The Journey ................... (Part 2)

 

The Journey ................... (Part 2)

Understanding the Self: The Key to Spirituality

The spiritual journey truly begins with understanding the nature of our being: body, soul, and mind. Without this foundation, we remain identified with the physical world - the flesh and blood - and miss the essence of our true selves, the soul (Atman). In spiritual traditions, "I" refers to the soul, not the body. As long as we believe "I" am this body, we remain trapped in the illusionary world (maya) of material desires, hindering our spiritual progress.

A Spark of Awakening

In my late 20s, a chance encounter with a poster summarizing the Bhagavad Gita planted a seed in my mind. The message resonated deeply:

• Why do you worry unnecessarily?  Why do you fear in vain? Who can kill you? The soul is neither born nor does it dies.
• Whatever happened, was for the best. Whatever is happening, is for the best. Do not repent the past. Do not worry for the future. The present goes on.
• What have you lost, that you cry? What did you bring with you that you lost? What did you create, that got destroyed? You did not bring anything with you; whatever you had, was taken from here. Whatever you took, was taken from Him (God). You came empty-handed, you will go empty-handed. Today what is yours was someone else’s yesterday and will be yet someone else’s tomorrow. You are happy thinking it is yours. It is this happiness that is the cause of your sorrow.

These profound words resonated then, and though time dulled the memory, the essence remained.

The Pull of the Sacred

The quest for spiritual understanding continued. About ten years ago, before delving into Maharishi's  "Who Am I," I found myself on an unplanned trip to Tamil Nadu. There, I visited the sacred hill of Arunachala and Maharishi Ramana's ashram. Though ignorant about the place and its significance at the time, it was a seed sown for the future.

Rediscovering the Path

Years later, upon reading "Who Am I," the memory of Arunachala resurfaced. A yearning to return ignited within me. This unexpected journey in 2023 felt like a fulfillment of a long-forgotten calling.

Life's Journey: A Tapestry of Experiences

Looking back, I realize that all our experiences, both joyful and challenging, contribute to our spiritual growth. Caught up in the "maya" of the material world, we often fail to appreciate life's lessons. We chase endless desires, leading to dissatisfaction.

Body, Soul, and Connection

Through spiritual understanding, I began to see myself differently. The physical body is a temporary vessel, a gift from my parents. The soul (Atman) is the eternal essence, connected to the divine. Believing in reincarnation, I understand that the relationships we forge in this lifetime are temporary; the soul's journey continues beyond this realm.

The Challenge of Meditation

Meditation, a cornerstone of spiritual practice, initially presented a hurdle. The method of self-inquiry, while seemingly simple, proved challenging. Our minds, accustomed to a constant stream of thoughts, resist attempts at control. This resistance, like trying to quit smoking, can make thoughts seem even stronger. However, persistence is key. Even a few minutes of daily meditation, with unwavering determination, paves the way for inner peace.

The Fruits of Meditation

With consistent meditation, the mental chatter gradually subsides. This inner quiet allows for self-discovery. I began to trust a higher plan unfolding in my life. The need to control the future faded, replaced by acceptance of whatever arises. Unexpected events, not meticulously planned ones, became the norm. This acceptance brought a sense of inner peace and a decrease in the need for excessive talk or arguments.

Detachment and Problem-Solving

The realization dawned that most problems stem from uncontrolled desires, particularly for material possessions and fleeting pleasures. As I learned to manage my thoughts, the problems that plagued me began to fade away, one by one. It was a revelation: by detaching from desires, we liberate ourselves from self-created problems.

This journey is ongoing, filled with challenges and discoveries. It's a path of continuous learning and growth, leading to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.