The self

What is spirituality? The past two decades encompassed what has been called an age of alienation. Old traditions and religions were rejected. Thousands of “New Age” seekers began to experiment with a myriad of chemicals and philosophies. There was a pervasive current of feeling that the Truth was someplace close at hand — but where was it? Somehow it seemed necessary to broaden perspectives a little. In each society, the organized religion contains cultural practices and techniques which are handed down from generation to generation. It is when the means becomes confused with the end that its members begin to search elsewhere. They look for inspiration that is alive, that has a practical and observable effect in their daily lives. Whether a person lives a spiritual life on his own, or is part of an organized tradition, the goal is the same: the attainment of perfection, purity, and peace of mind, or Self-Realization. Therc’is a Power, an Energy, into which each person can tap if he only knows it is available to him. This Force inspires, encourages, reinforces, and gives strength to all those who seek to grow in a positive direction. Many, however, are unaware of this resource, or they have misconceptions about it. They are like the farmer who moved to a house in the city, and lived in darkness because he did not know what those strange sockets in the wall were. The Light is there and available to all; we need only to connect ourselves with the current.
This source of wisdom is the Self. The Self is not the individual body or mind, but rather that aspect deep inside each person that knows the Truth. It exists in each being, and yet it exists independently also. Some call it God. Others call it Jehovah, Allah, Brahman, Cosmic Consciousness, Atman, Holy Spirit, or the Universal Mind. The names and paths are many, but there is one Essence which pervades all beings. The Self is impossible to understand with the limited senses and intellect. The human mind cannot fathom the Infinite and the Eternal. Therefore a visualization is sometimes used to help one focus on the Supreme. Christians may meditate on the image of a cross, or the form of Jesus Christ. Hindus may picture Lord Siva
(that Energy which destroys the old in preparation for renewal) as a very beautiful eternally youthful ascetic meditating atop the Himalayas. Those who conceive of the Absolute in more abstract terms may concentrate on a candle flame, a chakra (energy center of the body), or the sound of OM. But these are only partial impressions of the Truth. Imagine a highly advanced scientist. He knows the theory and mathematics of how large space is, or how minute an atom is, or what the difference is between life and death. He can explain them in detail and at great length. But this is only theoretical knowledge; he can never really grasp the essence of these things. There is no way to define or describe that which is limitless. It is only through direct experience, not the intellect or the senses, that Absolute Knowledge can be attained. Through the protracted practice of mediation it becomes possible to still the outgoing mind, develop intuitive abilities, and touch that small part of the Supreme that lies within all.