Some travellers on the spiritual path make admirable efforts – they have a lofty aim, work with zest and sincerity, and are loved and respected by many. However, after some time, they appear to be totally different people.
Those who were galloping on the right path until yesterday look to be moving in the opposite direction today. Gone is their spiritual joy and angelic demeanour; they seem to be caught up with more earthly concerns.
While earlier their minds were occupied solely by God, now their attention is engaged by a number of people, whose company has changed them. A lot of people have such an experience. In the beginning, when they have a spiritual awakening, they are very happy — they forget their sorrows, find peace and contentment, discover their inner strength, and tirelessly engage in serving others with enthusiasm.
However, after some time, they are not so content with their efforts and service. They wonder why they have lost the spark and energy of before, and instead of moving forward they feel they have stopped.
The reason for this is loss of focus. Many spiritual aspirants start with the single-minded purpose of achieving a high aim. As they move along, however, they begin to get distracted. They look at their fellow travellers on this path, make comparisons with them, and forgetting their goal, start copying what others are doing.
When they are cautioned about going astray, they justify themselves by pointing out that others are doing the same. Instead of watching their step, they try to correct others, and sometimes come into conflict with them. Abandoning eternal principles, they begin to behave as others do. Some become attached to the role they have been given, and measure their worth by it. Some others start having expectations — of recognition, praise and material things. When these are not forthcoming, their zeal to serve is dulled.
Spiritual attainments and the quality of our effort determine our value, but some people develop conceit about their task or talents and get stuck on the respect and adulation they receive because of these. “I work very hard”, “I am in charge here”, they think. Even the service they do becomes conditional on being offered extra regard or hospitality. This blocks their progress. Then what happens is that such individuals start competing with each other, engaging in one-upmanship to prove their worth. “That one is doing this, so I will do something more. I will show them”, they say, “Why should I be left behind?” They do not stop at even belittling others: “You are not experienced in this, I am experienced”; “You are not educated, but I am educated.” Rather than work to overcome their weaknesses, they expend their energy in trying to get the better of one another.
In the process they become weak and fall from their elevated status. Engrossed in looking at others instead of being introspective and meditating, these misguided seekers lose their connection with the Divine, the source of spiritual power. With their mind engaged in comparing, competing and correcting others, they no longer experience peace and happiness as before.
So, if we become similarly dissatisfied during our spiritual journey, we need to check if we have taken to the wrong path, and change course if necessary.
B.K. Geeta is a senior Rajyoga teacher at the Brahma Kumaris headquarters in Abu Road, Rajasthan