The Dilemma of Spiritual Effort
By Robert Najemy
==============================
MAN’S LIFE PURPOSE IS THEOSIS
According to Orthodox Christian thought, man’s life purpose is divinization or theosis. Archimadrite Christoforos Stavropoulos explains that, “we are each destined to become a god; to be like God Himself, to be united with Him.” (Partakers of Divine Nature, Light and Love Publishing co.)
Timothy Ware, Bishop and Professor of Orthodox Theology makes this same point quite clearly in his book The Orthodox Church
“And if a man makes proper use of this faculty of communion with God, then he will become ‘like’ God, he will acquire the divine likeness; in words of John Damascene, he will be ‘assimilated to God through virtue’. To acquire the likeness is to be deified, it is to become a ‘second god’, a “god by grace’. ‘I said, you are gods, and all of you sons of the Most High’ (Psalm 1xxxi, 6).”
“Religious thought lays the utmost emphasis on the image of God in man. Man is a ‘living theology’, and because he is God’s own icon (image), he can find God by looking within his own heart, by ‘returning within himself’ :
‘The kingdom of God is within you’ (Luke xvii, 21).
‘Know yourselves,’ said Saint Anthony of Egypt. ‘...
He who knows himself knows God.’ ‘
If you are pure,’ wrote Saint Isaac the Syrian (late seventh century), ‘heaven is within you; within yourself you will see the angels and the Lord of the angels.’
‘In the purity of his heart he saw the invisible God as in the mirror.’”
“The aim of Christian life, which Seraphim described as the acquisition of the Holy Spirit of God, can equally well be defined in terms of deification. Basil described man as a creature who has received the order to become a god; and Athanasius, as we know, said that God became man that man might become god. ‘In my kingdom,’ said Christ, ‘I shall be God with you as gods.’ Suc h according to the teaching of the Orthodox Church, is the final goal at which every Christian must aim: to become god. to attain theosis , ‘deification’, or ‘divinization’. For Orthodoxy man’s salvation and redemption mean his deification.”
WE ARE DIVINE ENERGY
Yoga, Vedanta and most religions and spiritual paths agree with these statements and also affirm that man is inherently and latently divine and that his purpose is to discover and express that divinity here on the physical plane.
In addition it is maintained by most traditions that man must make some type of effort towards this goal. He must live a certain way of life and employ various spiritual practices so as to remove the dullness of the mind and uncover the inner light.
Man is an expression of divine energy which is in an evolutionary process of manifesting his latent higher nature.
That manifestation is characterized by his alignment with the universally accepted spiritual values of love, peace, truth, selflessness, humility, righteous action and unity.
Ií his perfection man will become like God, embodying universality, creativity and spiritual power.
MAN HAS FREE WILL TO TRY OR NOT
Man is able to manifest this perfection through cooperation and cocreation with the Divine. He needs to eventually align his free will with the Divine Will for the good of the whole. That can happen when he is freed from his identification with and attachment to his ego. At such a point he will experience pure love for others, God and his own self. This love is already a part of his basic nature and can be uncovered through various spiritual disciplines.
Although each of us has his or her own unique path, there are some general categories of disciplines and ways of life which aid this process.
METHODS OF ALIGNMENT
1. Some chose to develop their contact with God through religious liturgies and devotional gatherings.
2. We can develop a strong energy field through proper eating, physical exercise, breathing techniques and deep relaxation.
3. Some connect with the Divine through prayer, chanting, meditation and / or contemplation
4. We can remove our ego-centerdness through selfless service towards those in need.
5. Some forms of self analysis and self knowledge can liberate us from the hold of the ego.
6. Some will need to disidentify with the material world through wisdom and philosophy, as did Socrates.
7. Through dancing, chanting, singing, and all forms of creative expression we can connect with the divine source within us and become cocreators with the Divine.
8. We can strengthen our will and spiritual clarity through various disciplines such as fasting and prayer.
It is important, however, to remember that all the above have value only if they increase our love and selflessness.
SOME DIFFERENCES OF OPINION WILL BE FOUND
Paths of self control such as yoga give guidelines for the gradual mastery of the behavior, body, breath, energy, thoughts and mind, so that the soul can experience itself without the various distortions created by the subjective and programmed mind. Yet, others claim that although it is useful to make such efforts, real freedom will never come from the efforts, but only by Divine Grace.
Still other groups maintain that any of these efforts made in desire for some result, will in actuality keep us from experiencing the truth as the efforts are based on our ego needs. They suggest developing the witness and simply observing what is happening in the mind at all times, without identifying with it.
These varying opinions can cause confusion for the contemporary seeker.
OUR MOTIVES
The matter gets even more confusing because these same techniques are being used for goals other than the realization of our divine nature - theosis. They are being used for improving health, mental peace, self improvement, self confidence as well as becoming more effective and creative. These are all valid goals and each has the right to pursue them. We might even say that they are stepping stones towards the final step of Theosis, without which it would be more difficult.
Some also use them for gaining materially, professionally, or economically. Although this is certainly not our purpose in life, this too may eventually lead to their evolution, as by doing so they will eventually realize that these goals are not worth running after.
Thus some reasons one might be employing various techniques might be:
1. To improve or heal the body
2. To make material gains
3. Get free from some emotional or mental problems
4. Improve the mind and creative abilities
5. To be more accepted by others and God
6. To realize one’s True Higher Self
7. To unite with God
OBSTACLES
Various obstacles and traps are encountered on this path of spiritual effort or of self improvement, depending on what one’s goals are.
Let us first examine the obstacles which prevent us from employing the very techniques which will improve our lives, our bodies, our minds and eventually aid us in becoming free from ignorance, manifesting our innate divinity.
1. Inertia or resistance to change is a powerful force in nature and man. It causes us to want to remain as we are. We do not like change. We are afraid of change, and often prefer the unpleasant old conditions to the unknown new ones. Although this may be expressed as laziness, the basis is fear of change. This might also be the result of the fear that if we change, others might not accept us any more.
2. Resistance to control by others is also a powerful motivating mechanism which prevents us from employing a discipline. We have been used to external discipline and doing things because we “have to “ for the others. We are still in the role of the child and refuse to do our exercises, or eat properly, or work on our selves, because we have the mistaken idea that we would lose our freedom. Real freedom is being able to do what is in our best interest as souls in an evolutionary process. When my rebellious tendencies prevent me from living in a way which is for my ultimate benefit, then I am not free. I am a slave to my programmings.
3. We have other needs and desires which pull us away from our decisions for self improvement. We have a number of internal conflicts in which various parts of ourselves have opposite needs. One wants to eat properly, the other wants to eat lots of chocolate. One wants to meditate, the other wants to sleep or talk on the phone. One wants to read, write or pray, the other wants to watch TV.
These conflicts can be dealt with through internal dialoguing, allowing these various aspects of our being to communicate.
4. Some may have the idea that to take the time to employ such techniques is egotistical or a waste of time, and that one should be doing something productive or creative. The reality is, however, that great amounts of creativity, energy, increased productivity and thus “time” are achieved through these techniques and we are able to do much more, in less time and with less effort.
5. Negative comments from the family members may be an inhibiting factor for many. Perhaps we need to remember Christ’s words, “If you love your family more than me, then you cannot follow me”. That certainly does not mean to leave our family or ignore them. It does mean, however, that as long as our duty to the family is being fulfilled, no one, absolutely no one, has the right to suppress our spiritual quest or efforts for self improvement. In the long run they will be the beneficiaries, as we will become more energized, more positive and more loving.
6. Another factor which distances some people from this effort is the fact that for a few the employment of such techniques, especially meditation, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques, bring up suppressed emotions and issues form the subconscious. It is true that some very sensitive people should, in fact, not employ these techniques, and would be better off following other paths, such as service and work. Most of us, however, need at some point to face these suppressed feelings and bring them up for catharsis.
7. We live in a society which does not support this effort. Many also do not feel safe employing this process in a society in which most are measuring their self worth in material terms. They feel that they are losing contact with those around them. This, in fact, may happen, and it is a choice we will have to make in our lives. We will eventually connect with others who share the same goals and ways of thinking. This obstacle is one of the reasons why monasteries and retreat centers are created. One can spend a weekend at one now and then. Also perhaps the greatest help is to belong to some group of people who meet regularly and are sincerely seeking the truth. This could be in the church, yoga center or some other group, according to your liking.
8. One main obstacle is the nature of the mind. It wants to think, be occupied and be entertained continuously. It cannot stand to be by itself. It will make a phone call, turn on the radio or TV. It fears being alone. Yet this whole process of discovering our Real Self requires that we turn inward, and pass through its constant associating with the superficial and ephemeral and move into the depths of our minds, and beyond our minds into the realm of pure consciousness. Our mind definitely reacts towards this and undermines any such efforts.
9. Perhaps the main obstacle is our attachment to various external sources of security, affirmation, pleasure and satisfaction. The mind is so very attached to people, objects, substances, activities, situations and various stimuli, that it cannot be quieted enough to look inward.
SOME POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
We have mentioned here some of the obstacles which prevent us from being steady in our efforts for self improvement or spiritual growth. Let us briefly here enumerate some possible solutions.
1. Probably the most efficient solution for the beginner (say for the first ten to fifteen years) is to participate in some group which meets weekly. The group might pray together or meditate, practice yoga asanas, or discuss, or analyze, or perform selfless service to those in need or whatever suits each of us. This will keep us attuned to the process, and we cannot forget it for long as we are reminded and supported each week.
2. It will be very useful to free ourselves from the role of the child, so that we are not performing these techniques or ways of living so that God or others will love us more. God’s love is unconditional and will not increase for us because we are simply doing what is in our best self interest. What will increase is our freedom from our self limiting programming. All spiritual efforts need to be made because we experience their beneficial effect on us and because we want to, and not because we have to.
3. Distancing ourselves from work, society and family a few weekends a year can be beneficial for all of us, and will not harm anyone. During those weekends which we can spend at some monastery, retreat center or house in nature, we can spend our time employing any practices which we enjoy and which bring us into contact our real values and feelings. Walking in nature can be extremely centering.
4. Those who fluctuate in their efforts would do well to make an analysis and reevaluation of their life goals and values. They need to determine what they really want from life, and act accordingly. It might just be that the time has not come for them to take this path. They might be happier and more balanced ignoring the path at this time and living their lives just as they were until some event or inner realization awakens within them a more steady desire for growth.
5. Reading related books or listening to cassettes on such subjects can booster our determination and also guide us. So many of us have read the right book at the right time, so as to make the next step or answer the question which had been occupying our minds. We should, however, keep a balance here. Reading cannot replace experience. Simply learning about other people’s ideas cannot replace asana, pranayama, prayer, contemplation, meditation, and internal discovery. Reading about spiritual truths is good for creating seeds which can then be contemplated on, understood, and most important of all, employed in our daily life.
6. It is very often helpful to have a teacher, someone who is at least a few steps in front of us on the path and knows the traps and obstacles. Today, realized teachers are scarce. Also, even if one is blessed to meet one, he or she will not move into your house and guide us for the rest of our lives. Thus, whether we meet a physical teacher or not, we are going to have to develop an inner relationship with a teacher who could be a physical being, or our own Higher Self or God. They all represent the same source.
SOME OF THE TRAPS ON THE PATH
Let us now look at some of the traps which are encountered when we actually do employ such spiritual practices.
1. One trap is believing that we will be more worthy or more loved by God if we employ these disciplines or live certain way of life. God’s love is unconditional and is not increased for us by what we do or do not do. We simply become more aware, feel better about ourselves and freer to experience that love which is always there. Believing that we are more worthy is a form of spiritual ego which obviously prevents our experience of our true Self which is beyond the ego.
2. Some might employ such techniques in order to obtain spiritual powers such as astral travel or reading other people’s minds. These powers can be dangerous when we are not free from our selfish needs and can be a waste of time from the real goal which is the transcend of the ego.
3. Others get hooked on spiritual experiences, such as seeing visions or colors or feeling in certain ways. Such experiences may give a sense of verification that we are succeeding or increase our feelings of self worth. Our true Self, however, is beyond all phenomena.
4. As mentioned earlier, we might be performing these techniques in order to achieve our worldly goals.
5. A more subtle trap is to employ these methods so as to become more peaceful, more “spiritual” and thus more “attractive” more “accepted” by others who see us as a spiritual - good person.
6. We might seek health or rejuvenation of the body and mind
7
. We might be seeking happiness in the ego’s terms.
There is noting wrong in seeking these goals. They will all allow us to create the situations, pleasant and unpleasant, which will eventually push us towards the real purpose of life. When we have obtained some of the above and still experience the fluctuations of our mind, we will realize that we are still in the ego, that we are still in ignorance.
THE DILEMMA
Here is the dilemma. If we do not employ any techniques or make any efforts towards self improvement or spiritual growth, we will remain stagnant. If we make these efforts we will have many success such as health, vitality, a more positive and effective mind, greater creativity and many other benefits. But we will still be living in the ignorance of our programmed minds. We are still identified with the ego. The ego might temporarily be having a happier and more positive life, but it is not free and we have not arrived at theosis, the purpose of our lives. We are still susceptible to fear, hurt and suffering.
The ego will never actually be enlightened. Enlightenment is simply the realization that we are not the ego, that we are not the body and the mind. According to many sources, there is no personality that will be enlightened, we will simply stop identifying with the personality and become the unlimited essence -witness of all. Of course, the personality can be greatly improved and embody, to a certain extent, all of the divine virtues mentioned earlier. But the perfection of those virtues can come only when we are no longer identified with the body and mind, and their fears.
So if we make no effort, we have no results, and if we make an effort it may just magnify our ego. Every effort made by the ego to improve its life, strengthens its hold.
When I meditate in order to become enlightened, I am meditating from the ego which is waiting to be enlightened. It will never happen. If I am doing selfless service in order to get into heaven, then I am doing it for selfish reasons and am locked in my ego. If I wake early and pray so that God will take care of my material life, I am verifying that I am only this body, and also that God does not know what is best for me.
SO WHAT TO DO?
Any answer we give to that question will be from the ego who is trying to create a better life. There is nothing wrong with that. We have every right to create a wonderful life as long as that does not detract from our ultimate goal of realizing our true Divine Self.
When we are focused on the results of our spiritual efforts, we may experience anxiety, fear that perhaps we may not succeed, and that keeps us in the ego. We feel jealous towards those who seem to be succeeding more that we. Also we come into conflict with the parts of ourselves which are resisting our movement forward. Thus we are caught the ego and its conflicts and suffering. We are at war with our selves.
The answer lies in continuing (or for some, starting) our spiritual efforts but for them to be effortless. They can be effortless from the moment we stop focusing on the results. This means to stop seeking benefits from this process and to cease looking for verification that something is happening.
This means approaching our spiritual practices with a attitude of effortless effort. Perhaps some of the following thoughts might be useful.
1. An alternative would be to enjoy the process. To employ these techniques not because we must or because we will eventually, by “suffering through them now”, be happier later; but simply because we enjoy them. They are fun. They are a process of discovering and playing with the energies lying within the body and mind. It is a wonderful game.
2. Accept and love all aspects of one’s self and of creation. Become the witness to all that is happening within and without and remember that all is divine. Just watch the mind when it is not able to concentrate. Be amused by its fantasies and fears. No need to act upon them, if we realize that they will bring harm to us or others. Watch them, accept them, love them and let them pass into the nothingness from which they came.
3. Realize that the mind is not an entity but simply a stream of programmed processes. You are the only entity, You are the witness. The mind is being witnessed. It is like a river whose contents are ever changing. You are sitting unaffected on the banks, watching, without judging or rejecting. Letting all pass.
4. Remember that all beings are divine and love them, including your self, as you are.
5. Remember that you are divine energy and that there is nothing you can do to change that. You are born in God’s image and likeness. You can cover it up, but you can not destroy who you are.
6. Having faith in God’s continual presence and guidance will allow us to feel safe in observing our various mental and emotional fluctuations, as we accept them, love them and offer them up to the Divine.
7. We can cultivate the presence of God and open up to the omnipresent power of the Holy Spirit passively allowing it to make any changes necessary in our being.
8. We can remember that we can never be what we can observe. Thus, if we are observing our pain (physical or emotional) or our desire, or our fear, we cannot be them. They are something other than us. They are passing waves and we are the permanent ocean.
A MATTER OF BALANCE
Our efforts for self improvement or spiritual growth can be a source of anxiety, disappointment, fear of failure and greed for results. Or they can be an enjoyable game of hide and seek with our true Self in which at some point we will get tired and stop, and It will appear from It’s hiding place within us. Or perhaps our meditation should be like walking in nature or watching an enjoyable theatrical production. We are not thinking about what we will gain or how this will help us. Nor are we looking for results as we walk or watch, we are simply fascinated by and enjoying what we see.
The answer is not to give up the effort; it is to enjoy it and have total faith that the results are perfect. We will need to remind our selves that we are not the ones who are making the effort, but that we are the witness of the effort.
In closing, our realization of our Divinity is dependent on arriving at perfect inner peace. This peace can be achieved only through realizing ultimate truth and unconditional love. We can manifest truth and love only when we are free from fear. We can be free from fear only when we realize that we are not the ego who is seeking in the first place. But that realization must be experiential and not intellectual.
===============================================
Robert Najemy is the founder and is director the Center for Harmonious Living in Athens, Greece, the representative in Greece for the International Yoga Teachers’ Association, based in Sydney Australia, and the author of 15 books published in Greek on subjects of Yoga, health, psychology and spirituality.
==============================
Robert’s Perception
==============================
Dear Friends,
Robert Elias Najemy, after 45 years of spiritual inquiry, writing and teaching, has decided to share his perception of reality in response to your questions, dilemmas and thoughts.
His will respond to your written questions and thoughts in video form on youtube.
The process is this.
You send an email to ren@otenet.gr with the following data.
1. Name (any name you like)
2. Male ______ Female______
3. Age _____
4. Country __________
5. Profession ____________________________
6. Family situation:
Married _____, In a relationship_____, Single ______ Separated______ , Widowed_______, Other ________
7. Children, ____ Number, ______Ages
8. Books I have read on the subject _____________________________________
9. (The email to which you would like to be informed of that his perception has been uploaded.)
Your question must be limited to 90 words only.
This text (section) is 270 words so it must be much less that this.
Robert may not answer some questions, but that would be only in very exceptional cases.
He will not answer hypothetical questions.
You will receive an email with the address on youtube where you can see the answer to your questions possibly along with answers to questions and thoughts sent in by others. As he is extremely busy, some answers may take some time to appear. You will be informed when they do.
You are welcome to send in questions at any time.
Be well.
Robert Najemy
www.armonikizoi.com/
==============================
You can now find most of Robert's books in various ebook formats at
https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=Robert+Najemy
==============================
We welcome you to join us on Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/RobertEliasNajemy
==============================
Watch Lectures by Robert Elias Najemy on "Youtube"
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=robertenajemy#g/p
==============================
Robert's New Book
DEALING WITH TESTING TIMES
is a must for all.
Check it out at
http://sbpra.com/RobertEliasNajemy/
=============================================
View the following previous Webinars on Youtube:
1. Introduction about our Life Coach Training program
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUkDBNERflw
2. "The Science of Emotions"
http://www.youtube.com/user/robertenajemy#grid/user/75034102459C68A2
3. Self Acceptance (in two parts)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUkDBNERflw
4. OVERCOMING FEAR
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUkDBNERflw
5. The Twelve Pathways to Higher Consciousness
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFjDDO7y1hQ&feature=youtu.be
=============================================
Books, ebooks, acoustic files, CDs and DVD's
by Robert Elias Najemy
http://www.armonikizoi.com/store
=============================================
Join us on Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/RobertEliasNajemy
=============================================
Watch Lectures by Robert Elias Najemy on "Youtube"
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=robertenajemy#g/p
=============================================
Benefit from Support materials from Holistic Harmony
=============================================
By Robert Najemy
==============================
MAN’S LIFE PURPOSE IS THEOSIS
According to Orthodox Christian thought, man’s life purpose is divinization or theosis. Archimadrite Christoforos Stavropoulos explains that, “we are each destined to become a god; to be like God Himself, to be united with Him.” (Partakers of Divine Nature, Light and Love Publishing co.)
Timothy Ware, Bishop and Professor of Orthodox Theology makes this same point quite clearly in his book The Orthodox Church
“And if a man makes proper use of this faculty of communion with God, then he will become ‘like’ God, he will acquire the divine likeness; in words of John Damascene, he will be ‘assimilated to God through virtue’. To acquire the likeness is to be deified, it is to become a ‘second god’, a “god by grace’. ‘I said, you are gods, and all of you sons of the Most High’ (Psalm 1xxxi, 6).”
“Religious thought lays the utmost emphasis on the image of God in man. Man is a ‘living theology’, and because he is God’s own icon (image), he can find God by looking within his own heart, by ‘returning within himself’ :
‘The kingdom of God is within you’ (Luke xvii, 21).
‘Know yourselves,’ said Saint Anthony of Egypt. ‘...
He who knows himself knows God.’ ‘
If you are pure,’ wrote Saint Isaac the Syrian (late seventh century), ‘heaven is within you; within yourself you will see the angels and the Lord of the angels.’
‘In the purity of his heart he saw the invisible God as in the mirror.’”
“The aim of Christian life, which Seraphim described as the acquisition of the Holy Spirit of God, can equally well be defined in terms of deification. Basil described man as a creature who has received the order to become a god; and Athanasius, as we know, said that God became man that man might become god. ‘In my kingdom,’ said Christ, ‘I shall be God with you as gods.’ Suc h according to the teaching of the Orthodox Church, is the final goal at which every Christian must aim: to become god. to attain theosis , ‘deification’, or ‘divinization’. For Orthodoxy man’s salvation and redemption mean his deification.”
WE ARE DIVINE ENERGY
Yoga, Vedanta and most religions and spiritual paths agree with these statements and also affirm that man is inherently and latently divine and that his purpose is to discover and express that divinity here on the physical plane.
In addition it is maintained by most traditions that man must make some type of effort towards this goal. He must live a certain way of life and employ various spiritual practices so as to remove the dullness of the mind and uncover the inner light.
Man is an expression of divine energy which is in an evolutionary process of manifesting his latent higher nature.
That manifestation is characterized by his alignment with the universally accepted spiritual values of love, peace, truth, selflessness, humility, righteous action and unity.
Ií his perfection man will become like God, embodying universality, creativity and spiritual power.
MAN HAS FREE WILL TO TRY OR NOT
Man is able to manifest this perfection through cooperation and cocreation with the Divine. He needs to eventually align his free will with the Divine Will for the good of the whole. That can happen when he is freed from his identification with and attachment to his ego. At such a point he will experience pure love for others, God and his own self. This love is already a part of his basic nature and can be uncovered through various spiritual disciplines.
Although each of us has his or her own unique path, there are some general categories of disciplines and ways of life which aid this process.
METHODS OF ALIGNMENT
1. Some chose to develop their contact with God through religious liturgies and devotional gatherings.
2. We can develop a strong energy field through proper eating, physical exercise, breathing techniques and deep relaxation.
3. Some connect with the Divine through prayer, chanting, meditation and / or contemplation
4. We can remove our ego-centerdness through selfless service towards those in need.
5. Some forms of self analysis and self knowledge can liberate us from the hold of the ego.
6. Some will need to disidentify with the material world through wisdom and philosophy, as did Socrates.
7. Through dancing, chanting, singing, and all forms of creative expression we can connect with the divine source within us and become cocreators with the Divine.
8. We can strengthen our will and spiritual clarity through various disciplines such as fasting and prayer.
It is important, however, to remember that all the above have value only if they increase our love and selflessness.
SOME DIFFERENCES OF OPINION WILL BE FOUND
Paths of self control such as yoga give guidelines for the gradual mastery of the behavior, body, breath, energy, thoughts and mind, so that the soul can experience itself without the various distortions created by the subjective and programmed mind. Yet, others claim that although it is useful to make such efforts, real freedom will never come from the efforts, but only by Divine Grace.
Still other groups maintain that any of these efforts made in desire for some result, will in actuality keep us from experiencing the truth as the efforts are based on our ego needs. They suggest developing the witness and simply observing what is happening in the mind at all times, without identifying with it.
These varying opinions can cause confusion for the contemporary seeker.
OUR MOTIVES
The matter gets even more confusing because these same techniques are being used for goals other than the realization of our divine nature - theosis. They are being used for improving health, mental peace, self improvement, self confidence as well as becoming more effective and creative. These are all valid goals and each has the right to pursue them. We might even say that they are stepping stones towards the final step of Theosis, without which it would be more difficult.
Some also use them for gaining materially, professionally, or economically. Although this is certainly not our purpose in life, this too may eventually lead to their evolution, as by doing so they will eventually realize that these goals are not worth running after.
Thus some reasons one might be employing various techniques might be:
1. To improve or heal the body
2. To make material gains
3. Get free from some emotional or mental problems
4. Improve the mind and creative abilities
5. To be more accepted by others and God
6. To realize one’s True Higher Self
7. To unite with God
OBSTACLES
Various obstacles and traps are encountered on this path of spiritual effort or of self improvement, depending on what one’s goals are.
Let us first examine the obstacles which prevent us from employing the very techniques which will improve our lives, our bodies, our minds and eventually aid us in becoming free from ignorance, manifesting our innate divinity.
1. Inertia or resistance to change is a powerful force in nature and man. It causes us to want to remain as we are. We do not like change. We are afraid of change, and often prefer the unpleasant old conditions to the unknown new ones. Although this may be expressed as laziness, the basis is fear of change. This might also be the result of the fear that if we change, others might not accept us any more.
2. Resistance to control by others is also a powerful motivating mechanism which prevents us from employing a discipline. We have been used to external discipline and doing things because we “have to “ for the others. We are still in the role of the child and refuse to do our exercises, or eat properly, or work on our selves, because we have the mistaken idea that we would lose our freedom. Real freedom is being able to do what is in our best interest as souls in an evolutionary process. When my rebellious tendencies prevent me from living in a way which is for my ultimate benefit, then I am not free. I am a slave to my programmings.
3. We have other needs and desires which pull us away from our decisions for self improvement. We have a number of internal conflicts in which various parts of ourselves have opposite needs. One wants to eat properly, the other wants to eat lots of chocolate. One wants to meditate, the other wants to sleep or talk on the phone. One wants to read, write or pray, the other wants to watch TV.
These conflicts can be dealt with through internal dialoguing, allowing these various aspects of our being to communicate.
4. Some may have the idea that to take the time to employ such techniques is egotistical or a waste of time, and that one should be doing something productive or creative. The reality is, however, that great amounts of creativity, energy, increased productivity and thus “time” are achieved through these techniques and we are able to do much more, in less time and with less effort.
5. Negative comments from the family members may be an inhibiting factor for many. Perhaps we need to remember Christ’s words, “If you love your family more than me, then you cannot follow me”. That certainly does not mean to leave our family or ignore them. It does mean, however, that as long as our duty to the family is being fulfilled, no one, absolutely no one, has the right to suppress our spiritual quest or efforts for self improvement. In the long run they will be the beneficiaries, as we will become more energized, more positive and more loving.
6. Another factor which distances some people from this effort is the fact that for a few the employment of such techniques, especially meditation, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques, bring up suppressed emotions and issues form the subconscious. It is true that some very sensitive people should, in fact, not employ these techniques, and would be better off following other paths, such as service and work. Most of us, however, need at some point to face these suppressed feelings and bring them up for catharsis.
7. We live in a society which does not support this effort. Many also do not feel safe employing this process in a society in which most are measuring their self worth in material terms. They feel that they are losing contact with those around them. This, in fact, may happen, and it is a choice we will have to make in our lives. We will eventually connect with others who share the same goals and ways of thinking. This obstacle is one of the reasons why monasteries and retreat centers are created. One can spend a weekend at one now and then. Also perhaps the greatest help is to belong to some group of people who meet regularly and are sincerely seeking the truth. This could be in the church, yoga center or some other group, according to your liking.
8. One main obstacle is the nature of the mind. It wants to think, be occupied and be entertained continuously. It cannot stand to be by itself. It will make a phone call, turn on the radio or TV. It fears being alone. Yet this whole process of discovering our Real Self requires that we turn inward, and pass through its constant associating with the superficial and ephemeral and move into the depths of our minds, and beyond our minds into the realm of pure consciousness. Our mind definitely reacts towards this and undermines any such efforts.
9. Perhaps the main obstacle is our attachment to various external sources of security, affirmation, pleasure and satisfaction. The mind is so very attached to people, objects, substances, activities, situations and various stimuli, that it cannot be quieted enough to look inward.
SOME POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
We have mentioned here some of the obstacles which prevent us from being steady in our efforts for self improvement or spiritual growth. Let us briefly here enumerate some possible solutions.
1. Probably the most efficient solution for the beginner (say for the first ten to fifteen years) is to participate in some group which meets weekly. The group might pray together or meditate, practice yoga asanas, or discuss, or analyze, or perform selfless service to those in need or whatever suits each of us. This will keep us attuned to the process, and we cannot forget it for long as we are reminded and supported each week.
2. It will be very useful to free ourselves from the role of the child, so that we are not performing these techniques or ways of living so that God or others will love us more. God’s love is unconditional and will not increase for us because we are simply doing what is in our best self interest. What will increase is our freedom from our self limiting programming. All spiritual efforts need to be made because we experience their beneficial effect on us and because we want to, and not because we have to.
3. Distancing ourselves from work, society and family a few weekends a year can be beneficial for all of us, and will not harm anyone. During those weekends which we can spend at some monastery, retreat center or house in nature, we can spend our time employing any practices which we enjoy and which bring us into contact our real values and feelings. Walking in nature can be extremely centering.
4. Those who fluctuate in their efforts would do well to make an analysis and reevaluation of their life goals and values. They need to determine what they really want from life, and act accordingly. It might just be that the time has not come for them to take this path. They might be happier and more balanced ignoring the path at this time and living their lives just as they were until some event or inner realization awakens within them a more steady desire for growth.
5. Reading related books or listening to cassettes on such subjects can booster our determination and also guide us. So many of us have read the right book at the right time, so as to make the next step or answer the question which had been occupying our minds. We should, however, keep a balance here. Reading cannot replace experience. Simply learning about other people’s ideas cannot replace asana, pranayama, prayer, contemplation, meditation, and internal discovery. Reading about spiritual truths is good for creating seeds which can then be contemplated on, understood, and most important of all, employed in our daily life.
6. It is very often helpful to have a teacher, someone who is at least a few steps in front of us on the path and knows the traps and obstacles. Today, realized teachers are scarce. Also, even if one is blessed to meet one, he or she will not move into your house and guide us for the rest of our lives. Thus, whether we meet a physical teacher or not, we are going to have to develop an inner relationship with a teacher who could be a physical being, or our own Higher Self or God. They all represent the same source.
SOME OF THE TRAPS ON THE PATH
Let us now look at some of the traps which are encountered when we actually do employ such spiritual practices.
1. One trap is believing that we will be more worthy or more loved by God if we employ these disciplines or live certain way of life. God’s love is unconditional and is not increased for us by what we do or do not do. We simply become more aware, feel better about ourselves and freer to experience that love which is always there. Believing that we are more worthy is a form of spiritual ego which obviously prevents our experience of our true Self which is beyond the ego.
2. Some might employ such techniques in order to obtain spiritual powers such as astral travel or reading other people’s minds. These powers can be dangerous when we are not free from our selfish needs and can be a waste of time from the real goal which is the transcend of the ego.
3. Others get hooked on spiritual experiences, such as seeing visions or colors or feeling in certain ways. Such experiences may give a sense of verification that we are succeeding or increase our feelings of self worth. Our true Self, however, is beyond all phenomena.
4. As mentioned earlier, we might be performing these techniques in order to achieve our worldly goals.
5. A more subtle trap is to employ these methods so as to become more peaceful, more “spiritual” and thus more “attractive” more “accepted” by others who see us as a spiritual - good person.
6. We might seek health or rejuvenation of the body and mind
7
. We might be seeking happiness in the ego’s terms.
There is noting wrong in seeking these goals. They will all allow us to create the situations, pleasant and unpleasant, which will eventually push us towards the real purpose of life. When we have obtained some of the above and still experience the fluctuations of our mind, we will realize that we are still in the ego, that we are still in ignorance.
THE DILEMMA
Here is the dilemma. If we do not employ any techniques or make any efforts towards self improvement or spiritual growth, we will remain stagnant. If we make these efforts we will have many success such as health, vitality, a more positive and effective mind, greater creativity and many other benefits. But we will still be living in the ignorance of our programmed minds. We are still identified with the ego. The ego might temporarily be having a happier and more positive life, but it is not free and we have not arrived at theosis, the purpose of our lives. We are still susceptible to fear, hurt and suffering.
The ego will never actually be enlightened. Enlightenment is simply the realization that we are not the ego, that we are not the body and the mind. According to many sources, there is no personality that will be enlightened, we will simply stop identifying with the personality and become the unlimited essence -witness of all. Of course, the personality can be greatly improved and embody, to a certain extent, all of the divine virtues mentioned earlier. But the perfection of those virtues can come only when we are no longer identified with the body and mind, and their fears.
So if we make no effort, we have no results, and if we make an effort it may just magnify our ego. Every effort made by the ego to improve its life, strengthens its hold.
When I meditate in order to become enlightened, I am meditating from the ego which is waiting to be enlightened. It will never happen. If I am doing selfless service in order to get into heaven, then I am doing it for selfish reasons and am locked in my ego. If I wake early and pray so that God will take care of my material life, I am verifying that I am only this body, and also that God does not know what is best for me.
SO WHAT TO DO?
Any answer we give to that question will be from the ego who is trying to create a better life. There is nothing wrong with that. We have every right to create a wonderful life as long as that does not detract from our ultimate goal of realizing our true Divine Self.
When we are focused on the results of our spiritual efforts, we may experience anxiety, fear that perhaps we may not succeed, and that keeps us in the ego. We feel jealous towards those who seem to be succeeding more that we. Also we come into conflict with the parts of ourselves which are resisting our movement forward. Thus we are caught the ego and its conflicts and suffering. We are at war with our selves.
The answer lies in continuing (or for some, starting) our spiritual efforts but for them to be effortless. They can be effortless from the moment we stop focusing on the results. This means to stop seeking benefits from this process and to cease looking for verification that something is happening.
This means approaching our spiritual practices with a attitude of effortless effort. Perhaps some of the following thoughts might be useful.
1. An alternative would be to enjoy the process. To employ these techniques not because we must or because we will eventually, by “suffering through them now”, be happier later; but simply because we enjoy them. They are fun. They are a process of discovering and playing with the energies lying within the body and mind. It is a wonderful game.
2. Accept and love all aspects of one’s self and of creation. Become the witness to all that is happening within and without and remember that all is divine. Just watch the mind when it is not able to concentrate. Be amused by its fantasies and fears. No need to act upon them, if we realize that they will bring harm to us or others. Watch them, accept them, love them and let them pass into the nothingness from which they came.
3. Realize that the mind is not an entity but simply a stream of programmed processes. You are the only entity, You are the witness. The mind is being witnessed. It is like a river whose contents are ever changing. You are sitting unaffected on the banks, watching, without judging or rejecting. Letting all pass.
4. Remember that all beings are divine and love them, including your self, as you are.
5. Remember that you are divine energy and that there is nothing you can do to change that. You are born in God’s image and likeness. You can cover it up, but you can not destroy who you are.
6. Having faith in God’s continual presence and guidance will allow us to feel safe in observing our various mental and emotional fluctuations, as we accept them, love them and offer them up to the Divine.
7. We can cultivate the presence of God and open up to the omnipresent power of the Holy Spirit passively allowing it to make any changes necessary in our being.
8. We can remember that we can never be what we can observe. Thus, if we are observing our pain (physical or emotional) or our desire, or our fear, we cannot be them. They are something other than us. They are passing waves and we are the permanent ocean.
A MATTER OF BALANCE
Our efforts for self improvement or spiritual growth can be a source of anxiety, disappointment, fear of failure and greed for results. Or they can be an enjoyable game of hide and seek with our true Self in which at some point we will get tired and stop, and It will appear from It’s hiding place within us. Or perhaps our meditation should be like walking in nature or watching an enjoyable theatrical production. We are not thinking about what we will gain or how this will help us. Nor are we looking for results as we walk or watch, we are simply fascinated by and enjoying what we see.
The answer is not to give up the effort; it is to enjoy it and have total faith that the results are perfect. We will need to remind our selves that we are not the ones who are making the effort, but that we are the witness of the effort.
In closing, our realization of our Divinity is dependent on arriving at perfect inner peace. This peace can be achieved only through realizing ultimate truth and unconditional love. We can manifest truth and love only when we are free from fear. We can be free from fear only when we realize that we are not the ego who is seeking in the first place. But that realization must be experiential and not intellectual.
===============================================
Robert Najemy is the founder and is director the Center for Harmonious Living in Athens, Greece, the representative in Greece for the International Yoga Teachers’ Association, based in Sydney Australia, and the author of 15 books published in Greek on subjects of Yoga, health, psychology and spirituality.
==============================
Robert’s Perception
==============================
Dear Friends,
Robert Elias Najemy, after 45 years of spiritual inquiry, writing and teaching, has decided to share his perception of reality in response to your questions, dilemmas and thoughts.
His will respond to your written questions and thoughts in video form on youtube.
The process is this.
You send an email to ren@otenet.gr with the following data.
1. Name (any name you like)
2. Male ______ Female______
3. Age _____
4. Country __________
5. Profession ____________________________
6. Family situation:
Married _____, In a relationship_____, Single ______ Separated______ , Widowed_______, Other ________
7. Children, ____ Number, ______Ages
8. Books I have read on the subject _____________________________________
9. (The email to which you would like to be informed of that his perception has been uploaded.)
Your question must be limited to 90 words only.
This text (section) is 270 words so it must be much less that this.
Robert may not answer some questions, but that would be only in very exceptional cases.
He will not answer hypothetical questions.
You will receive an email with the address on youtube where you can see the answer to your questions possibly along with answers to questions and thoughts sent in by others. As he is extremely busy, some answers may take some time to appear. You will be informed when they do.
You are welcome to send in questions at any time.
Be well.
Robert Najemy
www.armonikizoi.com/
==============================
You can now find most of Robert's books in various ebook formats at
https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=Robert+Najemy
==============================
We welcome you to join us on Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/RobertEliasNajemy
==============================
Watch Lectures by Robert Elias Najemy on "Youtube"
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=robertenajemy#g/p
==============================
Robert's New Book
DEALING WITH TESTING TIMES
is a must for all.
Check it out at
http://sbpra.com/RobertEliasNajemy/
=============================================
View the following previous Webinars on Youtube:
1. Introduction about our Life Coach Training program
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUkDBNERflw
2. "The Science of Emotions"
http://www.youtube.com/user/robertenajemy#grid/user/75034102459C68A2
3. Self Acceptance (in two parts)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUkDBNERflw
4. OVERCOMING FEAR
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUkDBNERflw
5. The Twelve Pathways to Higher Consciousness
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFjDDO7y1hQ&feature=youtu.be
=============================================
Books, ebooks, acoustic files, CDs and DVD's
by Robert Elias Najemy
http://www.armonikizoi.com/store
=============================================
Join us on Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/RobertEliasNajemy
=============================================
Watch Lectures by Robert Elias Najemy on "Youtube"
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=robertenajemy#g/p
=============================================
Benefit from Support materials from Holistic Harmony
=============================================
Σχόλια