Five space suits

The temporary vessel we call our body, sustained by nourishment of food, is a precious gift from the divine. Whether we realize it or not, it is one of the five space suits. Though it doesn't need worship, it does deserve attentive care. This physical form harbors its own intelligence, interlaced with other subtle existences we sense through the rhythms of breath, thoughts, emotions, and moments of bliss. As our consciousness ascends, we sometimes perceive these bodies distinctly. Constituents of food nourishes the physical body, emotions move within the mental body, thoughts navigate within the intellectual body, and both gross and subtle breaths animate the pranic sheath. The essence of our spiritual layer is bliss. Just as we transport our physical selves from one location to another, each layer possesses its own wisdom to move or journey as needed in their respective realm.

In my experience, sometimes the mental body stretches out, as if like a soap bubble, arise externally from the chest towards physical world, expanding infinitely and occasionally traveling far. When death occurs, the subtle body detaches from the physical body much like a velcro strap being forcefully pulled apart. The pranic energy unfolds to separate the subtle forms from feet to head like rolled calendar. The affected areas instantly become lifeless, and the involuntary muscle contractions produce a sensation like pain as experienced by the observing consciousness. Interestingly, our senses become more acute and we feel more alive. Even in death, consciousness continues to observe these activities from a place of stillness.

Embracing spirituality means acknowledging every part of ourselves. Our spirit is pure, but our bodies need attention and care. Proper nutrition and exercise benefit the body, literature enriches the intellect, art nurtures the mind, pranayama enhances the pranic body, and spreading joy nourishes the spirit. Maintaining the health of these aspects is our responsibility. However, these physical forms exist only when we are awake; they disappear in dreams and deep sleep. In our true essence, we are formless and without a body, existing beyond consciousness. Once we experience our absolute state, we understand that we are neither within nor outside the body; the divine illusion projects a special effect in our waking consciousness. This special effect (Maya) allows us to appreciate the beauty of the same divine consciousness in various forms of life and non-living entities like nature and the world. Consciousness is what appears in all entities; essentially, we see ourselves as interconnected with everything and everyone. When we're still, we gain insight into our true selves and nature. This understanding leads us to appreciate all life and stop causing harm, realizing that we are all connected.

A great master of our era once remarked, “Without Maya, we can see only Light. Maya is a gift; it is not a curse or a limitation. A tree, a mountain, a river, even a stone is made of Divine Matter. Everything possesses innate sentience. Every object consists of Consciousness and has individuality, intelligence, and feelings.”

Not Spiritual and Spiritual

Jesus stated, "Consider the field lilies, how effortlessly they flourish without toil or spinning. Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear." Those who attain Christ consciousness might wear everyday clothes instead of religious robes, embodying the teachings in their lives. Christ would have been amused to see people donning cassocks or soutanes and preaching his teachings. 

The notion that individuals require priests to connect with the divine, and cannot do so on their own, is unspiritual. The notion that we are not pure but a sinner is unspiritual. It becomes a hollow practice to idolize the bearer of the message while failing to embody its essence in our lives. This applies universal across all faiths. While Allah is compassionate, not all believers practice mercy. Lord Ram and Lord Shiva embody love, but the extent to which their devotees exhibit and extend that love towards others varies. 

Embracing spirituality does not require one to don saffron garments or adorn themselves with prayer beads or growing a long beard. Spirituality revolves around performing actions correctly and suitably, without excess or deficiency. Spirituality is facing life squarely all its flavors of ups and downs. Embracing spirituality doesn't require forsaking material wealth. You don't need to quit your job or give up your status to grow spiritually. The human body is considered a sacred vessel that carries us through life; thus, withholding food from it in the name of fasting is unspiritual. Though time is a pure illusion, deeming specific periods as inauspicious for meditation is unspiritual. Dwelling in a forest necessitates learning to coexist with diverse species. While taking any life is less than ideal, permitting pests to proliferate and occupy one's living space cannot be condoned. When living in modern world maintaining cleanliness and a pest-free environment within one's residence is a spiritual practice. Ultimately, at the highest level of existence, divinity alone prevails, there is no birth and death of any creatures.

Often, the notion that spirituality inherently embodies honesty, goodness, and tranquility might not resonate with everyone. Some hold vegetarianism as superior and dismissive of other choices, wondering if they'll recognise that true spirituality surpasses dietary preferences and resides in embracing one's natural state. The knowledge of Self cannot be traded for profit. That means selling spiritual knowledge by any means is unspiritual. In a lighter vein, it is also observed in common that individuals seeking self-knowledge at meditation haven, end up purchasing things, believing they carries spiritual advantages.

A great master near the Himalayas told me, "Usually, self-knowledge is undervalued and misunderstood by many. However, in the entire universe, including celestial entities, all beings diligently pursue this wisdom as it stands superior to all other knowledge."

Knowing Your Self

There's a misconception that seeing God or having a significant vision during meditation signifies the completion of one's spiritual journey. However, this isn't true because life goes on after such events and knowing oneself is crucial to truly finishing that quest. Many yearn to weave spiritual wisdom into the fabric of their everyday existence. However, this pursuit becomes redundant once they unearth their true essence. In that illuminating moment, personal constructs and long-held beliefs melt away like mist in the morning sun. 

As numerous individuals worldwide pursue enlightenment, their transformation from seekers to the awakened mirrors Siddhartha’s metamorphosis into the Buddha, completing the mystical cycle. The Mundaka Upanishad's tale of two birds represents the journey of self-discovery: by acknowledging and seeking out the second bird, you eventually see yourself as second bird, shifting your self-awareness and ultimately realizing your authentic self. 

Therefore, aim higher than a mundane existence and commit to living as an embodiment of awareness until you reach your ultimate goal. You embody the divine and it's your life purpose to restore your sacred divine state.

Realising Self through Meditation

Practitioners of meditation might notice that time tends to feel elastic during their sessions—sometimes flying by, other times stretching out. This perception occurs as the mind gradually releases its sharp focus and unwinds into a deeper state of serenity within our core being. This experience is present not only in our waking hours but also mirrors our dream states. 

In dreams, one may live through extensive periods—days, months, or even years—only to awaken to the realization that it was merely a dream. Conversely, after sleeping for several hours, an individual may feel as though only moments have passed yet retain clear recollections from moments before sleep. 

In moments of meditation, when we encounter a flash of our true essence, we often find that post-meditation, the external world seems to unfold at an unhurried rhythm, creating a serene and calming ambience. Then, we return to the busy world, lost in our endeavors and carried by the restless flow of thoughts. 

Following numerous attempts and perseverance in turning our attention inwards to monitor our thoughts, we enter a condition of being mere observers, and in this space, it appears as though time has halted.

Beyond duality, from a higher viewpoint, time and motion do not exist. Only pure joy, infinite consciousness, and deep existence remain—constant and unchangeable. Beyond what we perceive is an inexpressible truth. You are this ultimate reality, not just a part, but whole. 

Your present physical form is transitory; you are timeless, shapeless, and eternal. Meditation helps recognize your true nature.