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spiritual
Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth refers to the quest for self-awareness, enlightenment, and a deeper connection to a higher power across world spiritual traditions. These traditions converge on the importance of self-reflection, mindfulness, and compassion in achieving spiritual growth. However, they diverge in their methods, beliefs, and perspectives, offering unique approaches to this universal pursuit.
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Quotes
Among thousands of people, scarcely one strives for perfection; and even among those who strive and succeed, scarcely one knows me as I truly am.
मनुष्याणां सहस्रेषु कश्चिद्यतति सिद्धये | यततामपि सिद्धानां कश्चिन्मां वेत्ति तत्त्वतः ||७-३||
The person freed from these three gates of darkness, Kaunteya, pursues what is good for the self and thereby reaches the supreme goal.
एतैर्विमुक्तः कौन्तेय तमोद्वारैस्त्रिभिर्नरः | आचरत्यात्मनः श्रेयस्ततो याति परां गतिम् ||१६-२२||
Those established in sattva go upward; the rajasic remain in the middle; those settled in the disposition of the lowest guna go downward.
ऊर्ध्वं गच्छन्ति सत्त्वस्था मध्ये तिष्ठन्ति राजसाः | जघन्यगुणवृत्तिस्था अधो गच्छन्ति तामसाः ||१४-१८||
There that person regains the union with the understanding gained in the former body, and strives all the more for perfection, Arjuna.
तत्र तं बुद्धिसंयोगं लभते पौर्वदेहिकम् | यतते च ततो भूयः संसिद्धौ कुरुनन्दन ||६-४३||
The one who practices non-violence develops cosmic love to the highest degree. The practice of non-violence eventually leads to the realization of one's true self or the unity of the Self.
Bhrigu, son of Varuna, approached his father Varuna, saying: 'Sir, teach me Brahman.' To him he declared this: 'Food, breath, sight, hearing, mind, speech.' And he said to him: 'That from which these beings are born, by which, when born, they live, into which, when departing, they enter—seek to know that. That is Brahman.' He performed austerity. Having performed austerity,
भृगुर्वै वारुणिः । वरुणं पितरमुपससार । अधीहि भगवो ब्रह्मेति । तस्मा एतत्प्रोवाच । अन्नं प्राणं चक्षुः श्रोत्रं मनो वाचमिति । तꣳहोवाच । यतो वा इमानि भूतानि जायन्ते । येन जातानि जीवन्ति । यत्प्रयन्त्यभिसंविशन्ति । तद्विजिज्ञासस्व । तद्ब्रह्मेति । स तपोऽतप्यत । स तपस्तप्त्वा ॥ १॥
The Vedas deal with the three gunas; rise above the three gunas, Arjuna. Be free from the pairs of opposites, ever established in purity, free from concern for acquisition and preservation, and possessed of the Self.
त्रैगुण्यविषया वेदा निस्त्रैगुण्यो भवार्जुन | निर्द्वन्द्वो नित्यसत्त्वस्थो निर्योगक्षेम आत्मवान् ||२-४५||
Unbridled material progress is leading towards destruction. It is essential to have a check of spirituality on it.
The individual must stand out, affirm their unique existence within the larger whole, and allow their mind to emerge from the common mindset, just as their body has developed its own distinct character within the shared physical realm.
Initially, the psychic being can only exert a hidden, partial, and indirect influence through the mind, life, and body, as these aspects of nature need to be developed into instruments for its self-expression. As a result, it remains confined by their development for a long time.
Standing firm in the sixth stage, he attains the seventh stage.
षष्ठ्यां भूमावसौ स्थित्वा सप्तमीं भूमिमाप्नुयात्
Having a calm and pure mind is extremely challenging, but it is essential for progressing in meditation and practicing selfless action.
A saint or devotee is like a bird that gains height in the sky of devotion; but this is possible only when it keeps using both its wings — the wings of knowledge and of action.
Only such a person is known to be a saint, a devotee, as may have the desire to learn and keep learning throughout his life. Whosoever considers himself complete and is proud of himself cannot march forward; in a way, he hinders his own progress.
When a person climbs a hill, he is bent forward, and when he comes down, he keeps his body as straight as possible. It means that bending down, which is humility, is a sign of going up, while the tightness, which is pride, is a clear indication of downfall.
The vastness or omnipresence of the Almighty broadens our view point also. Then, instead of pointing out the shortcoming of others, we try to improve ourselves. Religion inspires for self improvement. When we improve ourselves, the entire world improves for us.
Through the practice of the three stages, when ignorance comes to destruction, they see Reality as the same everywhere — thus reaching the fourth stage.
भूमिकात्रितयाभ्यासादज्ञाने क्षयमागते । समं सर्वत्र पश्यन्ति चतुर्थीं भूमिकां गताः
I have thus recited the most sacred story, by listening to which one is freed from worldly bonds and develops devotion to the lotus feet of the all-merciful Rama, who is like a tree that fulfills wishes for those who seek them.
भव बंधन ते छूउअहिं नर जपि जा कर नाम, खर्ब निसाचर बाधेउ नागपास सोइ राम
As you listen, all your doubts will disappear and you will develop a deep love for Rama's feet