nn,1,2

1.4.8 spirituality in practice

Today's topic will be the relationship of Paramatma to the unit entity. You know, the Cosmic Nucleus, the all pervading consciousness that lies quiescent within all beings, the central nucleus from which both the manifest and unmanifest universe has sprung, this quiescent point, deep in the heart, this pure undifferentiated consciousness, lies quiescent within every manifestation, every expression in this manifest universe. It is the fundamental base of all existence, the home and resting place of all beings.

So, from this quiescent consciousness has sprung the entire manifest universe and the same quiescence is the final resting place of all expressed beings. Now, in the introversial phase of evolution, consciousness becomes increasingly self aware, that is to say, the density or concentration (of consciousness) becomes greater. When in the material state, the density of consciousness is less. In the mental state, there is greater density. In the subtle psychic realm, the density is still more and in the realm of spiritual awareness, the density of consciousness is the greatest. A human being may choose to direct the arrow of the mind towards the Supreme Nucleus or may choose to direct the mind towards material desires. This choice is there for every human being and must be made again and again. It is the specialty of human beings to have sufficient self awareness to be able to make this choice, be it for good or ill.

Now, each person must decide for themselves what is most important in their lives. But as I have previously said, it is the Dharma of a human being to search for the Supreme. It is innate within human beings, this longing to increase awareness of divinity. Yet there are other desires which affect the mind of a human being and may draw that person away from this essential path, essential desire to move towards divinity. So the essential nature may be lost, covered be competing desires for material wealth, name and fame, prestige, power over others, attachment to loved ones, and so on.

These involvement's may distract a person, unless that person receives proper guidance so that they may know their divine nature. The Lord is ever ready to accept human beings to His loving arms, to enfold them, caress them, soothe their wounds, and bring them to Him. But, they must be willing, they must want Him with all their heart. If partly they want Him and partly they want something else, then He is in a difficult position. He cannot come part way and give His full love to them. For this, the human being must allow Him to come very close, to come so near that the distance cannot be measured.

Now, how is this done? It is done by giving ones' whole self in love, not just a part, but the whole, saying 'Oh my beloved, I have wandered the world over. I have sought happiness in so many ways, and yet I am restless. I have come to realize that there is only one true happiness, to meet my Lord face to face, to put aside desire and vanity and come to You with all my heart, all my mind, all my love. And I have discovered that You cannot be found in books, or pilgrimages or tall talks. You are to be found within.' Like this, a man will say who is ready to meet his Lord. Man or woman, it makes no difference. The same is true.

Now, if a man or a woman decides that the Lord will be the first and foremost object of their life, then that dedication will lead them forward. But dedication alone is not sufficient. The human being must know a technique, a proper method for coming in contact with the Supreme Entity and that method may be employed to gain knowledge of the Supreme. Thus the various spiritual practices have been given and laid down by those who have known, who have researched and acquired knowledge from the Supreme. For it is by the Grace of the Supreme Entity that all knowledge comes to human beings. Never think you are the source. Think 'He is there giving me this knowledge, rewarding me with knowledge of the Supreme for my humble efforts to know my Lord.' In this way, more and more will be known until Lord is just before you and you are so near that you cannot tell the difference between you and your beloved.