The Nature of True Spiritual Seeking: The Meaning of Sadhana

----------- Frequently Asked Questions About Spiritual Seeking and Sadhana Why do we often feel unhappy despite our knowledge and experience? Our unhappiness stems from a lack of proper understanding of our true position in life and the nature of reality. While we may possess knowledge and learning, this often doesn’t translate into the ability to effectively handle unexpected or unfavorable circumstances. We tend to cling to human sentiments, and rely heavily on external factors for our happiness. Because these factors change and our relationships are built on shaky foundations, we are prone to disappointment. Even those who believe that they are spiritually advanced are affected by these changes, highlighting the difference between intellectual knowledge and truly embodying spiritual principles. How does human sentiment impact our spiritual aspiration? Human sentiments, deeply ingrained in our nature, can hinder our spiritual progress. We tend to view relationships through a personal lens, expecting them to be stable, but these bonds are often fragile and subject to change. Our concept of sadhana (spiritual practice) is also filtered through human understanding and desires, including seeking recognition and security. This reliance on human relations and desires obscures our ability to see the divine in everything, focusing instead on personal gratification. This leads to an inherent weakness that can make us vulnerable and reactive even when we are on a spiritual path. Why are our relationships, even the closest ones, subject to change and separation? Our relationships are temporal and a consequence of past actions (karma). Just like the fleeting connection of logs floating on a river, relationships are formed and dissolved based on the momentum of past deeds. We are brought together by similar karmic patterns, but are not inwardly related as we appear to be on the surface. When karmic effects dissipate, these connections will shift and transform unpredictably. This means that even the strongest bonds may be broken by changes in circumstances, leading to separation and conflict. How does a true spiritual seeker view the world and relationships? A true spiritual seeker () transcends the limitations of human perception. They do not view people and objects through the lens of personal attachments. Instead, they see them as manifestations of a deeper, divine reality. They are able to see through things to what is really present underneath the surface. Their perspective is not based on earthly relations or sentiments but on a spiritual understanding. They do not seek recognition or security through external validations. This is due to the ability of the spiritual seeker to be centered in their relationship with the divine, which is the background to the world. What does true sadhana (spiritual practice) entail? True sadhana involves a radical transformation of consciousness, moving away from the limitations of human sentiments and attachments. It requires a complete detachment from worldly relationships and a focus on divine relationship. It is not merely an intellectual pursuit, but a deep and ongoing process of self-inquiry and inner work. It also involves reinterpreting our relationships with people and things in our day-to-day lives, recognizing them as manifestations of the divine rather than personal objects of affection or dislike. How can we measure spiritual progress? Spiritual progress can be gauged by the nature of our daily thoughts and emotions. The way we react to others, the feelings we try to hide, the thoughts we entertain, and the way we handle joy and sorrow are indications of our character’s substance. If our emotions and reactions are still rooted in our human sentiments, we need to go deeper to rid ourselves of these sentiments and see the divine. A spiritual seeker maintains a constant state of stability and is not prone to mood swings or emotional reactivity. Why is it difficult to perceive the divine in the world and in others? It’s difficult because our feelings and sentiments often resist intellectual understanding. Though we may intellectually acknowledge that the world and all living beings are manifestations of the divine, our emotions cling to a personal understanding of reality. This prevents us from truly seeing others as divine beings and instead we see them as individuals related to us through sentiment. Because of this we remain separate from the divinity that is in everything, including ourselves. How can we bridge the gap between our human consciousness and the divine reality? We bridge the gap by actively transforming our consciousness, shifting our perspective from our limiting human sentiments to the viewpoint of the spirit. This process involves facing our weaknesses, letting go of our ego’s attachments,...