Some Essentials For A Spiritual Aspirant.


Last week I received an email from a spiritual aspirant. 

He requested me to share some valuable tips for progress on the spiritual path. 


Well, let me make it clear that spiritual path is not an easy one. Also it is not for everyone. 


In the contemporary world one can find umpteen persons claiming themselves to be the messengers of God. But most of them are plain fraudsters. 

These very scoundrels have brought disrepute to the ochre robes. 


I firmly believe that it is only due to the tendencies and impressions (संस्कार) from the present and past lifetimes that a person gets genuinely attracted towards spirituality. 


Such an individual feels intense craving for the Lord. 

This craving or pull is also referred to as "The Call Of The Lord" in our scriptures. 


So strong is "The Call Of The Lord" that those who experience it renounce their wealth, family despite the counsels of their friends and relatives. 


Prince Siddhartha (Gautam Buddha) renounced his kingdom, family, luxurious life in search of Truth. 


Many wealthy persons, IAS/IPS officers have renounced their comforts, worldly positions to become ascetics, yogis. 


On the basis of my own spiritual experiences, interactions with the authentic monks, I can say with certitude that it's extremely difficult to be a monk. 


Withdrawing senses from sense objects is no child's play! 


Well, I have found that the following things are absolutely necessary for a budding monk on a spiritual voyage : 


(a) MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS : Never accumulate more than necessary. This would only bring distractions. 

A mind that is constantly worried about paying EMIs for SUVs or safe custody of expensive items, cannot focus on japa, meditation. 


(b) SIMPLE LIVING : Simple living helps one to control thoughts. With few wants, one has to think a little. Fewer the thoughts, greater the peace. 


(c) CULTIVATE THE HABIT OF REMAINING ALONE : Expose yourself to aloneness for some hours every day. When one is left alone, one starts introspecting, thinking of higher reality. 


I opine that even the worldly people should remain absolutely alone for at least an hour every day and cherish their own company. 


If one can't enjoy one's own company, then how can one expect others to relish it! 


(d) SPEAK SWEET, SPEAK LESS : One should speak only when it's necessary. 

A spiritual aspirant (साधक) must practise long periods of silence (मौन व्रत). 


One gains a lot by remaining silent. 


Communication is taxing. One spends immense energy by communicating one's thoughts and ideas to others. 

By remaining silent, one replenishes and rejuvenates oneself. 


Remember, something of sense comes only from silence! 



~ Sanjay Gargish ~

Life is kind enough to impart invaluable lessons though sometimes in unkind ways. Jotting down my ruminations, life experiences for my loved ones so that they may live each and every moment fully.

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