Spiritual Learnings

Dear Students,

I am eager to share with you some insights I have gained from the spiritual journey I have been blessed to walk. Rather, I should say the spiritual path that God has graciously bestowed upon me:

1. Rewards or No Rewards: It's God's Will
   Everything we receive—be it family, a partner, wealth, or fame—is a gift from God, and we have no true control over it. The belief that we control these things, or that "I achieved this," is merely an illusion. It is God who acts through us. If you face challenges like a difficult boss or partner, remember that these circumstances are beyond your control—they just happen. Ultimately, rewards and losses are experienced by the body. However, there is something far greater that transcends these earthly gains.

2. God: Formless and Infinite
   God cannot be confined to form, identity, or described by words or senses. Despite having no characteristics, God is infinite and all-powerful. God exists beyond the dualities of happiness and sadness, rewards and punishments. God is both zero and infinite, embodying calmness, omniscience, omnipotence, and boundless love.

3. Our Ultimate Goal: Realizing the God Within
   As humans, our life's purpose is to realize the divine presence within us. Unfortunately, many of us are guided by our sensory perceptions, emotions, and thoughts instead of being led by the God within. The divine presence within us fosters immense love, peace, and truth. The journey is about moving from the sensory, material world to the infinite, spiritual realm. Worldly desires like fame, wealth, and power are byproducts of our conditioned minds. By detaching from these, we move toward the path of zero—the infinite. Beyond desires and fleeting happiness, we simply be.

4. Mindfulness and Discrimination (Viveka)
   When Buddha speaks of mindfulness, he refers to analyzing every thought and action. Are they driven by emotions or sensory perception? Similarly, the concept of Viveka teaches us to differentiate between the temporary and the eternal, focusing only on the latter. Mindfulness is the first step, while Viveka, armed with right knowledge, is the next.

5. The Nature of the Divine
   Truly divine individuals embody love, calmness, fearlessness, and peace. However, we must remember that walking the divine path is not something we control—it is entirely God's will. Whether or not we become divine is up to Him. Yet, if you are reading this and feel drawn to these ideas, it is a sign that God's grace is upon you, and you are treading the right path.

6. Spiritual Conduct and Advice
   Many of you ask me for spiritual advice. To be honest, I have none to give in the traditional sense. I don't suggest fasting or renouncing certain foods or doing specific rituals. If God wills it, you will naturally be drawn to these practices. Personally, I have experienced the profound peace that comes from understanding that God is in control of everything. This realization helps me release desires, knowing they will either be fulfilled or left unmet by God's will. It also frees me from acting out of obligation or disappointment. Even acts of charity, like helping the poor, should flow naturally without ego. When you are close to God, you will give without thinking—because you realize that we are all infinitely rich in divinity.

7. The Body and the Eternal
   The body is limited—it is subject to birth, decay, and death. Following a path guided by the body's desires makes us limited as well. This doesn’t mean neglecting your body—care for it as the gift from God that it is. But let it remain a tool, not your master. The eternal God must be the master. Through mindfulness, you can observe what drives you—whether it is fear, hope, or sensory pleasure. If you find these motivations at the core of your actions, pause. If not, carry on.

Recommended Readings:

1. Bhagavad Gita (Radhakrishnan translation)
2. The Heart of Awareness (Byrom translation)
3. Jnana Yoga (Swami Vivekananda)

With peace and blessings,
I