SPIRITUAL AWAKENING

Is it the first experience of internal realisation and then your internal journey begins, or is it the final destination where you attain ultimate peace?

Spiritual awakening is the simple yet profound realisation of the self—identifying and experiencing that you’re not the body or the mind; you’re the spirit, the soul (atma). It’s not a single realisation but rather a multitude of experiences that will enrich your life, infusing a deep sense of meaning to your life, and take you closer to your true identity. It’s the understanding that I am not something but rather just am. A series of realisations is neither the start of something nor does it represent the end; these realisations dawn in the deep, intense now while we are in the journey.

Let’s break this down.

I Am Not the Body

Each body part and internal organ has its own name—where are you in it? Each cell is operating on its own without any involvement of yours; you’re not required to do anything for your body to function. You’re neither breathing in nor breathing out. You don’t instruct your heart to pump blood to the other organs, yet it does. Look at your hands and legs; do you make them move? Is it your instruction that commands their functioning? You probably answered yes to this question. Let’s try again. Is it you or is it the mind that commanded the movement?

I Am Not the Mind

The mind is the superintendent of all the senses, and its primarily mode of communication with you is through thoughts. It is a warehouse of past experiences and imaginations of the future. It directs you to get into action, and it drives you to do things.

Let’s pause and reflect—are you commanding the mind, or is the mind commanding you? Mind forces you to do, but you’re not the doing; your presence can be felt in the being.

Then Who Am I?

Human is the form; you’re the being.

You’re the one that is watching your body and the mind; hence, you could confirm that neither was you. So, it’s safe to say that you’re the one that is watching...

The one who sees it all—this has been synonymous with see-er, watcher, spirit, soul (atma)—you can depict it with different names, but what’s in the name? What matters the most is identifying and realising that, that is you! The one who sees it all, and not what is seen ‘the body’ or felt through the other senses ‘the mind’.

I am?

No…

You’re the AM and not the I.

How do I experience this spiritual awakening?

Gyan, Guru, Sangath

Wisdom (Gyan)

The identification process of ‘this is not me’ is accelerated through a pure, clean, and calm mind. Wisdom helps free up space in your mind, shows you where you stand, and transforms your current state of mind into a higher qualitative state. When the water has ripples, you will find it rather hard to see your reflection, but in still water, you can immediately see your reflection effortlessly. Similarly, a calm and uncluttered mind will support you in identifying your true self.

Spiritual Guide (Guru)

Can you have this realisation independently? Well, if you could have, you would have till now, but you haven't, hence you’re here searching for the answer!

You need support to identify your true self; you need someone to show you the path. What you need is a guide to show you the way and walk along with you in this journey of self-realisation. It is your journey, but guidance will make it delightful!

But who can show you the way? Naturally someone who knows the way, who has walked on the path, and knows that it’s an arduous yet amusing journey. A true seeker, a true master, a guru, a bhramhgyani!

A guru through wisdom will guide you, support you in purifying your mind, and handhold you in this internal journey. Will show you that you’re not the body, not the mind; you’re the soul—unaffected, unaltered, ever present, the source of every element of this universe and beyond.

Company (Sangath)

To quote Shubha didi, “As the company, so the colour.”

It's pertinent to be in the company of those who are on this journey, as you are. The right company will support you similar to a support group of any club. Since they are on the same boat, they will help you with the navigation process and, during turbulent times, will be standing by your side, guiding you across.

How do you know you’re on the path to discovering your true self?

You will begin to observe changes in the way you lead your life (Rehni), the way you communicate (Kehni), and the way you deal with the daily circumstances and challenges of life (Sehni).

Rehni (Living)

• Positive outlook towards life.
• Smiling more often.
• Finding joy in the little things.
• Wishing well for others.
• Kindness and compassion to fellow beings.
• Gratitude.
• Mindful actions and slow living.
• Acceptance of the life situations and people’s aptitudes around you.
• Sense of satisfaction in what you do.
• Courage to stand up for yourself.
• Heightened love for self.
• Developing love for God/higher forms of energy.
• Increased joy and happiness.
• Coming from the space of giving rather than taking.
• Understanding that no one is obligated to do anything for you.
• Reducing our expectations and managing others’ expectations with a lot of love.

Kehni (Communication)

• Increased respect for all, avoiding belittling others.
• Disinterested in gossiping, bickering, and complaining.
• Compassionate dialogue.
• Deep understanding that it’s a clash with the attributes of the mind and not the person.
• Increased Silence.
• Respectfully communicate your concerns and avoid enforcing your opinions on others.
• Reduction in trying to prove your point of view and heightened acceptance of others opinions.
• No confrontation talks.
• Being aware of the situation/space (desh), time (kal), and receptiveness of the mind (patra) before starting a difficult conversation.

Sehni (Handling Situations)

• Increased tolerance towards others and life situations.
• Accept challenges and win over them through the right mindset.
• Recognising your mistakes and working towards rectifying them.
• Handling situations positively.
• Witnessing the divine agenda in every action.
• Trusting that the cosmic loves you and can do no harm to you.
• You’re now guided by your intuition.

Spiritual awakening is finally waking up from the long slumber to realise that it’s not your movie; you’re not the protagonist; instead, you’re the one watching the movie. Go grab your popcorn and behold the theatrics unfolding before you. Enjoy the movie; it’s neither yours nor you!