Levels of Fulfillment"Are there levels or states of spiritual fulfillment?" I was eager to hear Swami Swahananda’s explanation. "Yes. Vedantists, or any spiritual seekers, work it out, stage by stage. There are several stages. "Wonderful. Can you tell us the main stages, or perhaps tell us all the stages?" I urged. "At first comes questioning. A person searches in his young days for higher ideals. Sometimes people come in direct contact with some overwhelming experience, especially the death of a near, and dear one. Sometimes a very good experience, like being saved from an accident, may also make him more reflective. Questioning arises when things become different. The inquiry for a purpose of life and the meaningfulness of things brings some answers. Then he is inspired to practice spiritual disciplines. Some type of uplifting experience comes to confirm the intellectual formation. "In the beginning comes faith, general faith. The search brings company of the holy—books, as well as persons. That in turn brings the desire for spiritual practice. As a result, obstacles are removed, body and mind cooperate better; then comes steadiness in practice and also in attitude. Spiritual life is basically a change of attitude based on spiritual reality or philosophy of life." |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
16 of 29 |
 |
 |
 |
