Life offers us a myriad of choices, and one of the most profound is the decision to embark on a spiritual journey. This path guides us through seven distinct stages of personal growth. But why do we even seek spiritual growth in the first place? The answer lies in our innate yearning for something more meaningful, and more connected, than the material world can provide.
In a world where the pursuit of material success often takes precedence, we sometimes find ourselves feeling disconnected, unfulfilled, and spiritually adrift. The relentless chase for power, possessions, and recognition may bring temporary satisfaction, but it seldom nourishes the deepest recesses of our soul.
Caring for Our Special Connection
Let’s begin with the first part of our journey. At this stage, our lives are all about our everyday needs and wants. When we’re born, we come into a world filled with curiosity and happiness. It’s like we have a strong connection to something really special, which some folks call “the Divine.” This feeling of something bigger than us stays with us. But as we get older, we start to feel the weight of what society expects from us. This can make that special connection feel a bit less bright as we try to fit into the world around us.
Navigating the Emergence of Ego
As we mature, our ego starts to emerge. We become increasingly aware of external influences shaping our lives. The pure love we once felt becomes clouded by fear and its accompanying emotions. We learn that achieving our desires often requires us to appease those in positions of power. Our personalities begin to take shape, and we start weaving the narratives that will define our existence.
Seeking Mastery Over Fear
In our quest to conquer fear, we strive for success. We invest in education, embark on careers, and build families. The desire for control becomes paramount as we accumulate possessions in search of security.
The First Choice: For many, this stage marks the culmination of their spiritual journey. They choose to remain entangled in material desires, continually seeking more power and control. Their lives revolve around self-centered pursuits, and they remain at Stage 3.
The Second Choice: However, for others, a deeper calling begins to stir. Instead of solely chasing possessions and power, they seek a deeper purpose in life. They embark on their spiritual awakening and progress to Stage 4.
Transitioning from Self-Centeredness
At this stage, we recognize that life extends beyond personal power and material gain. We contemplate how we can aid others and serve the world around us. We grow comfortable with both giving and receiving. However, it’s crucial to recognize that even in this phase, our acts of giving can sometimes stem from ego-driven motives. We may expect recognition or engage in altruistic acts to boost our self-esteem.
The Second Choice: We have the option to persist in giving from an egocentric perspective, forever anticipating something in return. While this path can yield commendable results, it constrains our complete spiritual growth.
The turning point occurs when we shift towards giving driven by pure love and compassion, detached from any expectation of recognition or rewards. This signifies the inception of our authentic spiritual journey.
Embarking on a Spiritual Expedition
In this phase, we initiate regular spiritual practices. A profound yearning for enlightenment takes root within us. Our choices are predominantly guided by the heart center, often known as the fourth chakra. We endeavor to unravel life’s profound mysteries and explore ways to infuse our existence with deeper meaning. We may seek guidance from spiritual mentors, immerse ourselves in spiritual literature, and practice various techniques. Glimpses of the ultimate goal serve as beacons, motivating us to persevere on this path.
Awakening to Cosmic Consciousness
Cosmic consciousness dawns upon us. Our minds awaken fully, and we evolve into observers of our actions. We recognize that we play various roles in the grand tapestry of existence. The fear of death dissipates as we realize that life is but one role among many. We may even unlock simple yogic powers. However, a separation between the giver and the recipient persists.
The Third Choice: At this pivotal juncture, we encounter a critical decision. With our minds fully awakened, it’s easy to succumb to the belief that we are somehow exceptional. Some may even promote themselves as such. This misstep can obscure the ultimate goal, trapping us in a false sense of spiritual achievement.
The alternative choice entails acknowledging the ego without succumbing to it, permitting it to find its harmonious place within the whole. Our journey proceeds with humility and devotion, as giving becomes an act devoid of self-interest. The question shifts from “What’s in it for me?” to “How can I serve?”
Transcending Boundaries
In this stage, our hearts awaken fully, leading us to experience Divine and Unity Consciousness. All distinctions vanish—no giver, no recipient, no sense of “I” or “me”—only an unwavering awareness of Oneness. We continue to reside in the world, yet we are no longer tethered to it. Our spiritual practice becomes pure joy, and all our chakras unfurl, allowing spiritual energy to flow unobstructed.
Embracing Choicelessness
Harmonizing with Nature
Upon reaching the seventh stage, choices cease to burden us. We operate in perfect harmony with nature, where everything unfolds precisely as needed, at precisely the right moment. We become the embodiment of totality.
As we traverse these stages, the material world may initially appear enticing, while the spiritual path may seem arduous and desolate. However, if we unwaveringly follow the latter, it ultimately leads to the realization of our True Self and eternal bliss.
In the lives of great yogis, there is no sense of sacrifice
On the contrary, they perceive that by not embracing a spiritual path, they would relinquish eternal bliss for the sake of fleeting moments of happiness. The material world may resemble a desolate garden, awaiting the nourishment of Divine knowledge to flourish. In the material realm, we harness the energy of the body, whereas on the spiritual path, we tap into Divine Consciousness and Cosmic Energy. The material world can be likened to a prison, while the spiritual journey unveils boundless freedom.
At every moment, we are confronted with choices—between truth and illusion, between the material and the eternal. Our egos perpetually endeavor to exert their limiting influence. Our journey demands discernment, where every action, when executed mindfully, metamorphoses into a spiritual act. Find your path and inner peace by embracing regular and disciplined spiritual practice. Do not be disheartened by momentary wanderings.