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.
