At the mention of the word spirituality, people often think of meditation, samadhi, kundalini, self-realization, liberation, Brahma Gyan, etc. This helps us to remember our goal and ensures that we are taking steps in the right direction. However, mere intellectual discussion on these topics gradually leads to losing the meaning behind them. Devoid of experiences, we are left with mere philosophical jargon, which is of no real value.
On the other hand, some are immersed in singing the name of the Lord (Bhajans), while others think that meditation with closed eyes or repeating mantras is what is meant by spirituality. Though neck-deep in the illusory life, some people believe that discussing the scriptures is the meaning of spirituality. Some others think that spirituality lies in the discussion about miracles and attainments because of the awakening of kundalini.
We are not critiquing about devotion, bhajan, meditation, brahma gyan, and kundalini here. We are saying that without understanding the practical aspects of spirituality, without understanding the science behind the path of sadhana, empty words, intellectual discussions, ritualistic repetition are incomplete by themselves. Before ascending the peaks of spirituality, it is vital that we cross the initial steps. These steps will prepare the foundation for the journey ahead. On it will be erected the spiritual palace.
The first step in spirituality is not Dhyan-Samadhi; it is, in fact, yama-niyam. Through these, the inherent weaknesses of our body, mind, and behavior are refined so that we can attain peace, stability, and harmony, which will prepare us for the higher steps of spiritual progress. If we are not strong physically but weak and lazy to top it off, we cannot expect anything more from life. Such a person can hardly achieve anything much in mundane life itself, leave alone spiritual progress.
Swami Vivekananda had pulsated the Indian hearts by saying – It is essential to become physically strong first instead of mechanical reading of Bhagawad Gita. We will be in a position to understand Gita better after gaining physical health. This is the same state of affairs when it comes to mind that is inert and ignorant. To a sluggish mind, Swadhyaya and Chintan-manan alone cannot develop intellectual inquisitiveness that can propel him to ponder more profound aspects of spirituality. There is a risk of the person tending towards parrot-like repetition or blind faith and even worse if fanaticism gets added to the attitude. No good outcome can be expected from such a situation.
Similarly, if life is chaotic and lacks direction, then the discussion about spirituality can be deemed improbable. If our daily routine is chaotic, priorities in life are unclear, we are not honest in discharging our responsibilities, then our upasana of Lord Mahakaal remains just a ritual in the absence of thoughtful and meaningful utilization of time.
An auspicious beginning to spirituality happens with self-regulated daily routine and self-imposed morals. Spirituality is not even remotely related to service (seva) that has selfish intentions underneath. One cannot hope for harmonious behavior from a person who cannot identify his own weaknesses and shortcomings. It is indeed deprecating when people with such mental immaturity talk about spirituality because activities done with selfish motives can never lead to collective progress.
Selfish and egocentric life where a person looks at spirituality as a means to fulfill his selfish ambitions can only be termed a grossly materialistic life devoid of any empathy. Such a life is a symbol of extreme tamas and ignorance. It is not spirituality when people follow rituals in blind orthodoxy. Spirituality at a practical level refers to developing the requisite maturity for maintaining harmony with existing circumstances.
Seekers on the path of spirituality should overcome their inherent weaknesses and gather the strength to face the challenges in life. They can then understand all aspects of life, which opens the doors to the overall development of personality. When we thus embark on this process of self-refinement, there will be peace, stability, and harmony in life, and we will make progress in spirituality.
In the words of Param Pujya Gurudev, turning our attention towards self-refinement is the first step towards wisdom and farsightedness. The first lesson in spirituality is that man should learn about his true self by asking these questions – Who am I? What am I? What am I made of? This self-introspection is the first step of spirituality. One cannot start his journey thinking about higher-order aspects of God, life, and nature and their interrelationship. The journey must begin at the lowest step and gradually climb up the ladder.
Before we ponder Soham, Shivoham and consider ourselves as Sachidanandoham, we have to dwell on our mundane lives. We have to take stock of the situation and check how prepared is the spiritual aspirant? Is he fighting in the mire of weaknesses, shortcomings, and leading an agitated life amidst challenges? How tightly is he entangled in the clutches of bondage and maya? How badly is he in control of the six enemies [shadripu – kama (lust), krodha (anger), lobha (greed), Mada (arrogance), moha (delusion), and matsarya (jealousy)]?
May are first to hat wrong knowledge that makes a person consider himself unable is he d and holds others responsible for all the situations in his life. The meaning of getting freed from the bondage of life (bhavabandhan) is getting rid of evil thoughts, words, and deeds. There is nothing more dangerous than being unaware of one’s own mistakes, the price of which is paid by facing failure and repenting for it.
The sadhak has to do the sadhana of Atmachintan while taking the first step towards spirituality. Before he imbibes the higher qualities of brahmacharya, tapas, tyaga, satya, ahimsa, etc., he has to identify and manage the more minor faults first, just like the candidate who attempts the easy questions first and comes to the tougher ones later in an examination. The training at being a good householder starts with playing with toys and role play. A warrior is trained for warfare in a friendly atmosphere before he goes to the battlefield. A student gets an M.A. degree only after finishingprimary, middle, and high school, followed by graduate studies.
On the path of self-refinement, it is not required to start with brahmacharya, Satya, and tyaga. Instead, commence the journey by identifying and rectifying minor shortcomings and defects and work one’s way further. These small accomplishments will not only bestow positive results in your life but also propel and give you the courage to tackle more extensive and deeper issues within yourself.
Those who cannot win over ordinary weaknesses like lack of restraint, laziness, agitation, irregularity,andinefficiency, how can they fight against the onslaught of shadripus (enemies mentioned earlier) and asuric tendencies? We should first become a good human beings before becoming a saint or rishi or devata. Someone who has not completelylearnedhowtobeagoodhumancannotbecomeaMahatma.So the first step to spirituality is to become a good human being. We all should strive to achieve the same.
Akhand Jyoti Magazine 2021 Nov -Dec
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