various roles—as friends, spouses, children, citizens, or leaders. These roles may shift over time, yet the unwavering ‘I’ behind them remains palpable and apparently genuine to them. 

Depending on life circumstances, the sense of self—represented by the ‘I’—can take on various forms: cherished, adventurous, daunting, or burdensome. Life events evoke a range of emotions within the individual ‘I,’ including celebration, fear, shock, humiliation, fondness, haunting, and mourning. Amid life’s unpredictable fluctuations, certain individuals strive to realise their dreams, pursue passions, and enumerate achievements, finding gratification within their sense of self—the ‘I’. People leave their final breath, unaware that their dreams and achievements are mere constructs of thought, they realise that even their own existence was fleeting and illusory. 

As long as the ‘I’ thought remains unchallenged, the drama of suffering persists. Similar to how one falls asleep and awakens in the morning, the individual transitions to a different body after death. This perpetuates an endless cycle of struggle. For instance, someone who dedicated their life to becoming a national leader or heading an organization may find themselves in their next birth struggling to survive an average life or relying on alms and begging. It’s not that life is merciless; rather, these experiences lack significance from the highest reality—the standpoint beyond mere thoughts, where consciousness remains ensnared by the mind.

A person continues to reincarnate, inhabiting different bodies throughout successive lifetimes, until they recognize the ever present reality behind the ‘I’ thought.

Self Inquiry

A child once inquired of its mother: If God created us, then who created God?

Curiously, we scrutinise every aspect of God’s manifestation, including God itself. However, when it comes to understanding ourselves, this pursuit is often dismissed as futile .

We rarely question our self-identity as ‘I.’ This reality remains largely unchallenged, with minimum discussion in schools, colleges, offices, universities, or even within our communities. It seems to be an accepted norm, silently and unconsciously.

The struggle for survival persists until we introspect and question our very identity. A significant leap in spiritual growth occurs when we cease to accept the inner voice as our own and resist following its narrative.

Supreme Devotion

Supreme devotion becomes a natural state in the path of knowledge where the individual is the company of divine presence consistently. In this state, they remain steadfast, never diverting their gaze from God. They perceive everything—the people around them, their family, nature, and even inanimate objects—as divine manifestations. 

This unwavering recognition of God in all aspects of life represents the highest form of devotion. However, practicing this in daily life can be challenging unless one embraces Shambhala Principle 3—cultivating Oneness in practical reality.

This level of devotion is naturally achieved when one wakes up from the waking state of consciousness. In this state everything, everyone, including oneself is seen and experienced as Self, the Supreme.

Behind this, there is the state of unmanifest, the unspeakable.

Heightened Awareness

In spiritual journey, the ego aspires to reach Turya—the state of passive witnessing consciousness. Within Turya, time dissolves, and individual identities vanish. It resembles an unchanging screen where one observes the fleeting states of waking, dreaming, and deep sleep, much like the season changes.

In this transformative journey, the ego dissolves into nothingness, much like camphor evaporating into thin air. It resembles a leap from the realm of possibility to the seemingly impossible. The deity of wakefulness orchestrates this process, recognizing the deserving candidate—it’s what some call Grace.