Spirituality & You
You were born with wings, why prefer to crawl through life?
~ Rumi ~
You will notice that the responses on this page differ slightly from those provided on the “Mind” page. This variation arises as we approach the content from a different perspective.
To deepen your understanding of the content, connecting with the teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi and other Advaitic masters may be beneficial.
Click on the topic to expand and read the question, and click on the answer to read the response.
The teachings you give in The Journey Within emphasize consciousness as real, and the universe unreal. How could this be? Personally, I find the universe more real than anything else.
The perspective that consciousness is the only reality, and the universe is an illusion, is indeed a profound aspect of the teachings of Advaita Vedanta and Sri Ramana Maharshi. It’s a concept that challenges our everyday experiences and perceptions.
Let’s look at the nature of the universe. It’s a realm of constant change – seasons shift, civilizations rise and fall, even our own thoughts and feelings are in a continuous state of flux. This ever-changing aspect brings into question the ‘realness’ of the universe. How can something that is never stable, that is always transforming, be considered ultimately real?
Advaita Vedanta teaches us that the only constant amidst all these changes is consciousness. Consciousness is the unchanging backdrop against which all changes occur. It’s like watching a movie: the scenes on the screen change, but the screen itself remains unchanged. In this analogy, the universe is the movie – full of action, drama, change – and consciousness is the screen, silent, stable, and ever-present.
Consider your own experience. Everything you know about the universe is perceived through your senses and processed by your mind. But who or what is aware of the mind’s activities? Who is the witness of these thoughts and sensations? This witness, this constant awareness, is consciousness. It’s the only thing that doesn’t change whether you’re awake, dreaming, or in deep sleep.
The saying ‘Brahma Satyam Jagan Mithya’ encapsulates this idea beautifully. It translates to ‘Brahman (the ultimate reality) is the only truth, the world is an illusion.’ It doesn’t mean the world doesn’t exist or that it’s not important. Rather, it suggests that the world’s existence is not independent; it depends on the ultimate reality, which is Brahman or pure consciousness.
So, while the universe might seem very real to us, according to Advaita Vedanta and the teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi, its reality is like that of a dream – vivid while it lasts but revealed as illusory upon awakening to the higher truth of consciousness.
Does the quest for spirituality imply letting go of material pursuits?
The pursuit of spirituality, as illuminated in the teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi, doesn’t necessitate the abandonment of material pursuits. Instead, it invites a profound understanding and reorientation of our relationship with the material world.
In the light of spiritual wisdom, material pursuits are not seen as obstacles but very much a part of life. The essence of spirituality lies in realizing the underlying oneness and interconnectedness of all things – both material and spiritual. This realization helps us engage with the world in a more conscious and mindful manner.
Think of life as a dance between the spiritual and the material. Spirituality teaches us to dance gracefully, being fully present in each step, each moment. It’s not about relinquishing material pursuits, but about engaging with them in a way that is aligned with our deeper values and truths. It’s about finding joy and fulfillment in the material world, while not losing sight of the spiritual essence that pervades everything.
The teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi guide us to a state of inner freedom where we are neither overly attached to material possessions nor do we disdain them. They encourage us to see the world as a manifestation of the Divine, a playground where the soul learns, grows, and evolves.
Therefore, the quest for spirituality enhances our material journey, giving it depth and purpose. It teaches us to live in the world but not be solely of it, to enjoy the fruits of the material world while remaining anchored in the eternal truth of our spiritual nature.
If achieving awakening leads to a perpetual state of bliss, would I potentially lose interest in fulfilling roles such as being a good mother and engaging in activities that currently bring me joy? Would the happiness derived from seeing my kids happy become an illusion?
When enlightened masters talk about the world as an illusion, they do not mean that the world is not real in a physical sense. The world and everything in it do exist and can be experienced through your senses. They mean that the way you perceive the world and your attachment to it is an illusion.
The illusion they are referring to is your faulty understanding that the world is permanent, stable, and separate from you. You tend to perceive the world as a collection of separate, independently existing objects and entities, and you attach yourself to these objects and entities as if they have inherent, lasting value. But in reality, everything in the world is impermanent and interconnected. Your attachment to things can lead to suffering because you will have to invariably experience loss, change, etc.
Enlightened masters teach that by recognizing the illusory nature of the world, you can transcend your attachment to it and achieve a deeper understanding of reality. Then only will you be able to see the world as it truly is.
This illusion is brought about by a bigger illusion that you are your limited body and mind. When you realize that your sense of self is a construct of the mind, you break apart from the illusion that causes every other illusion. Also, by seeing through the illusion, you experience tremendous sense of freedom and peace beyond the limitations of the physical world. It is only then that you become a good mother, and make your kids really happy.
I am happy with my job. I live in a cosy bungalow. I have a loving family. I am healthy. I have good friends, and my relationships with people are satisfactory. In the context of my life, tell me why I must pursue spirituality.
Your question reflects a contentment and fulfillment in your material life, which is commendable and indeed a fortunate position. However, the pursuit of spirituality transcends material satisfaction and delves into the deeper essence of our existence. Let’s explore why someone in your position might still find value in pursuing spirituality.
Firstly, spirituality, especially as understood in the context of Advaita Vedanta, is about realizing one’s true nature. It’s about understanding that beyond our roles, possessions, and relationships, there is a deeper aspect of our being. This realization leads to a profound sense of peace and contentment that is independent of external circumstances. While material comfort and human relationships provide happiness, they are often transient. Spiritual realization offers a more enduring sense of joy and fulfillment.
True spirituality invites us to look beyond our immediate identity tied to our job, family, and social status. They guide us to discover our true Self, which is unchanging and ever-present. This exploration can lead to a profound understanding of the nature of existence, consciousness, and bliss, often described in Vedanta as ‘Sat-Chit-Ananda.’
Moreover, the world that we perceive is not the ultimate reality; it is a manifestation of the one true reality, which is non-dual. This knowledge brings a different perspective to how we view life and our experiences. It brings a sense of unity with all beings and a deeper understanding of life itself.
Another aspect to consider is that material satisfaction and good relationships, while fulfilling, do not necessarily answer the deeper existential questions: What is the purpose of my life? What happens after death? Why is there suffering in the world? Spirituality provides a pathway to explore these questions, offering insights that go beyond the material realm.
Furthermore, spiritual practices such as meditation can enhance your current state of well-being. They have been shown to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and promote a sense of inner peace. Engaging in these practices doesn’t detract from your current happiness; instead, they can deepen and enrich your experience of life.
In a nutshell, while you may find considerable satisfaction in your current life, the pursuit of spirituality can add a dimension of deeper understanding and fulfillment. It offers an exploration into the very core of your being, beyond the transient pleasures and achievements of the material world. It provides a perspective that enriches not only your own life but also how you relate to the world and the people around you. The pursuit of spirituality is a journey to discover lasting peace and understanding that complements and transcends worldly satisfactions.
Ancient wisdom, like a lamp in the darkness of ignorance, illuminates
the path to self-realization and enlightenment.
~ Sri Adi Sankarachayra ~
I believe in the law of attraction and the power of prayer too. So I feel tremendous pressure to manifest the thing I want in prayer, till it is achieved. Aren’t these conflicting with my Self-realization practices?
Your question brings into focus two different approaches to life – the Law of Attraction and prayer for manifesting desires, and the path of Self-realization. While these approaches might seem conflicting at a surface level, they cater to different aspects of our journey.
The Law of Attraction and prayer are often oriented towards fulfilling desires in the external world. They involve the mind actively in visualizing and seeking specific outcomes. This process can indeed create a sense of pressure, especially when the outcomes are not in alignment with one’s expectations. This pressure is felt by the individual self, or the ego, which operates under the belief of being separate and limited.
In contrast, Self-realization is an inward journey. It’s about transcending the mind, not using it to manifest. Self-realization leads to the understanding that you are not the limited ego, but the unlimited Self – the pure consciousness that is the substratum of all existence. From this perspective, the Self is already complete and lacks nothing. It doesn’t seek to fulfill desires because it recognizes itself as the source of all that is.
When one engages in prayer from the standpoint of the true Self, it is not a prayer for personal gains but a natural expression of one’s inherent connection with the Divine. In this state, there is no pressure or sense of lack, only a recognition of one’s true nature.
Therefore, these practices are not necessarily conflicting but represent different stages or aspects of one’s spiritual evolution. As you grow in your spiritual journey, your practice may naturally shift from seeking external fulfillment to realizing the inner fullness of the Self. Each soul’s path is unique, and every practice has its place and purpose in the grand tapestry of spiritual growth.
All religions are said to be founded or propogated by great enlightened masters. If that be the case, why do their teachings differ? For example, not all religions believe in rebirth, not all religions approve idol worship, and even within a religion, there are differences of opinion on the interpretation of the teachings. Why is it so?
The diversity in religious teachings, despite all being founded or propagated by enlightened masters, is a reflection of the multifaceted nature of the Ultimate Reality or God. This diversity is not a sign of contradiction but rather a testament to the limitless ways in which the infinite can be approached and understood.
Just as the Ultimate Reality or God is limitless and infinite, so too are the paths to this reality. Different religions offer varied paths, each suited to the needs, cultures, and understandings of different groups of people. While the teachings may appear different on the surface, their core aim is often the same – guiding individuals towards a higher understanding and closer connection with the Ultimate Reality.
It must be noted that the enlightened masters who founded or propagated these religions spoke from profound spiritual experiences. However, the limitations of language meant that these sublime truths often had to be expressed in ways that were accessible and understandable to the people of their time, which led to different interpretations and practices.
Also, the teachings of each religion were also influenced by the historical, cultural, and social context in which they were delivered, and certain practices reflected the needs and understanding of the society at that time.
Moveover, the original teachings of these enlightened masters have often been interpreted and reinterpreted by followers, leading to different schools of thought within the same religion. These variations are a natural evolution of any living tradition.
Ultimately, each individual’s spiritual journey is unique. While religious teachings provide guidance, it’s important for each person to find the path that resonates with their own inner truth. The differences in teachings can thus be seen as different maps guiding towards the same destination, each taking into account different terrains and travelers.
In essence, the diversity in religious teachings should not be a matter for debate or contention; it must be viewed as a rich interpretation that speaks of manifold ways in which humanity can seek and experience the Ultimate Reality. The key is to focus on the essence of these teachings and how they guide us on our individual spiritual journeys.
How can we understand our true nature beyond the physical and mental world?
In the simplest of words, let’s think of the world around us and everything in it – the trees, the sky, our bodies, thoughts, and feelings – as part of a vast ocean of existence. This ocean is everything we can see, touch, feel, and think about. It’s like a grand stage where the play of life unfolds, filled with change and movement.
Now, imagine there’s something beyond this stage, something that doesn’t change, something eternal and ever-present. This is the essence of who we truly are – not the roles we play, not our thoughts or our feelings, but the observer of this grand play, the witness to this ever-changing world.
The Bhagavad Gita, a timeless guide, presents this idea beautifully. It talks about the body as a field and something beyond it that knows the field – a supreme awareness or being. Often, we get caught up in identifying with the stage and its roles, thinking this is who we are. This leads us to believe we are separate individuals, distinct from the rest of the world. But this is like mistaking the actor for the character they play.
The real challenge lies in recognizing that our true essence isn’t the character, but the actor behind it – the one who watches, untouched and unchanging. The mind, being part of the world’s stage, struggles to understand this. It’s like trying to use a flashlight to find the source of light itself. The flashlight, no matter how bright, can never illuminate the source.
The journey to self-discovery goes beyond mere intellectual understanding. It’s about experiencing directly who we truly are, beyond the confines of the mind. This doesn’t mean we should ignore understanding these concepts; they are the map that leads us to start our journey. However, becoming too entangled in the map without walking the path won’t bring us any closer to our destination. True awakening is an experience beyond words, where we come to know ourselves not as separate beings, but as part of the infinite, eternal essence.
To sum it up, our journey in life is about recognizing the difference between the ever-changing world and our eternal essence. By understanding this distinction and moving beyond our identification with the transient, we embark on the path to discovering our true nature.
Physical actions are visible and common, whereas thoughts are invisible and unique. I have a doubt. Are thoughts self-generated? It might seem like a trivial question, but I wonder if our thoughts are what give meaning to our lives?
Thank you for asking this insightful question. It delves into something truly fascinating about how our minds work, connecting to key ideas in mindfulness and even ancient teachings like Advaita Vedanta.
Imagine our inner self as a kind of light or awareness. When this light focuses intensely on external elements like people, desires, or situations, it creates an “ego” by forming a subject-object relationship between ourselves and the outside world. This ego, like a little voice in our head, whispers that we’re separate from everything and everyone else. It’s this ego that fuels our thoughts, constantly attaching itself to external objects.
Great englightened masters of the past, like Sri Ramana Maharshi and others proposed that not just our thoughts, but everything we see and experience, stem from this same inner light or awareness. This perspective helps us recognize that there’s no vast separation between what happens within us and what unfolds outside. It all originates from the same source – our awareness. This means the external world and our internal thoughts are simply different ways our consciousness manifests.
Mindfulness practice involves observing our thoughts and the world around us without getting swept away by them. We strive to see them as mere expressions of our inner awareness. This helps us break down the walls we sometimes feel between ourselves and the world.
Understanding this can profoundly change how we experience life. Instead of feeling isolated and divided, we can begin to feel more connected to everything. It’s like discovering that at our core, we’re all part of one interconnected reality. This deep realization lies at the heart of these ancient teachings and can pave the way for a more peaceful and connected way of living.
You yourself must strive. The Buddhas only point the way.
~ Buddha ~
What is meant by surrending to the Higher Power or God?
Surrendering to the Higher Power or God, in the context of Sri Ramana Maharshi teachings, is a profound concept that transcends the ordinary understanding of surrender. It’s not about giving up or losing something; it’s a process of realizing and returning to your true essence.
Imagine the ego as a wave in the ocean of existence. This wave, feeling separate and individual, forgets that it is part of the vast ocean. Surrendering to God or the Higher Power is like this wave recognizing and merging back into the ocean. It’s the ego realizing that its true identity is not separate but one with the divine essence, the Self.
This surrender is akin to Bhakti, or devotion, where the ego doesn’t just worship the divine but seeks to become one with it. It’s an act of offering the individual self, with all its limitations and identifications, to the boundless, all-encompassing Self. As long as the ego sees itself as distinct, suffering and duality persist. But when the ego dissolves into the Self, true realization occurs.
Thus, Self-enquiry and Self-surrender are two aspects of the same journey. In Self-enquiry, we question the nature of the ‘I’ or ego, and in surrender, we offer this ‘I’ back to its source. It’s a journey from the illusion of separation to the truth of oneness, from a state of duality to the realization of non-duality.
In essence, surrendering to the Higher Power is about recognizing and embracing our true nature as the Self. It’s a process of letting go of the limited ego to experience the infinite, eternal reality that we are inherently a part of.
What did Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj mean when he said: ‘Humility and silence are essential for a ‘sadhaka’, however advanced’?
Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj’s statement highlights two pivotal qualities for a spiritual aspirant (sadhaka) viz., humility and silence. These virtues are not just preliminary steps but continuous companions, vital at every stage of one’s spiritual journey, including those who consider themselves advanced.
Humility is the recognition and acceptance of our own limitations and fallibility. In the context of Advaita Vedanta, humility is understanding that the individual self (or ego) is not the ultimate reality but a limited expression of the vast, infinite Self. This understanding dissolves the ego’s hold, allowing one to approach the spiritual journey with an open heart and mind. Humility keeps us grounded, reminding us that despite our progress, there’s always more to learn and ways to grow. It makes us receptive to the teachings and the truth of our own experience, encouraging learning rather than knowing.
Silence, on the other hand, is both a practice and a state of being. It’s not merely the absence of speech but the stillness of mind that opens us to the presence of our true Self. In silence, the chatter of the mind and the distractions of the ego subside, allowing for a direct experience of our underlying nature as pure consciousness. This silence is fertile ground for the seeds of spiritual wisdom to take root and flourish. It’s in the depths of silence that one can hear the subtlest truths of existence, whispered by the Self to the ego.
For a ‘sadhaka’ (spiritual aspirant), embracing humility and silence means cultivating an inner environment where the ego is quieted, and the heart is open. It’s in this space that the realization of non-duality, i.e., the oneness of all existence, becomes not just a concept but a lived experience.
In a nutshell, humility and silence are not merely qualities to be cultivated; they are expressions of the profound understanding that the true Self is beyond the ego, and beyond words. Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj’s emphasis on these virtues serves as a reminder that spiritual growth is not about acquiring knowledge or attaining states but about dissolving into the vastness of our true nature, which is silence and humility itself.
I assist numerous clients by guiding them through a meditative process, helping them clear hurts in their subconscious minds. Initially, I believed they were the ones being healed. However, I now realize that it is I who experiences healing each time I facilitate this process. Is my understanding correct?
Your realization that in the process of assisting others, you too are experiencing healing, aligns beautifully with ancient spiritual knowledge and reflects a deepening insight into the nature of the Self and the interconnectedness of all beings.
In Advaita Vedanta, the concept of ‘You are everything’ is fundamental. When we dive deep into the nature of the Self, we discover that the distinction between the helper and the helped begins to blur. This is because, at the deepest level, there is no separation; all is one and the same Self. The idea that ‘I am helping them’ transforms into an understanding that ‘Through helping them, I am also healing aspects of myself.’ This shift in perception is a significant step in your spiritual journey.
As you guide your clients through meditative processes, doing so without attachment to the ‘I’ or ego is key. This non-egoic approach allows the process to be truly holistic and beneficial for all involved. It’s not merely the act of helping that matters, but the state of consciousness with which you engage in this act.
The insights and healing you facilitate are not just for your clients; they are reflections and extensions of your own inner process. Whether you choose to share these insights outwardly or sit quietly in contemplation, each action is valuable. The important aspect is to follow what arises naturally for you, in alignment with your practice of Self-enquiry.
Be mindful of the egoic mind, which often seeks to assert itself and create distinctions. When it does, gently inquire into its source. This practice of Self-enquiry, as taught by Sri Ramana Maharshi, helps in dissolving the ego and deepening the understanding of your true nature.
In essence, your role as a guide in the healing process is not just a service to others but an integral part of your own spiritual unfolding. Each session, each interaction, is a mirror reflecting back to you aspects of the Self, aiding in your journey towards realization.
When the realized masters say ‘everything is maya’. What is the need for this maya? Can’t consciousness remain as it is? Why this drama?
The question of ‘why maya?’ or ‘why this illusionary world?’ is as intriguing as it is profound. It’s akin to a child questioning the need for education or the various experiences of life. Just as these experiences shape and mature a child, the existence of maya serves a purpose in the grand scheme of consciousness.
In the teachings of Advaita Vedanta, maya is not seen as a mistake or an unnecessary drama but as an integral aspect of the cosmic play. Consciousness, or Brahman, is indeed always in its pure state. It’s unchanging, infinite, and ever-present. However, the play of maya, the illusion of the world, is what allows for the experience of existence, the dance of life.
Think of it like this: the ocean is always the ocean, vast and deep. Yet, it expresses itself through the dynamic play of its waves. Without the waves, the ocean’s dynamic nature wouldn’t be visible. Similarly, consciousness, in its pure form, is unmanifested. The universe, or maya, is the manifested aspect of the same consciousness. It’s through this manifestation that consciousness explores and experiences itself in myriad forms.
The ego, which is part of this maya, often struggles with the concept of illusion because it identifies with the wave and forgets its true nature as the ocean. This misidentification is the root of suffering. The ego, in its limited understanding, sees the play of maya as a battle, a drama it wants to escape from or control.
Realization in the Advaita Vedanta context is recognizing that you are not just the wave (the ego, the individual self) but the entire ocean of consciousness. While the waves dance and play on the surface, the depth of the ocean remains still and tranquil. Similarly, while we engage in the world, our true nature remains unchanged.
So, the purpose of maya is not to entrap consciousness but to express and experience itself in the realm of duality. The drama, the play of life, is consciousness exploring its own infinite possibilities. The challenge for us, as seekers, is to enjoy the dance of these waves while remembering our true nature as the ocean itself.
Space-time causation, or name and form, is what is called Maya.
~ Swami Vivekananda ~
Your Questions, Our Journey!
This page will continue to explore more questions and share insightful answers. Do keep an eye out for new updates. Let your spiritual journey continue.
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