nn 1,2

1.4.8 spirituality in practice

Now, first of all, I will speak of spiritual dedication. When a sadhaka, when a devotee becomes somewhat serious about their spiritual development they begin to make serious efforts towards maintaining a form of spiritual discipline. This discipline then enables them to proceed in their psycho-spiritual development so that the mind does not become stagnant, does not get involved with material objects and worldly passions. So a spiritual pursuit, a spiritual discipline is adhered to so that there might be some progressive development. But the spiritual discipline must contain certain characteristics in order to actually fulfill its promise of greater spiritual development.

First of all, a proper discipline must contain three types of practices. Those which are suited for the physical upliftment, those that are for the psychic and intellectual development and those that open the heart and unlock the feelings of the sadhaka. So a proper discipline must contain these three elements.

Now within the physical stratum, a spiritual discipline must purify the body, so that it may be a temple for pure thoughts and sweet and subtle sentiments. The body must be cleansed. There must be practices which will keep the body physically clean and well cared for and which will encourage healthy habits and discourage the intake of intoxicating substances or harmful food and drink. There must be practices, over all exercises for the development of glands and subglands, such as proper posturing, a'sanas, dance and other physical practices which bring harmony and balance to the glandular system and to the nervous system. Rigorous exercise must also be gotten so the body maintains its strength. So a physical discipline with a spiritual goal must contain these elements, then surely it will improve the overall health and capacity of the individual. In the physical stratum such a discipline must be given and adhere to for proper spiritual growth. Otherwise, there will be difficulty in the development of the sadhaka and even endless sadhana will not overcome these obstacles. So when a sadhaka searches for a proper discipline in which maximum spiritual growth and development may be had, the sadhaka should make sure this physical aspect is not ignored. The body is your temple in which your worship. If the temple is unkempt then the purity of the ceremonies performed in it will be affected. So keep the temple of your body ever pure and care for it as the house of God.

Now in a proper discipline there must also be practices which develop the intellect and the psyche. The intellect left on its own will wander and light upon an object of ideation. It will go from one idea to another and another and so on. Now with proper spiritual practices this restless intellect will be given scope to find its full fulfillment in ideation upon the characteristics and qualities of the Supreme Brahma.

It will not be necessary to do anything more for the intellect than to give it an object of ideation. Then in the pursuit of that object, the intellect will get focused and become concentrated in one direction and if someone comes and says 'Look, come with me there are so many fascinating ideas I have', the intellect will say 'I am sorry, I cannot come, I have already found my direction.' In this way the intellect will get an opportunity for expression and the mind will get focused on the Supreme. When this happens, that Entity will get very much expanded in the life of the sadhaka and other involvement's will lessen.

Now we have seen, there is a need for physical discipline, psychic discipline and there is also need for spiritual discipline in a true path. In the spiritual stratum, the sadhaka must seek practices which will open his or her heart and allow the feelings for the Supreme to become very much expanded. So what will do this? What will expand the sentiments of the human heart, what discipline can unlock the innermost chambers, the innermost sentiments of a human being so that they might feel the Grace of Parama Purusha? When the body is pure and the mind focused, this allows the heart to open. The discipline by which it can be opened is not found in any rule-book. It is the expansion of love, the expansion of heart. To cultivate this expansion, focus the mind in sadhana, serve your fellow beings, be humble and do Kiirtan. Sing the name of God, dance, light a candle, do practice to expand love, but do not think that any practice will mean you have attained it. The attainment of the spirit is a pure heart. The Blessedness of God is found within the heart and one needs no credentials, no degree, no resume. It comes through selfless love and is given by Grace alone. So if you want to know Parama Purusha, you maintain physical discipline, psychic discipline and spiritual ideation and surely the Grace of that Supreme Entity will be bestowed upon you. You will find in the innermost cavern of your heart, Brindavan, the home of your Divine Lord. So go to Him, find that Divinity within and make the communion a felt and expressed reality for yourself.