Spiritual Journey

One starting a Spiritual Journey and/ or already on the Spiritual Journey, needs to understand the different stages of this beautiful journey and how it proceeds one to the higher spiritual level by itself.  Initial efforts of a seeker are necessary and the rest happens automatically..!  Even though once is resisting himself to get there, Universe will make sure that he will come across the same path which will lead him to the ultimate Goal…

1)      The Knowledge Verbal / Books : The very first stage is to gain the knowledge about spirituality.     Generally one is introduced to this knowledge by someone around or we read books or articles and       get the knowledge about spiritual practices and its benefit. 

2)     The Belief system :  In this stage, after gaining the knowledge, which is encouraging us somewhere deep inside to develop a certain belief based on what and how we understand that knowledge.   This belief is giving us the purpose on what is to be done next.

3)   The spiritual Practices : Once we develop the belief based on the knowledge, we get an urge to apply that knowledge practically.  Here we start practicing what we learn, understood or read about. 

4)  Spiritual Experience :  Continuous spiritual practices gives the Spiritual experiences.. which transform the initial Belief into Faith.  This Faith again encourage us to more spiritual practices.

5)    Faith : Once we start getting the Spiritual experiences, it lead us towards complete Faith in that practice.  We get convinced deep inside that we are on right path.. which leads again to do more Spiritual practices, giving more and more spiritual experiences which increases the level of FAITH in that Supreme Power.

6)     The Divine Presence:  Growing in strong Faith leads us to experience the Divine Presence, which means complete Awareness of everything around us.  And this happens so beautifully that even if Mind interrupts in between, the Presence completely takes over and let the person experience that Presence or Awareness.  When one is in complete Awareness of everything around, one cannot go into past or future… means that person is actually living the PRESENT MOMENT.

7)      Bhakti : Once one starts getting the Divine Presence, no one can stop him.  Then he comes to the stage where he starts experiencing the Divine aspect within him.  Means the state of Separateness ceases and the State of being One with God comes into place.  This state is nothing but complete Devotion to the Divine. 

8)      Awakening or Self Realization :  This is the ultimate state where One finally becomes One with God.  The person attaining this state, does not feel the need to any ritualistic practice , he is just One with the Divine from inside.  One has already attain the state where Duality is ceased and one reached to the state of Non-Duality.  This state lead the person automatically towards God Realization State.  As here there is no Free will but only Divine Will works.

For anyone who see oneself in any of these stages are destined people who are contributing to the Services of Mankind by raising the level of Collective consciousness.