Self-realization is one of those phrases that we hear on the spiritual path that goes in one ear and out the other. We don’t give it much thought, yet it’s at the very heart of EVERYTHING.
Without seeing Self-Realization as the ultimate goal of the spiritual journey, our paths are vague, blurry, and disjointed.
We don’t really know why we’re doing what we’re doing. And if we do have some fabricated reason, we never feel truly satisfied: everything we obtain, all the spiritual brownie points we collect, feel empty and ultimately disappointing.
In fact, when we lose sight of the importance of Self-Realization, our spiritual paths are nothing but one distraction after another.
We become spiritual consumers, dabbling here and there in attractive spiritual “products,” without ever really diving deep.
I call this Rabbit Hole Spirituality: like Alice in Wonderland, we’re constantly falling into endless rabbit holes of new trends, exciting practices, and sparkly feel-good philosophies.
But the reality is that we’re lost in the superficial, and eventually, something new will come along and catch our eye, and off into another Rabbit Hole we’ll fall.
Thankfully, there are paths out there that are aligned with a deeper form of spirituality – and all of them lead to Self-Realization.
If you’re not quite sure what the hell Self-Realization is, or how to experience it, stick around.
What is Self-Realization?
There are two definitions of Self-Realization: one is secular, the other is spiritual.
According to various Western psychological and philosophical traditions, self-realization is the fulfillment of our personal potential in life. Essentially, it’s being all that we can be in an unlimited, expansive sense. However, according to Eastern spirituality, Self-Realization is the knowledge and embodiment of our True Nature or the Higher Self beyond the ego.
Here we have two strangely conflicting definitions from the East and West.
Which definition is correct?
Actually neither definition is right or wrong: both are equally relevant as they uphold each other. I’ll explain why next.
The 3 Shamanic Realms of Self-Realization
Self-Realization is not so much one big lights-and-glamor moment as it is a slow and steady process. This process occurs within the three realms of existence:
- The Middle World
- The Lower World
- The Upper World
Using shamanic terminology, the middle world is the realm where we live everyday life. This is the realm where we go about our daily existence with family, friends, and work colleagues.
The lower world is the downwards and inwards realm where everything hiding beneath the surface dwells. This is the realm of thoughts, feelings, instincts, dreams, unconscious wounds, and at a core level, the soul.
The upper world is the upwards and outwards realm where we transcend the body, mind, and soul and enter the immaterial, eternal Spirit that permeates all layers of existence.
Each realm has a purpose …
Within each realm there is a task for us to fulfill:
- In the middle world, the task is ego growth
- In the lower world, the task is soul embodiment
- In the upper world, the task is spirit realization (also known as Self-Realization)
As depth psychologist Bill Plotkin writes,
Ego growth, soul embodiment, and spirit realization are equally vital to growing whole. Although all three components can be engaged concurrently, there is a natural sequence to their unfolding: ego growth is the foundation upon which soul embodiment rests, and the latter, I believe, most effectively galvanizes spirit realization.
Here we see that all three realms build on top of, and support, one another – the ultimate goal being Self-Realization.
The difference between self-realization and Self-Realization …
So here we see there are actually two types of Self-Realization.
The West promotes the realization of the self’s (ego’s) fullest potential. This process occurs within the middle and under world realm. And some Western schools of psychology, such as those that adhere to Carl Jung’s philosophies, promote soul realization (also known as the individuation process).
And the East promotes the realization of the Self – that is, liberation from the small fabricated self (ego), and the embodiment of one’s Higher Self or True Nature. This is an upper world path, a path that transcends the personal ego and soul, and unites us with the Absolute, Unchanging, and Eternal Spirit. This is the path of enlightenment.
Most Western and Eastern schools of thought ignore or deny the importance of all three paths working together in unison. But they are all essential paths to embrace so that we can experience true Self-Realization – just as a tree needs roots, a trunk, and branches to be whole.
The 9 Stages of Spiritual Self-Realization
And should you choose to devote yourself to the ongoing journey of self-realization, you will develop a tremendous sense of respect for who you really are. It is only then that you will come to appreciate the full depth of meaning in the advice: “This above all: to thine own self be true.”
– Michael A. Singer
As I mentioned previously, Self-Realization is not so much one great big moment as it is a gradual process of unfolding.
(However, it must be noted here that for some rare individuals, Self-Realization does come as one big moment. But for the vast majority of us, it’s a slow and steady process.)
Below you’ll find the nine stages of spiritual Self-Realization: from the beginning of the journey, all the way to the end. Please note that Self-Realization is not necessarily (and often isn’t) a linear process. We often experience a spiral of unfolding and transformation, and it’s common to move forward and backward:
1. Self-Awareness
At the beginning of the journey is the dawning of self-awareness. This may occur sporadically as a result of temporary moments of introspection or as an entire spiritual awakening. Self-awareness is when we become aware of ourselves (from an ego-based standpoint) and how we interact with the world.
Those who are self-aware move away from their previous psychological ignorance (also commonly referred to as “being asleep”) and into greater self-consciousness. This can be a painful period as we take an honest look at our thoughts, habits, choices, and ways of relating to the world. Often we don’t like what we see. Thus, we either numb ourselves out of denial or enter the path of self-growth (also known as the spiritual path).
2. Self-Exploration
After the shock of awakening to more self-awareness, we’re driven by the desire to explore ourselves more – this is the journey of self-exploration.
Self-exploration is fuelled by a mixture of curiosity (“who am I really?”) and dissatisfaction (“I can’t believe I did/said/believed that!”). We want to find out more about personalities and understand our authentic place in life.
Self-exploration often occurs in the middle world (the realm of everyday life) and the purpose of it is to uncover how we think, feel, and behave. To get answers, we seek to gain knowledge and understanding of ourselves through books, workshops, films, personality tests, and other psychological and spiritual practices.
3. Self-Discovery
Once we start dabbling in the world of self-exploration, we eventually experience self-discovery, which is what happens when we dig deep underneath the surface of ourselves.
Self-discovery occurs when we move from the “what?” to the “WHY?” While the previous stage (self-exploration) deals with what we like/feel/do/think, self-discovery deals with why we like/feel/do/think everything that emerges inside of us.
In this stage, it’s common to begin various forms of inner work that get to the root of our core selves.
4. Self-Understanding
Self-understanding is a crystallization of the previous three stages: it’s a deep understanding of the dynamics and workings of our ego selves.
People who have reached this stage have a thorough and multi-layered understanding of the origins and reasons why they think, feel, and behave the way they do. Not only have they explored their conscious ego, but they’ve also explored their unconscious mind to meet their shadow selves and other buried core wounds.
Self-Understanding is a lower world path that goes downwards and inwards, touching and revealing the very nature of our souls.
5. Self-Love
Next is self-love: the stage where we are filled with compassion for ourselves and all that we’ve been through.
As a lower world path, self-love is what happens when we tap into the fundamental nature of our heart and soul: love. When we love ourselves, we are fuelled by a deep understanding of ourselves. In fact, without the previous stage (self-understanding) it’s almost impossible to practice self-love because we don’t know what or why we do, think, and feel what we do.
Learning how to love ourselves means that we stop punishing ourselves, start nurturing ourselves, and start experiencing greater self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-forgiveness.
6. Self-Transformation
In this stage, we begin to shed our old and limiting habits, perceptions, and compulsions that were created by the false self (ego) and transform into the most authentic version of ourselves possible.
When we experience self-transformation, we enter a death and rebirth process that can feel uncomfortable and destabilizing at first. But ultimately, any change we undergo is liberating. In other words, we become more soul-centered instead of ego-centered, and we’re more comfortable in our skin.
Thanks to the previous five stages, we’re able to make space for new growth to occur. Like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, we feel more expanded, free, and grounded.
7. Self-Mastery
As a culmination of stages 1-6, this stage is about reaping the rewards of a stable and well-adjusted ego. Psychologist Carl Jung referred to this stage as individuation, that is, becoming a whole human being who is connected and aligned with the soul.
Self-mastery is just that, mastering the false self (or ego) – but not with tyranny or a domineering stance. Instead, mastering the false self is done with love and understanding.
Instead of being slaves to our egos, we live from the heart and soul, and our egos are yielding and in service to our souls.
When we experience self-mastery, our inner and outer worlds are balanced, and we become the Kings or Queens of our own middle worlds (everyday life) and lower worlds (inner life). We are self-contained, calm, perceptive, wise, compassionate, and lighthearted.
8. Self-Transcendence
Next is self-transcendence which is where we start entering the world of Spirit (or the upper world).
When we walk the path of self-transcendence, we are seeking to move beyond our limited egos and attachment to our souls, and become One with the Divine.
The desire to self-transcend may come naturally throughout time (as a result of diligently walking the spiritual path), through sudden mystical experiences, profound transpersonal insights, or a deep inner calling to taste ultimate freedom.
Common self-transcendence paths and practices out there include meditation, yogic disciplines, mystical and higher consciousness traditions (Sufism, Gnosticism, Taoism, Buddhism, etc.), self-inquiry, non-dual teachings, contemplation, and so forth.
9. Self-Realization
At last, we come to Self-Realization. What can be said other than the fact that Self-Realization can be sought and worked for, but ultimately, it is a gift from Life itself.
Self-Realization occurs when we stop identifying with the limited ego and attaching to the soul, and instead recognize ourselves as one and the same as the Divine. Moving past a sense of “me,” “mine,” and “I am ___,” (aka. the inner stories fabricated by our illusory selves) we come to embody what is referred to as Christ Consciousness, Enlightenment, Buddhahood, Non-Dual Awareness, and Oneness.
Other names for this sacred experience are nirvana, heaven, moksha, unio mystica (spiritual alchemy), samadhi, cosmic consciousness, and so on.
When we experience Self-Realization, we have seen through the insubstantiality and impermanence of the ego (this can be experienced through meditation), the dreamlike nature of thought, and the illusion of attachment to all phenomena, and into the vast, spacious, and eternal presence that exists everywhere.
In this stage, we are free from suffering, free from fear, and free from all separation. What remains is a pure radiance of being, a total union with Life, an experience of endless love, connection, understanding, and openness to existence.
How to Experience a Taste of Self-Realization
Self-realization is a journey that could take you a few years, decades, or most commonly, an entire lifetime (or longer). But it is a sacred and worthy path that is worth every bit of your time, effort, sincerity, and dedication. Ultimately, it is the path of enlightenment, the path of freedom, and the path of love. What could be better than that?
Now that we’ve explored what self-realization is, and the nine stages, how can we taste – even just briefly – this experience? (I’m sure you’re curious!)
Here are some methods and practices that will likely help you dip into this life-changing experience (although nothing is ever guaranteed):
- Long stretches of meditation (45 minutes or more per day) – keep in mind that it’s important to work up to this goal, especially if you’re a beginner
- Plant medicine journeying (with ayahuasca, peyote, mescaline, psilocybin mushrooms, marijuana, etc.) – if you have a mental illness, I recommend talking to a professional therapist beforehand, otherwise, this is an amazing path that must be approached with clear conscious intention and respect
- Entering altered states of consciousness (such as through a trance state, lucid dreaming, breathwork, self-hypnosis) – remember to be gentle with yourself and go slowly
- Nature immersion – try spending long periods of time in nature (1+ hours), particularly in wild and untamed areas that aren’t visited by people
If you can you recommend any other practices, share below and help inspire others!
***
I hope you now have a deeper understanding of Self-Realization. Remember that we often move forward and backward on the path: it’s not linear. Instead, it’s a process that ebbs and flows, waxes and wanes, and moves in a spiral pattern.
Tell me, what stage are you at on the journey toward self-realization? I’d love to hear about your experiences.
I have been searching for the ultimate state of being for as long as I can remember and my motivation has always been based from the fear energy of wanting to secure survival.
This year…. after many years of searching….I have become aware of the above truths about myself and have stopped searching. I am now on the journey of consciously learning self realization. That’s how I found your website. The information on your site is in clear harmony with my journey.
Thank you. This is a great find for me. I’m going to return to it until I have exhausted all of the content of all of the links that point to more teachings. I’m sure that process is going to take a few mornings and quiet some time.
Hello, great article! I’m wondering if the notion of self-realization in the Western sense could better be denoted by the term “self-actualisation”. I have been participating in various online workshops lately which are helping people to develop the idea of one’s place in the world but I’m realizing more and more that my true path is a more spiritual one toward developing my inner world.
Thank you and blessings!
Barbara
Thanks Barbara for raising the question. I’ve thought about this as well in the past but I feel ‘self-actualization’ is much more grounded in the psychological aspect of things (very much based on the work of transpersonal psychology Maslow.) With Self-Actualization, at least from my understanding, it seems to be much more focused on the spiritual shift, the internal opening to that which is greater than us (contrasted to the actualization of the self which is more about fulfilling the greatest potential we each carry inside.)
I hope this distinction helps.
Hi Sol & Luna
On the Summer solstice I had a profound experience and feel that I have just arrived at stage 9. I have used all the methods you have mentioned above, meditating, being in nature and utilising plant medicines and of course it has been a long journey of looking at the shit in my ‘rucksack’ and seeing the many many ego layers. I know I still have some polishing to do, but for now, I am going to take a break and enjoy this feeling of liberation. I have dipped into your website many times over the last 5 years, your work has been a great support on my journey.
I just want to say a big thank you for all the information on your site. This article for sure gave me confirmation of where I am at and that I am not going completely nuts. Keep up the amazing work guys, donation coming your way.
Hey SB,
I’m grateful to hear our work has provided you some clarity along the way, this journey can be most disorienting especially when we go at it alone. I do think ‘taking a break’ is often wise, I’ve experienced a few existential dread burnouts from ‘flying too close to the sun’, and have learned the necessity of grounding myself in the heart more than the head. The mind gives us infinite new ways of showing us how we can grow here and try that, but it’s a never-ending treadmill.
Ultimately how we connect from the heart with ourselves and others is the most important quality in the spiritual path, always orient towards that. And thank you, we appreciate any support that makes the freedom of information on this site possible.
Hi, thank you for your reply, its good to hear you agree with taking a break. The Ebb and Flow of moving within the stages resonates with me, just as we can have moments of nirvana in meditation, I feel we can experience self realisation whilst in the middle world for days or longer and then find ourselves feeling that perhaps it was all just a dream.
I just decided to retire at the age of 70. It is late, rather then never.
I am a Buddhist. Recently wonder WHAT and WHY about myself and the outside world.
Recently realized ” I” actually only a body and mind process, mind works.
By Google, searching for Self realization, I came to your advice.
This mind would like to go through the nine stages of spiritual self realization, guided by you.
I have been experiencing the re-awakening journey over the past year… After coming across your website and reading several of your articles… I have embarked upon the self-transcendence, with intermittent moments of self-realization… I am fortunate for the progress I have made since having kundalini awakening 4 weeks ago… My life has never made more sense than it does now…
Thank you Universe for your abundance, I am forever grateful!
〰️〰️
My background sounds very familiar to my own. It is difficult for me to tell what’s I am in the path. But I do have this constant back and forth of “Oh I get it. It makes perfect sense” to “ah I lost it. I don’t get it.” It’s exhausting really. Literally one day got it, next day lost. Also seems like life is really having a throw with me. Divorce is looming, trouble with kids, constant friction from others. I feel like a metamorphosis is coming. Felt that for a while now. As far as if I’ve done enough shadow work, been aware enough to pin down all my unconscious beliefs and thoughts that arnt true and holding me back from self realization and on too Self Realization, I feel like I haven’t…. so I guess I’m going to stand in my own way until I feel I’ve suffered enough ♂️. I really thought I had until I wrote this here… more digging required I suppose. I have had 2 tool assisted mystical experiences that were so beautiful I couldn’t explain it with language but they were assisted and my ego kicked back in slowly but steadily. I’m already grateful for when I get to know our oneness after the work is done. I don’t mean to put my realization out into some projected future but it’s not here at THIS NOW but maybe the next one?
Thanks Zoe, life definitely has a way of making us experience the rollercoaster of it all, especially once we start becoming more aware of our ups and downs, our ‘presence’ moments and not so present (though even catching yourself not being present is really true presence, but our ego’s like to spit out the ‘you failed again’ story.)
There’s an interesting Koan like exercise that one can ask. If life is a series of present moments unfolding, is there really a ‘next’ one?
Warm hugs
My journey feels like a spiral. I feel like I have been through all the stages many times. I reach what I think is 9, then realise there is another layer of self to discover! I feel quite high on the spiral now, but finding your website has triggered a vision of another layer where I will start again.
I hope this makes sense. Hopefully will get to the bottom of things eventually and be at peace with myself.
Stage 9, I been aware since I was 7yrs old. It comes naturally. So grateful to read this article. Nature emmersed and lucid dreams. Mentoring people has been my journey.
Hello im a Self- Realized master from Denmark im so gratefull but everybody i know is not, i just read your page and step 9 it is, wonderfull so 1 Buddha in dk
Br meggelji❤️ Amazing i used 6 month i would like to help others to be absolutely free…
Always allready free
I’m at Stage 3, but I’ve had “glimpses” of further stages, as the article states one might have, as this processs is not necessarily linear. For example, I’ve already become more understanding, loving and forgiving to myself. It’s been a wonderful journey so far and I welcome whatever comes next
I have a question… Often I feel like a broken record of negative situations surrounding me, that I am (unfairly) held responsible for things outside of my own control, and that nothing I do is worth sharing with others because most progress was made through personal experiences or shut down upon the attempt to share it… but I know my journey also contains a lot of teachable moments that could save others massive hardships… I would like to know if it has been a self-sabotaging reaction to think that other people understand how implementing the related content has altered my perception of myself and that the differences seem at the forefront to me, even if they fail to notice any of that?
In the last 5 years: My dad had a heart attack, my mom was diagnosed with cancer and passed away, my husband was diagnosed with diabetes, we were evicted from our living space, death threats were made by my siblings, 8 new children were born into my immediate family (Nieces & nephews), I’ve changed jobs twice (holding one for 10+ years prior)… etc… etc…
So, like I said a constant whirlwind of negativity seems to follow me around and more-so lately, I feel like expressing anything will allow for it to be used against me and that by not expressing it, I am likely to isolate myself from those closest to me. (my husband and I almost divorced after 13 years because our communication has been lacking substance, we can’t seem to avoid arguing over stupid things)… If you have any advice or input, I’d really appreciate your opinions.
I can only just tell this how I learned everything of my own struggles. I hope it can help or make you see it differently. Won’t make all of the negative patterns dissapear as it’s crutial to have both. I learned it by now when it rains it pours but at the end it’s always sunshine, I often had to work out which season I was in but it’s the lesson I learned failing tremendous amount of times.
It’s a very sad thing and I know it’s possibly to hardest to accept when we lose loved ones or their health changes unexpectedly it is so traumatic to even the most positive minded people that it can turn their mind to think negative thoughts or ask why. I believe that tho it’s not caused by any negative pattern repeting itself as I learned myself – and without trying to sound to harsh – it’s simply life. Dealing with grief is something we can’t control, we can only heal with time and often not fully, I learned to accept it and kepping all that they brought to me in their life. Feeling sad for a very long time lowers our energy system the most so we can only attract falling ill ourself or even feeling like we can carry on. What is in my opinion is almost certain that hardship will have circumstances and it is all down to who we have around us. So many times we are effected by past life traumas and we can unknowingly creat ourself or others to suffer from it. That’s how we brought up from a very young age the beliefs and emotions we been programmed by and passed on by others. Often your strength and energy can attract people who will use it to their benefit cause they are already feeling broken and depleted. Like that the pattern of negative beliefs or thoughts develops in us whilst they use it to hold on to your power but we start to think the cause of all sad situations is our always our fault. Sadly not many people understand theirself or even believe it’s focusing on the whole mind, body and soul in full is essential. I even been laughed at cause I’m taking my spirituality so seriously. The only thing is they don’t know cause they haven’t had so many negativity happening to them yet or understand your life. We can’t save everyone they will only understand when it’s their time to know.
When I was growin up I was almost certain I’m cursed or just very unlucky. It has lead me to the moment when I felt like I can’t or even wanted to carry on living like that anymore, I fell into my darkest deepest whole and I was ok there, I was very tired and broken of it all starring at the sealing, feeling sorry for myself although I knew it will pass I stopped fighting for it. I have received a text or something popped up what made me check my phone or my Instagram and I read a word or seen an image about starting to heal or awaken our inner spirit although I was a hippy it wasn’t totally clear. I started reading more and more and even realising the causes of my bad luck, negativity and feelin unworthy wasn’t all my fault. All negative experiences in my life one after the other was the same outcome just caused by different people at different places or or something very bad has happened like nothing like that ever before. My relationships weren’t going well and I lost a very few people from my side. I was raging inside and very upset with the whole World. Then I realised it was all my fault cause it took me over and also kept on meeting people who was just making me feel worse so I isolated myself from everyone, even lost my job. I was searching how to be able to reacted differently, instead of asking why is it happening, I was looking for the messages it was trying to show me and teaching me the lessons every single time. Most negative experience has such a positive impact on me, almost funny how manny times I kept on making the same mistakes and breaking down, letting others treat me badly cause I was blamed for everything. It was soo worth it tho, self-love is the turning point and it your power. Healing is a beautiful path I think and the feeling it gives when we can share how to get there is so rewarding although it’s you who can achieve if you believe it’s not you. Peeling down the layers time to time, it’s never the same thickness neither is hard but once you understand it’s all in your head you figure it out. The best thing I learned is to slow down, put myself first even if it means to say no to others, breath and never let anger or hate take over or being blamed. Being greatful for every little thing is important but it’s hard to see when it’s only darkness over our shoulders. Although I choose to walk alone ( I’m only 41 ) the people I had by my side have returned or stayed or thought me a lesson. Being in peace with negative situations in life just made me believe that it’s only there to test me and making me stronger. Taking it slow helped me to be able to read the signs, repeting numbers appearing, syncroncities or even hearing people telling that they are experiencing something bad what I overcome with changing my ways of thinking helped them too was the most reassurance, I feel blessed and have hardly any bad situations happened to me for a very long time. I work for myself for the last 7 years. I had about 15 jobs in 3 years and I’m so pleased I’ve got fired or walked out. Hope you will be well and wishing you the best of all. It’s in you and will open everyone around you who you love.
This is one of the most beautiful explanations of spiritual awakening that I have seen. Thank you for this article. I am young but well on my way on the spiritual path, completely changing my habits and approach to life. I am not in the stability stage yet but see myself there by the end of the summer. Another article I found helpful was “The Present” by Global Truth Project that introduced me to these ideas. It has a lot of bold corollaries and claims and I would love to know your thoughts on it if you have read it!
i am very conflicted i am just now getting into spirituality. Does this process mean that our material likes are invalid ?? such as music ,food, fashion, are we just to give those up ? did we ever truly enjoy those things ? furthermore are things i enjoy doing both for myself and career, just also invalid now?Am i supposed to give up my personality / ego ?? i would appreciate any help
Thank you Isael for the question. There’s nothing wrong with having tastes and interests, even material goals. The problem is when we start thinking they will bring us fulfillment and happiness, which when you look back on previous interests/goals, you realize they just provide a temporary relief, a distraction from searching for deeper truth.
By all means enjoy those things, just be aware not to grow attached to them as they have a way of seducing us away from what really is worthwhile.
ah i see and understand how my material goals/interests and tastes aren’t bad if i don’t depend on them for fulfillment and happiness. does this differ however from passions ? for example when i am creating anything artistically/ designing it bring me a great sense of joy, peace and feeling rightness it just feels so natural and organic. are these connected more to the ego or to our soul/true selves ?
Passions follow a similar path as desires. Truly embodying our passion, our artistic experience, is a spiritual act in itself. It’s being in the flow of the moment, fully immersed in the present experience. The issues arise when there’s attachments to the outcomes of the art. Do we do art for arts sake, or do we do it for some type of reward outside of the experience of creating? That’s the distinction, one is of the heart, the other is of the mind.
Hi I’m just “newly” realized and hadn’t realized at the time what I was trying to achieve until I “popped”, ascended so to speak so I’m just starting to find out what self realization means and is so any help you can provide or useful sites you can show me link for would be greatly appreciated
Hey Roy,
Thank you for sharing. I have the feeling based on the way you’ve described it, that it’s more in tune with a ‘mystical experience‘ than self-relization. Feel free to check out that article, as these shifts aren’t permanent in nature.
I remember the first time I felt the oneness. I was 15 or 16 and downtown, there was a group of people yelling with Bible themed hate signs. Overwhelmed by how fake it all was, knowing better. I attempted to yell the truth. Jumping up on the other corner. I yelled a bit “God loves you for who you are” I was truly amused at this point. Despite this group not 50 ft away condemning me to hell. And as I walked away not out of defeat bit out of knowing better. As I walked I thought jokingly to myself. “Watch me be a prophet” And then it hit me, a vibration so strong, I stopped midstep. Then a voice asked again “Am I?” The feeling strengthened, it felt like …. Fullness, completion, warmth and laughter. Safe yet on fire. And then I knew the truth, I’m just one cog in our grand machinery.
Your writtings are lovely and have some wonderful hints and tips for the spiritual aspirant! You are doing good work reaching out to those who need it. My Guru pointed me towards scriptures called Yoga Vasistha by (param Guru) swami Jyotirmayananda Saraswati. It is a series of scriptures that discusses detachment and other practises shared in there. This is and belongs to the progressive path of self realisation that you speak of, within sanatan dharma. Otherwise a couple of sayings I enjoy. ” give your problems to god for he has a mighty ship” and “life will take care of life” it has a funny way of doing that.
When we come to the knowing of this we find a quieter mind, then the only job we have is to remain quiet.. out of time.. where there really is no bondage or liberation as we are always that, pure consciousness, aware of even being aware…
Much luck and Love on your journey. Blessings to you both and all.
Om tat sat
Vidya Devi
Kriya yoga is one path to Self-Realization. I’m a member of Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF). Most people say they took up their kriya yoga after reading Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda. A person will know if this is their path after reading that one book. It’s a spiritual practice that has made my life to happy and fulfilling!
Yet in knowing and still lacking love and support, how is this still possible?