By – AiR Atman in Ravi, Happiness Ambassador and Spiritual Leader
If we seek to overcome suffering, if we seek peace and bliss, there is only one way and that is through the path of spirituality. Spirituality is the science of the spirit, the Atman. It leads us to spiritual Enlightenment, the highest realization of truth. Through this path, we awaken to our real identity: we are not the body, mind or ego. We are the Soul, a Spark Of Unique Life, a part of the Supreme Immortal Power, SIP we call God. However, to be spiritually awakened, we must intensely and passionately yearn for God, for Enlightenment and Moksha. Realizing God must be the only priority of our life.
Spiritual awakening frees us from the triple suffering— the pain of the body, misery of the mind and agony of the ego. We are the Soul and the Soul never suffers. We realize that the Divine we seek in temples and shrines is already within us. Spirituality gives life a deeper meaning and direction. It anchors us in purpose — and purpose is the root of lasting joy.
The answers to two questions on the path of spirituality are key to spiritual awakening: Who am I? Why am I here? To answer these questions, we need to go on a quest, an inner voyage of self-discovery guided by a Guru. We must ask questions, investigate our findings, only then can we realize the truth. The spiritual practice of meditation is critical on our spiritual journey. It is only when we still the mind, transcend the mind that we can reach the state of consciousness, mindfulness, awareness, where the intellect is activated and in which we can be awakened.
When we realize the truth, we transcend all misery and suffering. We live as a Divine Instrument accepting the Divine Will, in surrender. We do not protest, there is no agitation or unrest. We realize that we are all one, a part of God. This fosters universal love and brotherhood. There are no differences amongst us — no hate, anger, vengeance, jealousy. How can one not be peaceful when all negative emotions and thoughts are transcended? We realize that death is just a bend to transcend. In reality, we never die because we are the immortal Soul. The mind and ego, ME, born out of ignorance, either returns in a new body to settle Karma or transcends the cycle through Enlightenment, attaining Moksha — liberation from rebirth.
We transcend trauma realizing that what happens in life is the unfolding of Karma and ultimately, everything is a drama, an illusion. We realize that this world is a cosmic drama, a show and we are actors who come and go. Jagat Mithya. Prabhu Satya. The only truth is God. Nothing else is. Nothing truly belongs to us; we enter and leave this world empty-handed. Recognizing this, we let go of material aspirations and cravings, choosing instead, a life of fulfillment, peace, love and bliss. This realization sets us free from sorrow, grounding us in SatChitAnanda — the bliss of living in truth consciousness. And when our body comes to its natural end, we return to the Divine. We attain Moksha, merging into the oneness from which we came.
The fact is that very few people attain Enlightenment, the ultimate spiritual goal. While not impossible, it is difficult and needs both the grace of the Divine and the guidance of a Guru, besides intense love and yearning for God, Liberation, Moksha. Nonetheless, embracing spirituality changes us. It fosters peace and tranquility, deepens joy and changes our priorities, the things we love. We learn to see beyond the illusion of the body and mind and recognize our eternal essence — the Soul. Imagine the peace and joy one experiences realizing that we are the very God we worship!