So far, I’ve been talking only about first steps. Outlining major characteristics of self development possibilities, mainly focused on personal development. This time I will formulate a few principles for those of you trying to approach spiritual development. We keep hearing about spiritual development everywhere around us. It is so trendy to talk about spiritual development. To believe in a bright future for yourself is very human. And what can be more thrilling than picturing yourself as following a shell-proof spiritual path with a glorious finale. Here is my take on this subject.

It might be an early start…

In one of the first posts on the Vertegram blog I have outlined the organizing principles of self development according to my experience and actual knowledge. I stated there, that true spiritual development starts when the goal of personal development was reached. But I am sure that you know many people who have started their spiritual development already. Or at least they say so. Maybe you are one of them. What can we say about them? Are they wrong on this? Is it possible to start a spiritual path before accomplishing the goal of personal development?

Is it true spiritual development?

I tend to say yes. I think there is nothing wrong with starting a quest of spiritual development whenever it feels right. But will that be a true spiritual development? Or it’ll be just a waste of time? There are radical approaches to this, but also more permissive ones. Some may say that this is crazy, some may show more acceptance. My take on this is known from defining the organizing principles of self development. But I would not exclude the possibility of a parallel development, on both levels, at the same time. The only aspect I would add to this apparent tolerance is that personal development and spiritual development do not have the same weight. While personal development appears to me as a necessity, spiritual development is always a choice.

I am fully aware that this topic might stir up some disagreement among those of you who have been keeping up with me on Vertegram, but I am willing to take my chances. So, here I give you 5 guiding rules for starting your spiritual quest.

1. To look for a living accomplished spiritual master.

Pros: A liberated spiritual master is a guarantee of the infallibility of the spiritual path he is representing. A human being like this represents the perfect assurance that you will reach the utmost on this path. By all means, finding someone like this can be considered a great luck. This often sounds like an idealistic-romantic fairy tail, but the state of grace it brings leaves room for humility in front of the unknown essence of all life.

Cons: It is impossible to have the certitude that you’ve found one. How can you possibly understand the level or nature of the realizations of a spiritual master? This is a very difficult path for those inclined too much for distrust. These days, when everybody tends to teach and speak up instead of learning and listening, it is almost impossible to follow this path. And the master might not want to take you as his student, or as his responsibility after all your searches. Or the very term “master” might make you jump out on the window.

2. To look for an existent spiritual school.

Pros: The framework presented there is a guarantee for the safety of the spiritual path presented there. Teachings and methods presented there were previously tested. There were previous human beings who have succeeded by complying to the framework presented there.

Cons: It is difficult to follow a path without a living guide who knows all the way. Although it seems like today we are most probably inclined to choose this approach to spiritual development, the abundance might as well be an obstacle. It is tempting to join a school that seems fitted for your needs, but at this point, you might not even know correctly your needs. This might be a deadlock, caused by confusing commodity with correctness.

3. To follow a spiritual teaching left by an authentic spiritual master.

Pros: A liberated spiritual master most probably has left behind a working and valid path. There were others who have reached the same realizations as the initiator. And they were probably confirmed by the initiator of the path. This is a confirmation of the validity of the path. You might have more confirmations of the authenticity of the path here, than on any of the other 4 approaches.

Cons: It is easy to fall into altering those teachings according to your tendencies. Although the teaching might be very much valid, your actual level of understanding might be an unsurmountable obstacle. The possibility of failure and disillusionment is immense.

4. To seek for spiritual knowledge and realization autonomously.

Pros: Wider possibilities for inspiration. Truly working correlations often show up to you as enlightening revelations. The freedom you have will always let you choose the best fitted method for your individual needs and aspirations. You are not likely to be disillusioned here as the maximum level of discerning and making decisions is available and left entirely at your sole discretion.

Cons: Extremely dangerous ground, you need great discerning capabilities as you are exposed frequently to erroneous ideas. Obviously this path is extremely difficult to follow. The trap of being puffed up and arrogant can easily eclipse your mind and overshade your efforts.

5. To seek for self-knowledge in a total introversion.

Pros: Complete introversion keeps you completely safe from deviations due to outer influences. Your unique effort is oriented towards a unique goal. The inner resources you are able to mobilize are taking you fast to your goal. This is the most direct path that leads to spiritual realization.

Cons: It is impossible to progress on this path without being extremely inspired, a true spiritually intuitive genius is required here.

I hope these guidelines consist in a good starting point for further unfoldings of the subject. Also, that these guidelines are helpful for some of you. Feel free to make corrections or just add your completing thoughts as I am sure that the subject is interesting for many of us.

Search: