Spiritual Aspirant Undergoes Changes in His Attitude to God - Hinduism Teaching

The way a spiritual aspirant adores God depends upon his attitude towards himself. In other words, his level of consciousness determines his conception and adoration of God.

In his spiritual journey a spiritual aspirant undergoes changes in his attitude to God corresponding to the different degrees of purity of his mind, and finally reaches the culmination of spiritual life: oneness with God.

A verse attributed to Hanuman brilliantly describes this important spiritual principle: ‘When I think of myself as a body, I am the servant and You are my Master; when I think of myself as a jevatman, I am a part and You are the Whole. When I know I am the Spirit, I am Thou – this is my firm conviction!’

Additional Explanation:

The Spiritual Journey: From Duality to Oneness with God in Hindu Wisdom

The statement, “In his spiritual journey, a spiritual aspirant undergoes changes in his attitude to God corresponding to the different degrees of purity of his mind, and finally reaches the culmination of spiritual life: oneness with God,” reflects the essence of Hindu spirituality. This profound teaching encapsulates the essence of personal transformation, the evolution of one’s relationship with the divine, and the ultimate realization of unity with the Supreme.

Expansion of the Core Idea

In Hindu philosophy, spiritual growth is a progressive journey that unfolds in stages, deeply tied to the purification of the mind. This transformation is not merely an intellectual exercise but a profound internal evolution. As the aspirant sheds the layers of ignorance (avidya) and ego (ahankara), their perception of God transforms:

Dualistic Worship (Dwaita): At the beginning, God is perceived as a separate, external entity—an all-powerful Creator, Protector, and Sustainer. Devotion (bhakti) in this stage often involves rituals, prayers, and surrender to a higher power. For example, a devotee may worship Krishna as a protector or Shiva as a remover of obstacles.
Qualified Non-Dualism (Vishishtadvaita): As the mind becomes purer, the aspirant begins to sense an intimate connection with the divine. God is seen not as entirely separate but as residing within oneself and all beings. Love and devotion deepen, leading to a sense of unity in diversity.
Non-Dualism (Advaita): In the final stage, the aspirant transcends all duality and realizes their true nature as identical with God. This is the state of enlightenment (moksha) or liberation, where one experiences oneness with the infinite Brahman.

Deep Symbolism and Meaning

This progression mirrors the purification of a muddy river flowing into the ocean. Initially, the river's water is clouded, but as it nears the ocean, it becomes clearer, reflecting the boundless sky above. Similarly, the human mind, clouded by desires and ignorance, gradually clears through spiritual practice, ultimately merging with the infinite ocean of divine consciousness.

The journey is symbolic of humanity’s quest for truth and purpose. It teaches that the divine is not an external entity but the very essence of our being—a truth that resonates universally.

Universal Relevance

This teaching, deeply rooted in Hinduism, transcends time and culture, offering timeless wisdom for all humanity. It speaks to the universal longing for connection, meaning, and transcendence, relevant across eras:

In the Past: It guided ancient sages and seekers through their rigorous spiritual disciplines.
In the Present: It serves as a beacon for modern individuals seeking peace amidst chaos.
In the Future: It will remain relevant as long as humanity seeks answers to existential questions.

Lesser-Known Insights

Stages of Bhakti (Devotion): Hindu scriptures outline nine stages of devotion (Navadha Bhakti), from initial hearing (Shravana) to complete surrender (Atma Nivedana). These stages reflect the same progression from duality to oneness.
Cosmic Unity: The Chandogya Upanishad declares, "Tat Tvam Asi" ("Thou Art That"), affirming the non-dual truth that each soul is inherently divine.

Simple Explanation with Examples

Imagine a pot filled with water. Initially, the water is muddy, reflecting no clear image. As the water is cleaned, it begins to mirror the sun. Finally, when perfectly clear, it no longer reflects but merges in identity with the sun's radiance. Similarly, our spiritual journey evolves from seeing God as "other" to realizing God as "self."

Example: A child may initially respect their teacher out of fear or reverence. Over time, as understanding deepens, the child realizes the teacher's teachings are not separate from their own wisdom. In adulthood, they embody and live those teachings.

Modern-Day Relevance and Application

In today’s fast-paced, materialistic world, this teaching offers practical guidance for overcoming stress, alienation, and existential anxiety:

Mind Purification: Practices like meditation, mindfulness, and ethical living (yamas and niyamas) help calm the restless mind, allowing clarity and peace.
Relationship with God: Developing a personal connection with the divine through prayer, meditation, or yoga fosters resilience and inner strength.
Unity Consciousness: Realizing the interconnectedness of all beings promotes compassion, reducing conflicts and fostering global harmony.

Overcoming Modern Problems

Stress and Anxiety: Meditation and devotion calm the mind and reduce stress.
Loneliness: Feeling connected to the divine within alleviates loneliness.
Conflict: Recognizing the unity in diversity dissolves prejudices, encouraging peace.

Supporting Quotes and Stories

Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 6:29): "One who sees the Self in all beings and all beings in the Self is truly wise." This verse emphasizes the culmination of oneness.
Story of Narada: Narada, the celestial sage, initially sought God in external rituals but realized through deep meditation that God resided within his own heart.
Adi Shankaracharya’s Realization: Shankara’s hymn "Atma Shatakam" reflects his awakening to the non-dual truth: "I am not the mind, intellect, ego, or emotions. I am eternal bliss, Shiva."

Influence on Modern Life

Personal Growth: Encourages self-awareness and emotional maturity.
Global Unity: Promotes universal love and respect, addressing divisions based on religion, race, or culture.
Sustainability: Inspires a harmonious relationship with nature by seeing divinity in all life forms.

This teaching from Hindu wisdom reminds us that the journey to God is not outward but inward, a timeless truth echoing across cultures, offering peace and purpose in every era.

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Those who have studied Sri Ramakrishna’s life know that he was a worshipper in the Kali temple there. But what a worship it was! A worship with a difference: he cried and wept for God, the divine fire raging in his heart consuming his very being, till the stone image revealed to him the Consciousness pervading it. He started communicating with his Divine Mother, and She with him. That marked the beginning of Sri Ramakrishna’s divine play on earth — unceasing adoration and realization of God in one aspect or another.

Source – Prabuddha Bharata Editorial January 2002

Wisdom of Nisargadatta Maharaj

Virtue is not to be acquired; what remains after the renunciation of vice is virtue.
To know the world you forget the Self, to know the Self you forget the world.
To be nothing, to have nothing, to keep nothing for oneself is the greatest gift, the highest generosity.
Don't pretend to be what you are not, don't refuse to be what you are.
If you do not care for pleasure, you will not be afraid of pain.
What you need will come to you if you do not ask for what you do not need.
The essence of saintliness is total acceptance of the present moment, harmony with things as they happen.
Desire is the root cause of all suffering. We suffer more by the desire for things than by lack of things.
As long as you are a beginner certain formalized meditations and prayers may be good for you. But for a seeker of reality there is only one meditation — the rigorous refusal to harbour thoughts. To be free from thoughts is itself meditation.

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