WHAT IS SPIRITUALITY?

[modera...@pi.org.au]

WHAT IS SPIRITUALITY?

An Introduction

Before we can answer the question: What is spirituality?, we need to gain a
basic understanding of human nature.

The Three Realms

Each human being is composed of three basic aspects: physical, mental, and
spiritual.

The physical realm is the realm of the human body. It includes the workings
of the body as a whole, as well as the workings of the various parts of the
body, such as the brain and the motor and sensory organs.

The mental or psychic realm is the realm of thoughts and feelings, the realm
of human psychology. It includes the characteristics and faculties of the
human mind, the layers or levels of mind, and the various propensities of
the mind.

The spiritual realm is the realm beyond the mind; it is the realm of the
soul and Infinite Consciousness. The soul may be defined as the clear
reflection of Infinite Consciousness and it reflects on the mind.

In human beings, the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects are highly
developed, making us unique. We, as human beings, have the capacity to
understand ourselves and to realize our inner, spiritual nature.

The Nature of the Self

To understand how we can go about doing this, we need to know about the
self. By self, we do not mean the physical self, or the physical body, nor
do we mean the mental self; we mean the spiritual self, or the soul.

What is the difference between the mental self and the soul? Western
psychologists advance various ideas to explain the nature of the self, but
most of these ideas are at best vague and incomplete, and at worst, totally
incorrect. The mental self is our feeling of I-ness, our I-feeling. Our
I-feeling has various stages of subtlety which give us our sense of doing
and knowing. The difference between our mental self, or the various stages
of our I-feeling, and our spiritual self, or our soul, is that the former is
mental in nature while the latter is consciousness itself.

The Purpose of Human Life

The purpose of human life is to merge our mental self, or our I-feeling,
into our spiritual self, or our soul, and then merge our soul into Infinite
Consciousness. In other words, the purpose of human life is to merge our
mind and soul into Infinite Consciousness, and thereby realize our true
spiritual nature. This process is often referred to as self-realization.

As we endeavour to merge our self into Infinite Consciousness, we also
should try to perform as much selfless service as we can. Spiritual
advancement and selfless service go together. Thus, the purpose of human
life can be characterized as self-realization and service to humanity (or,
more broadly, the entire universe). Self-realization and Service to Humanity
is the motto of Ananda Marga (the Path of Bliss).

The Essence of Spirituality

Spirituality means that which concerns Infinite Consciousness. When we
direct our I-feeling towards Infinite Consciousness in a conscious,
systematic way, we make spiritual progress. Conversely, when we direct our
I-feeling towards the mental or physical realms without making any effort to
adjust it with Infinite Consciousness, we do not make any spiritual
progress.

Spirituality is about 'oneness'. By 'oneness', we do not mean oneness is the
physical or mental realms, we mean oneness in the spiritual realm. The
essence of spirituality is to become one with Infinite Consciousness.

The Spiritual Path

A time comes in the life of a person when they are given the opportunity to
decide whether or not they want to direct their I-feeling towards Infinite
Consciousness. If they decide they do, they get the opportunity to progress
spiritually this lifetime; if they decide they don't, the opportunity to
progress spiritually this lifetime wanes, becomes unimportant, or is lost.

Those who make the conscious decision to direct their I-feeling towards
Infinite Consciousness, set out on the spiritual path. In one sense, the
spiritual path is the same for all of us: all spiritual aspirants are
endeavouring to merge their I-feeling into Infinite Consciousness. In
another sense, the spiritual path is unique for each of us: each individual
has to undergo their own distinct set of experiences in order to reach the
goal.

Gaining an understanding of the purpose of human life is the first step on
the spiritual path. Making the decision to direct our I-feeling towards
Infinite Consciousness is the next step. When a person makes this decision,
they become ready to learn spiritual meditation.

Spiritual Meditation

Performing spiritual meditation regularly is how we merge our I-feeling into
Infinite Consciousness. Learning spiritual meditation from a qualified
teacher is called initiation.

Broadly speaking, there are two types of meditation taught today: spiritual
meditation and non-spiritual meditation. In spiritual meditation, the mind
is directed towards Infinite Consciousness; in non-spiritual meditation, the
mind is directed towards the psychic and physical realms. This is strictly
speaking not meditation - it is a form of concentration. Many of the
concentration techniques involve focusing the mind on various mental or
physical phenomena, such as a candle flame, blank space, a particular
thought, money, power, etc. Such techniques are non-spiritual in nature.
Spiritual meditation always directs the mind towards Infinite
Consciousness - the Supreme Soul.

The right to learn spiritual meditation is the birthright of each
individual, and learning spiritual meditation must be free of cost. The
simplest way to determine whether or not a particular meditation technique
is spiritual or non-spiritual is to find out if it directs the mind towards
Infinite Consciousness and is free of cost. Qualified spiritual teachers,
called acaryas, teach spiritual meditation free of cost.

For most of the last 2,000 years, spiritual meditation was virtually unknown
in the West, and western philosophy said little, if anything, about the
purpose of human life. But that was not always the case. Although spiritual
meditation originated in India, several famous Greek philosophers taught
people about the purpose of human life, practised spiritual meditation
themselves, and initiated their disciples. Members of other civilizations
also practised spiritual meditation. But with the decline of the Greek
civilization and the rise of organized religion, the practice of spiritual
meditation all but died out in the West. Over the last 100 years, however,
this situation has gradually changed. Spiritual meditation has again spread
from India to the West, and today it is practised throughout the world.

Spiritual Methodology

As we make spiritual progress, we constantly need to adjust our I-feeling so
that we can function effectively in the world. That is, as we direct our
I-feeling towards Infinite Consciousness, we constantly need to adjust our
I-feeling so that we can function effectively in the mental and physical
realms.

This approach to life is called 'subjective approach and objective
adjustment'. It is the spiritual approach to life, and may be characterized
as spiritual methodology. The opposite approach is objective approach and
subjective adjustment; is the materialistic approach to life. In the former
spiritual approach, one's I-feeling progresses towards Infinite
Consciousness; in the latter approach, one's I-feeling moves towards matter.
That is why it is said the opportunity for spiritual progress is lost.

By following spiritual methodology, we learn how to direct our I-feeling
towards Infinite Consciousness as we simultaneously function in the mental
and physical realms.

Spiritual Morality

Spiritual morality is the foundation stone of spiritual progress. Unless we
follow principles of spiritual morality, we will not be able to meditate
properly and progress spiritually.

There are two types of morality: simple morality and spiritual morality.
Simple morality includes secular morality and religious morality, while
spiritual morality includes cardinal human values (ie the cardinal
principles of human morality, or the yogic code of Yama and Niyama, and
Neo-ethics). To make spiritual progress, we have to follow the principles of
spiritual morality. Thus, spiritual morality and spiritual progress go
together.

Following spiritual morality is so important on the spiritual path that it
has been said: 'Spiritual morality is the base, spiritual meditation is the
means, and life divine is the goal'. Spiritual morality consists of:

* External moral discipline: ie not intentionally causing harm by thought,
word or action; proper action of mind and right use of words; nonstealing;
to see the Infinite Consciousness or Cosmic essence in all things;
non-indulgence in superfluous things or greedlessness;

* Internal moral strength: ie cleanliness both external and internal; mental
ease or contentment; going out of one's way to help others or selflessness;
proper understanding of spiritual subjects; devotion to a higher principle
of life or love for the Infinite Consciousness (God).

What Spirituality Is Not

Many people today are confused about spirituality. They often think that
spirituality is something it is not. Now that we know what spirituality is,
let us look at what spirituality is not.

Spirituality is not following numerology, astrology, the I-Ching, etc,
merely to gain insight into one's life. Insight comes through developing the
higher faculties of the mind - which is also vital for an elevated mind.
However, spirituality is more than this - it has to do with merger of unit
self with Cosmic Self (Infinite Consciousness). Understanding one's higher
self is part of spirituality. Merger of unit self with Cosmic Self is the
goal of spirituality.

Spirituality is not New Age metaphysics. Aspects of subtle energies and the
like may, however, be useful to society. But this is really about
utilization of subtle and metaphysical resources. Spirituality is not going
back to a pre-industrial, pre-modern lifestyle where one can commune with
nature and just be one with the forests; that is, spirituality is not back
to nature or down to earth. A spiritualist will, however, recognise the
importance of ecological balance and harmony in their life. But ecology is
understood not just at the physical level - there is also mental ecology and
this assists in elevation of the mind. Still, the goal of spirituality must
be sought which is beyond the relativities of the physical and mental
worlds.

Spirituality is not contacting ghosts, spirits or dead relatives to find the
answers to life's problems; that is, spirituality is not spiritualism.
Spirituality is not taking drugs to alter one's awareness or giving up
everything to visit holy places; that is, spirituality is not escaping from
or renouncing the world. Spirituality is not sexual union to gain intimacy
in sexual practice; that is, spirituality is not sexuality. The senses only
pick up relative vibrations, which come and go. They are not permanent and
cannot give lasting happiness. Physical and mental (including emotional)
propensities exist, but the goal of spirituality is beyond these
relativities or stimuli.

Nor is spirituality entering into a narrow relationship with God, following
a set of dogmatic beliefs, and hoping to go to heaven after one dies; that
is, spirituality is not religion.

Is spirituality yoga? Yoga does not mean exercises or yoga postures. Yoga
means union with Infinite Consciousness. Mere performance of yoga postures
or any other technique associated with so-called yoga is not spirituality.
Unless and until a person has the inclination to become one with Infinite
Consciousness or God and directs their I-feeling towards That, only then
will yoga assist in spirituality. Otherwise, the so-called yoga is merely a
subtle form of exercise.


As we have seen, spirituality is none of these things. All of the above are
based on some kind of relativity; be it opting out of the world, physical,
sensual, seeking mental stimulation, intellectual - they come and go.
Attachment to or desire or addiction towards the relative defeats the
purpose of obtaining the Infinite Consciousness or the Absolute. The
relative world is a relative truth and can be useful in establishing a
congenial environment (ecological harmony - socially, economically,
physically and mentally) for spirituality. The person who directs their
I-feeling to the Infinite Consciousness will at the same time see the
expression of the Infinite Consciousness in all things relative.

Spirituality and Religion

Perhaps the greatest mistake that people make when they set out to learn
about spirituality is to confuse it with religion. Spirituality and religion
are not the same thing.

The most fundamental difference between spirituality and religion is that
spirituality teaches people to become one with God, or Infinite
Consciousness. Religion, on the other hand, teaches people that they will
always remain separate from God. What is the basis of the distinction? In
philosophical terms, the fundamental difference is that spirituality is
non-dualistic, while religion is dualistic. In dualism, the inner feeling
and general tendency is to take it for granted that there are two entities,
the unit being and the Supreme Being. In non-dualism the Supreme Being
contains everything and there is complete merger of unit consciousness with
Infinite Consciousness; the sense of I-ness is completely absorbed.

According to the cosmology of the main religions, it goes generally along
these lines: after we have lived out our life, we die and our soul goes to
purgatory, where it stays until the Day of Judgment. Upon judgment, the
'saved' go to heaven and the 'sinners' go to hell. The 'saved' sit beside
God in heaven for the rest of eternity, and the poor 'sinners' sit beside
the devil in hell for the same duration. According to spirituality, on the
other hand, once we have learned spiritual practices, we have the
opportunity to complete our spiritual journey and become one with Infinite
Consciousness in this very life.

There are many differences between spirituality and religion, but the most
fundamental difference is that spirituality involves becoming one with
Infinite Consciousness - one with God - while religion involves remaining
separate from Infinite Consciousness (eg being 'beside' God). Consequently
religions will always mean separation of unit consciousness from Infinite
Consciousness - separation of unit soul from the Supreme Soul. However, in
spirituality, the unit soul is the same as the Supreme Soul, but for the
sense of I-ness and this sense of I-ness is dissolved through spiritual
practices. It is part of the Cosmic dance that this Cosmic drama unfolds
itself for each individual.

The so-called rewards of religions will also always be relative. Everything
relative is subject to birth, sustainability and decay or generation,
operation and destruction (GOD - the Cosmic drama). The notion of a self or
soul in heaven or hell is also a falsity and is relative because where there
is separation of self from Infinite Consciousness there is the inevitable
process of generation, operation and decay. This is simply the application
of the theory of relativity. So, only by proceeding towards the Absolute is
there spiritual liberation or permanent spiritual salvation.

The Science of Spirituality

Spirituality is a science. The science of spirituality, or the science of
spiritual practices, is called Tantra. Tantra has existed for thousands of
years. It sets out in very clear terms the various stages that spiritual
aspirants need to pass through as they progress along the spiritual path.
The practice of Tantra enables spiritual aspirants to move along the
spiritual path in a smooth, natural way.

In some parts of the world, there is confusion about the true meaning of
Tantra. People who have no understanding of spirituality and no genuine
desire to progress spiritually popularize incorrect ideas about Tantra. They
teach that Tantra is concerned with acquiring power (eg occultism) or
enjoying life in various types of ways (eg sexual practices). Such people do
not understand that Tantra is the science of merging our I-feeling into
Infinite Consciousness by performing spiritual practices.

Devotion

The practice of Tantra, and thus spiritual meditation, is designed to
develop devotion. This is the purpose of spiritual practices. Once the
feeling of devotion is developed, it becomes possible for the spiritual
aspirant to merge their I-feeling into Infinite Consciousness.

Love and devotion are not the same thing. Love is a propensity situated near
the mid-point of the chest. When the feeling of love is awaken and
channelled towards Infinite Consciousness, devotion develops. Spiritual
aspirants endeavour to awaken the feeling of devotion so that they can
concentrate their mind at the point of the pineal gland, psychically advance
in their spiritual outlook, and merge into Infinite Consciousness. This is
the inner secret of spirituality.

Human life is very short, hence we should try to make as much spiritual
progress as we can by cultivating the feeling of devotion.

The Preceptor

Some people believe that they can make spiritual progress by relying
exclusively on their own efforts. That is, they believe that they do not
need the help or guidance of a spiritual preceptor. But this is a mistaken
belief. Just as the effort to be successful in any aspect of worldly life
requires the assistance of suitable teachers or mentors, the effort to
progress spiritually depends upon the guidance of a genuine spiritual
preceptor.

The guidance of a spiritual preceptor is so important on the spiritual path
that it is impossible for a spiritual aspirant to make any spiritual
progress without the Preceptor's help. The personal guidance of the
Preceptor is what enables the spiritual aspirant to make spiritual progress.
Such personal guidance is known as the grace of the Preceptor. In yoga, it
is the grace of the Guru. Only God alone is the Guru and teachings are
expressed through physical mediums who are Preceptors (but as the
consciousness of the Preceptor is the same as Infinite Consciousness the
Preceptor can also be called the guru).

When a person becomes ready to learn spiritual meditation, they find a
spiritual preceptor according to the strength of their spiritual longing. If
their spiritual longing is extremely strong, they will find a highly
accomplished Preceptor, one who is well-versed in all aspects of Tantra and
all branches of knowledge. Such a spiritual preceptor will be able to guide
them successfully through all the stages on the spiritual path so that they
can reach their ultimate goal. The guidance is in all realms of existence:
physical, mental and spiritual. The Preceptor is merely the expression of
the Infinite Consciousness through the form an enlightened being and is one
with the Infinite Consciousness.

Ultimately spirituality means oneness or union with Infinite Consciousness.
The essence of spirituality is to become one with Infinite Consciousness.