Sadhana Panchakam - Post 19

 

Seeking the Self

 

What does it mean to seek the Self? This is actually not an activity at all. It just requires being in our inner roots, finding our center of happiness and contentment.

 

What guidance do we have on this from the scriptures? 

 

The Truth stressed in the Upanishads is that the Self is universal; It is beyond our own narrow individual boundaries and concerns. Seeking the Self really means getting to know how unlimited we really are. 

 

Far from becoming more self-centered, we expand when we become centered in searching our SELF. 

 

The very first verse in Brahma Sutra starts only with “seeking SELF”.

 

Swami writes

“The first aphorism is atha-athah-Brahma-jijnaasa. The initial atha has many literal meanings, but in this aphorism, the most appropriate sense is: “Thereafter”. So, the question “after what?” arises. 

 

It is obvious that it refers to “the yearning to understand the nature of Brahman (Brahma jijnaasa)”. The meaning is: “After such a yearning has dawned”. How can this yearning emerge? 

 

It can come into the mind only after one acquires proper qualifications. “Thereafter” means, “after equipping oneself with these qualifications”. 

 

(Sutra vahini) 

 

A new dimension of growth is added to our life. Our concern shifts from our own little circle to an ever-widening circle of humanity. Our boundaries widen. The parameters are no longer just “me and mine” but “we and ours” and that, too, not in any narrow selfish sense. Broadening our outlook is the real meaning of “seeking the Self”.

  

A worthy disciple of Swami Sivananda writes,

 

“The aim of all spiritual practice is to know your real Self, to know the Knower.

 

Spiritual practices are done, essentially, to help clean your mind so that you can realize your spiritual truth—to realize the divine in you. 

 

There’s no quick way to progress on the spiritual path. So let everything happen naturally and in its own time; then you’ll see gradual and safe progress in your spiritual practices. 

 

Through your practices, you’re slowly rubbing and scrubbing and cleaning out the mind. That’s why I always tell students to keep on practicing, keep on practicing. 

 

Then, one day, all of a sudden, you’ll realize who you are. When, where, how, nobody can say. Even you, yourself, may not know. So, keep doing and doing.

  

In spiritual practice, there is no only way or highest way. If you like a particular practice, enjoy it, but don’t think that everyone has to do the same thing. 

 

At the same time, whatever practice you choose, stick with it. Don’t be constantly changing. It’s like digging a well. If you keep moving from one site to another, trying out this and that, you’ll never reach your goal. That’s where the natural discipline in life comes in. 

 

Spiritual life is not an easy journey, but if you understand it well and know the benefits, you’ll enjoy the practices. 

 

Just because you’re not enjoying something doesn’t mean that you may take it lightly. If you’re serious when you drive, you enjoy the road. If you’re careless, you won’t enjoy the trip at all. So be serious about your practices, but don’t become tense. However hard, difficult or painful something is, you can still enjoy it. 

 

Think of people who climb Mt. Everest. They train for a long time; they invest a lot of time, energy and effort. They risk their lives, yet they enjoy the challenge. It’s the challenge that brings them the real enjoyment. 

 

Now look at the spiritual seeker’s goal: Ever Rest! The eternal peace and joy. You’ll have to be dedicated in your practice. It’s hard, but reaching your goal is worth all the effort. So keep practicing, keep practicing. One day, you’ll realize the highest Truth!”

  

Spiritual evolution is not a revolution, it takes much time and sincere effort. That is what makes it a Sadhana. Adjusting ourselves to a new spiritual vision is painstaking Sadhana. The sooner we start the better.

 

Standards to Measure Spiritual Growth

 

The standards used to measure spiritual progress are almost the opposite to that of those used to measure material progress. Assessment of our spiritual growth would certainly require some guidance from other more experienced people, and most importantly, from one's Guru. 

 

It is not something which can be done using the common standards of the world.

 

However, there is one sure standard by which spirituality can be gauged. It is the aura and glow that we radiate. Our spiritual aroma will speak for itself. 

 

The rose does not have to announce its fragrance to the bees. They will alight upon it of their own accord if the fragrance is there. It is the same with spiritual fragrance and aroma.

 

Love.