Swami Turiyananda’s teaching on how to know if one is progressing towards Bhagavan (God) is deeply rooted in the essence of Hindu spiritual wisdom. His statement provides a clear framework for self-assessment and external observation in the spiritual journey. By saying "one can know it oneself, others also can know it," he emphasizes that spiritual growth is not an abstract or invisible process, but rather it manifests in tangible changes in one’s character, behavior, and inner state of mind.
Additional Information
Swami Turiyananda identifies key indicators of spiritual progress:
- Diminishing of passions: Lust, anger, and greed are often referred to as the primary enemies of spiritual growth in Hinduism. When these diminish, it is a sign that the aspirant is purifying the mind.
- Decreased attachment to worldly objects: Attachment to sensory pleasures is considered an obstacle in the path of self-realization. As one advances spiritually, the craving for temporary pleasures wanes.
- Inner peace: The culmination of spiritual progress is the sense of peace, contentment, and tranquility, which becomes a natural state of being.
Symbolism and Importance
In Hinduism, lust, anger, and greed are often symbolized as forces that bind the soul to the cycle of samsara (birth and rebirth). They are personified as Asuras (demons) in various mythological stories. For example, in the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna says:
"There are three gates leading to hell—lust, anger, and greed. Every sane man should give these up, for they lead to the degradation of the soul." (Bhagavad Gita 16.21)
These three forces prevent the mind from attaining moksha (liberation). Therefore, the waning of these emotions signifies that one is moving closer to God or Bhagavan, and ultimately towards liberation from the cycle of samsara.
Story from Hinduism
A classic story that highlights the theme of spiritual progress and detachment comes from the life of King Janaka, who is considered a Rajarshi (a king who is also a sage). King Janaka was known for his profound wisdom and deep detachment, despite being a king ruling over a vast kingdom.
Once, while sitting in his palace, a messenger came running to inform him that his kingdom was on fire. However, King Janaka remained calm and unperturbed, simply saying, "Let it burn." His lack of attachment and deep inner peace were evident, showing that he was always absorbed in God, unaffected by external circumstances. This story illustrates how one can remain in the world, yet not be of the world—a sign of advanced spiritual progress.
Modern Day Relevance
In the context of modern life, Swami Turiyananda's teaching holds significant practical value. Today, people are constantly grappling with stress, anger, lust for material wealth, and greed for power. These emotions often lead to mental and physical exhaustion, strained relationships, and a lack of fulfillment. Swami Turiyananda’s criteria for spiritual progress offer a clear pathway to personal development and emotional well-being:
Diminishing passions: Mindfulness, meditation, and self-awareness help individuals reduce impulsive reactions like anger and greed. In today’s fast-paced world, this translates into better emotional regulation, improved relationships, and greater satisfaction.
Decreased attachment to sensory objects: This encourages a shift from a consumerist mindset towards simplicity, gratitude, and finding joy in non-material things. For example, modern practices like minimalism or decluttering align with this teaching by reducing the attachment to material objects.
Inner peace: Peace at heart, as mentioned by Swami Turiyananda, can manifest in our daily life as resilience in the face of challenges. This sense of peace is especially important in today’s world of uncertainty, where people often seek external validation or temporary pleasures but remain dissatisfied. Meditation, reflection, and living with purpose can cultivate lasting peace.
Practicality in Day-to-Day Life
Controlling Emotions: Lust, anger, and greed are pervasive in modern life, but they can be managed. Practices such as yoga, pranayama (breath control), and meditation can help control these impulses. Over time, the regular practice of meditation helps reduce the intensity of these emotions and fosters a calm mind.
Simplifying Desires: Material wealth and sensory indulgence are often equated with happiness in today’s world, but as spiritual progress deepens, one naturally becomes content with less. Simple living and high thinking, a phrase often used in the Ramakrishna Order, reflects the importance of focusing on inner riches rather than external wealth.
Developing a Peaceful Heart: Maintaining peace in the heart is a crucial sign of progress. In the modern context, this can be achieved through practices like gratitude journaling, cultivating compassion for others, and being involved in selfless service (seva). Engaging in acts of kindness and selflessness also aligns with spiritual growth, as it moves the focus away from selfish desires and towards the well-being of others.
Similar Example and Thought
In the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Turiyananda’s guru, it is often said that the more one progresses spiritually, the simpler and more childlike one becomes. Sri Ramakrishna used the analogy of a fruit ripening on a tree. As the fruit ripens, it becomes softer and sweeter, and similarly, a person advancing towards God becomes more gentle, humble, and peaceful. This metaphor suggests that spiritual progress naturally transforms one's character, making one more compassionate, loving, and less driven by worldly desires.
Quotes from Hindu Scriptures
The Bhagavad Gita also echoes this sentiment in several verses. Krishna says:
"He who has no attachments can really love others, for his love is pure and divine." (Bhagavad Gita 2.55)
This verse explains that a person who has transcended attachment and the desires of the senses will be capable of genuine love and compassion, which is another marker of spiritual progress.
The Upanishads also teach that:
"When all desires that reside in the heart are cast away, then does the mortal become immortal and attain Brahman." (Katha Upanishad 2.3.14)
This points to the idea that inner peace and freedom from desires are the ultimate signs of approaching the Divine.
Additional Thoughts
Spiritual growth, as outlined by Swami Turiyananda, is not something that can be measured by external success or rituals alone. It’s an internal process of transformation that anyone can practice, regardless of their external circumstances. It is this shift from outward pursuit to inward focus that is key in both ancient and modern spiritual practice.