As indicated in the Ah-Man Newsletter, during the month of January, I will be discussing the four critical questions that one asks on their spiritual journey through life:
- Who am I?
- Why am I here?
- Where am I going?
- How do I get there?
Each one of these questions has had books written about them. So attempting to discuss them in my blog in any comprehensive way is almost impossible. Nevertheless, I want to spend time on each question to provoke thought and reflection.
How do we get there? Get where, you ask?
Get back to The Source; back to that from which we emerged.
There are many paths and, eventually, we all go back Home…back to Source…back to Godhead. But if you’re reading this blog, it’s probably a safe bet that you’re on a “Spiritual” path.
A Spiritual path is a process of allowing God/Source to come in and live through our lives.
The spiritual path is a progressive expansion of consciousness, perception and identity, as well as a matching development of character and noble personal qualities.
The sole activity of the spiritual life is to allow the higher states of consciousness, which are our true nature, to be realized and expressed in everyday life. Spiritual life is not meant to be a struggle, but a gentle process of receiving. The primary technique is to focus our attention inward on God while living in the world.
Of course, we will have obstacles to overcome; mainly the ego. While being in the state of ego we will experience, fear, inadequacy, control and greed. The spiritual path is not an easy path, and it will require be work (more for some then others), but that goes for any path. There are practices that will help you overcome the ego while on your spiritual path. Here are a few of them: chanting, meditation, prayer and scriptural reading.
When one or more of these becomes an integral part of your daily life, it’s amazing how the ego is quieted. Over time, you will see the results. Of course, the more you practice, the more you’ll benefit. The results? Faith overcomes fear. Self-acceptance replaces inadequacy. Surrender will alleviate the need for control and/or the tension that comes from not being able to control things. Patience will bring fulfillment, which will eliminate the angst of greed when in the state of separation or lack of something.
There are different approaches, as this Sanskrit hymn professes:
As the different streams
Having their sources in different places
All mingle their water in the sea,
So O Lord, the different is which men take,
Through various tendencies,
Various though they appear
Crooked or straight,
All lead to thee.
The spiritual path that is most compatible with our temperament is the right path for us. The path we choose must fulfill our nature.
There are three types of spiritual paths to get us where we ultimately want to go, i.e., back to God/Source.
The Path of Wisdom is the path of knowing who we truly are; knowing the Absolute Truth that there is but One Consciousness, One Doer and it is all perfect. The path of Wisdom is one of self-inquiry.
The Path of Devotion is the path of relationship, the path of the heart, the path of Love. Devotion is a commitment, as well as an expression of sublime fullness.
The Path of Selfless Service is the Path where pure, selfless service extinguishes the ego, so that only God remains.
In various religions, these paths may be in different orders or different sects. And if it cannot be found in a religion, per se, a bona fide spiritual teacher can help.
I hope this month’s blog discussions helped you understand more of Who We Are (spiritual beings), Why We Are Here (to live a good life, take care of others and combine that with deepening our love and knowledge of God, linking that to our own Divinity), Where We Are Going (to The Source, back home, within and without), and How We Get There (wisdom, devotion or service).
If you have any questions or comments please contact me via Email.
Namaste
Michael
Note: Some of the information shared in this month’s blogs has been taken from Body of Time, Soul of Eternity: Mystical Spirituality by Jerry Thomas.
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