Question: Honesty for Spiritual growth
“Dear Brother, I thank you for your honest opinion and efforts towards spirituality. Coming from Indian origin and being conservative, we always look for others’ affirmation for any of our actions. Being a BK is no different, the same thing is followed. But the problem is there is a struggle(BK or otherwise) between the actual experience(the truth if I can say so) and the outer self (the outward behavior to please others). If one doesn’t go by the group, he is considered as half-cast or rebel. There is a clash as there is a feeling for the need of a group for spiritual progress (away from purely materialistic group). When people see your experiences, articles they get support for their inner selves which is longing to express the emotions, freedom, struggles. May be one should have that courage to be honest with oneself to progress spiritually (BK or otherwise). If we don’t we are losing our time by just believing a set of principles as real effort. Because many teachers/seniors speak of following the principles with more and more sincerely, because there principles helped them, but to put them explicitly as support systems only (not the effort itself) for spiritual progress would make the lives of spiritual seekers a lot easier. It would be good if you can elucidate the fundamental qualities needed from your experience for progress for a spiritual effort maker.”
Dear reader,
Thank you for your great question. As you mentioned, there is this pressure to conform, to be part of something in order to “move on.” Everyone is caught up in that in one-way or another: At work, in the religious gathering, in a society with determined set of values and traditions, etc. The consequence of not following is to be “alone.” Are you ready to experience that? 🙂
The answer comes when we realize that this is happening. That realization will bring the way out of that situation when the time arrives, if it arrives.
That right moment is something for every individual to recognize.
If the above sounds “very general,” it has to be in that way, for this blog is read by many individuals from different viewpoints and state of consciousness.
From avyakt7’s own experience, the truth is in yourself. This sounds like a cliché; and it is, if you have not experienced the third level of consciousness, the self. Perhaps there is more to it which avyakt7 hasn’t experienced yet, so avyakt7 does not hold anything as “absolute,” avyakt7 is open to “learn.” Knowing the inner self will give you that closeness to God.
When you are committed to Spirituality, which means that you realize that there are many weaknesses within “you” which are lingering there due to lack of greater consciousness; then change will be on the way. The issue is “you,” the solution is in “you.” The path is honesty, sincerity in your dealings with yourself.
Usually religions and methods are there to “protect us” from that “outside” that you mentioned. It feels reassuring when others feel and think like you; but there is danger in that as well, it is called self-righteousness.
When you want to plant a shrub or a small plant that will become a strong tree later on; you will probably use a stake to support that shrub. Religions are that stake. That protection will be there but that stake will need to go away for the tree to find its own strength. Others will need that stake as long as they live. There is variety that is why, there cannot be “the answer.”
The purpose of that stake is to allow you to gain greater consciousness.
From my experience, Christianity gave me the teaching of being “accounted for.” That there was a God who could help me if I was “good.” That I needed to recognize my “sins” and change my behavior. Through Brahma Kumaris, I learned about my own vices. From my experience, all the methods/principles taught by the Brahma Kumaris are meant to recognize sex-lust and anger and to transform them into feelings of benevolence to all. Celibacy is not a repression but a choice of a lifestyle in a different consciousness which obviously will not apply to everyone. There is variety.
Through other teachings, I have learned about the inner self.
There is no such a thing as one teaching being “better” than another, but teachings come from different states of consciousness and they will be beneficial as long as the individual matches that consciousness. In this way life becomes a school. Our state of consciousness will change. Life is change.
Take a look at your life and see if you have learned what you need to learn out of your current religion, belief or “ism” that you follow; if you say “yes” but then go back to the old pattern which brought you there in the first time; you will know that you were not honest with yourself.
That is the way to find out. It could be risky.
Taking the “stake” out is a big deal. You will find out if you are capable to stand up despite the storms, the hurricanes of life… Are you ready for that? You decide the timing. No one should pressure you. If you are not ready, that is OK as well. Every tree is different.
As long as there is appreciation and gratitude for all of those experiences, which are teaching us different things in life, we could grow.
Let us just remember that everyone is playing their own role in life. Mine is unlike anyone else’s and so is yours. See where you fit in this “movie of life.” That is your honesty, your sincerity, your gift to humanity.
Best wishes!
Exploring the Depth of Living 
🙂 Good to see you again Vvrisor!
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“When you are committed to Spirituality…..The issue is “you,” the solution is in “you.” The path is honesty, sincerity in your dealings with yourself.”……A Very Hard to Digest Exploration….Lovely avyakt7!
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