The easy way to progress spiritually

Those who take the spiritual path to self-improvement sometimes come to a halt when they lose sight of their goal. Doubts and uncertainties begin to trouble them, due to which they slow down.

They lack courage to remove the obstacles before them, or to bypass them, and tire of their efforts to progress. Some become disheartened, lose hope and feel helpless.

They forget the easy way to overcome obstacles, which is to remember one’s spiritual identity — that one is a soul playing a role in life, and that the role is not one’s identity. Remembering this frees us from the bonds created by identifying ourselves with roles, places, possessions etc.

Instead of bypassing an obstacle, such souls try to break or remove it, and become exhausted in the process. They forget that they can just bypass it, and thereby turn an easy journey into a difficult, tiring one.

They create a storm of waste thoughts, and then begin to shake in that storm. They weaken their own faith by wondering whether or not what they believe is right, whether or not God is true and they can share their beliefs with others.

These doubts create uncertainty in their mind about the future, and their spiritual efforts falter. Just as a storm makes travel difficult and blows things far away, the storm of waste thoughts slows them down and carries them away from their path.

At such a time they need to ask themselves if they trust the Divine and believe that they will be successful. One who has this faith will be free of fear and worry.

One who is progressing spiritually, becoming a stronger, wiser, more mature person, will enjoy their spiritual journey instead of being wracked by doubts.

A spiritual life, lived the right way, is a life of learning and growing. There is an increasing sense of fulfilment as one acquires virtues and inner strength, and problems begin to look like trifles. As the clutter of vices is removed from the mind, it becomes clear that the right way to overcome hurdles is to remain courageous and enthusiastic so that one can help oneself and others.

B.K. Sheilu is a senior Rajyoga teacher at the Brahma Kumaris headquarters in Mount Abu, Rajasthan.