The Spiritual System of Thinking: Finding the Eternal in the Everyday

--------- FAQ: The Spiritual System of Thinking Is spiritual experience a sudden, new occurrence, or something else entirely? Spiritual experience is not a sudden event dropping from the sky, but rather a new interpretation and deeper understanding of existing experiences. It’s not the creation of a new truth, but the unveiling of the Eternal in a new sense of value. It’s like recognizing a meaning that was always present but previously unseen, akin to the discovery of the theory of relativity by Einstein, which existed before he formulated it. How does the concept of time relate to spiritual understanding? Spirituality transcends the limitations of time. It’s not a process unfolding in a sequence of events, but an Eternal reality that is ever-present. Our perception of past, present, and future can obscure this understanding. Spiritual experience is different in kind from ordinary life experiences, much like waking consciousness is different from dream consciousness, not merely in degree or extent. If the Eternal is present within the world, why is it so difficult to recognize? The Eternal is hidden within the world in the same way that waking consciousness is present in a dream. Just as the dreamer experiences the dream as real, we experience the world and our daily experiences without recognizing the Eternal immanent within it. This is due to our ingrained ways of thinking, influenced by personal history, tradition, and a prejudiced perception of reality. Our minds often create a distinction between the Eternal and the relative, making it hard to see them as one. What is the role of spiritual practices like yoga and meditation in this context? Spiritual practices are not designed to create new experiences, but to foster receptivity to the Eternal principles that are always present. They are meant to reorient our minds, enabling us to perceive the deeper meaning behind our daily experiences. The goal is to move beyond a prejudiced view of the world and understand the Eternal as immanent within it, not separate from it. How do everyday experiences relate to spiritual experiences? Every experience, from the most mundane to the most challenging, is an encounter with the Eternal. These experiences only become spiritual when their meaning is revealed through our minds. A painful or joyous moment is the Eternal impinging upon our personality. It’s our interpretation that makes it either a relative or spiritual experience. They are not something different from what we are seeking, but the very fabric of the spiritual quest. What is meant by “sacrifice“ in the context of spiritual life? Spiritual sacrifice isn’t about material wealth, but rather about sacrificing the erroneous pleasures of our personality for the joys of the spirit. It’s a psychological readjustment in terms of Eternity and a surrender of preconceived notions and values. This includes the letting go of our prejudiced way of thinking and our limited understanding of the Eternal, which is the highest form of sacrifice. What does it mean to “abide by the law of the Eternal“ and what are the consequences? Abiding by the law of the Eternal means aligning oneself with the existing, universal principles of the cosmos. It is achieved by recognizing and living in accordance with the reality of the Eternal’s presence in all things. Obeying these laws leads to satisfaction and protection, while violating them results in suffering and a continuation of the cycle of birth and death () due to misinterpretations and miscalculations of reality. What is the importance of honesty and correct thinking in spiritual practice? Honesty, particularly about the nature of our quest, is crucial for success in spiritual practice. We must be clear about what we’re seeking, and approach practice with intellectual rigor and a willingness to correct our misinterpretations of the world and the Eternal. The spiritual path is a scientific process. This includes moving beyond the narrow way of thinking we are conditioned to, towards a deeper and more accurate understanding of reality. By adjusting our thinking to understand the meaning of the laws of the Eternal, we can change our perspective and realize the Eternal in our everyday world.