PRACTICE OF SELF-REALIZATION

 

The first step in self-realization is to change the orientation from outwards to inwards and change the values and priorities. The practitioner enlarges the horizon of his mind and breaks through the narrowing wall of his self-centred existence. The intensity of his aspiration is increased by a ceaseless rejection of what is contrary to his seeking to go beyond the reign of ignorance; individual and cosmic. The surrender, being the next step, marks the beginning of the path, but it becomes the path itself as it progresses. Thus there are three processes in the practice of self-realization which are undertaken simultaneously i.e.         1. Process of aspiration; 2. Process of rejection and 3. Process of surrender.

As far as Process of aspiration is concerned, the aspiration is the inner-call, which is real while the outer circumstances are merely an occasion for the turn of life. A person who has the true call feels like a fish out of water. The aspiration originates from the soul as an inner drive towards truth and reality, liberating from limitations. It may formulate itself as an urge for knowledge, as a seeking for devotion and as a push for dedication in the mind as well as a movement for healthy growth. The aspiration is a constant seeking for a change of consciousness in the being from the ordinary into the higher dimension of the Divine consciousness. It may be active in the awakened mind as a flame that is lit because of the pressure of the soul. Let this flame be fed with proper fuel and all the movements be offered in the purifying flame of the aspiration. In this way, the tiny flame can grow into consuming-fire. In the beginning, the aspiration is confined to the limited region, which also throws their shadow. These parts of being may pose resistance and non-cooperation. Therefore, the effort needs to be renewed repeatedly with patience and sincerity at this stage. In fact, the danger is both from within oneself and from outside. Doubt, which is the enemy of aspiration, has to be rejected at its first appearance. All that may weaken the aspiration must be avoided and something, which helps and strengthens the seeking, gives a direction to it and supports the effort in all way, should be chosen.

Process of rejection makes it clear that all obstacles in the way of the fulfilment of aspiration have to be relentlessly rejected. Rejection is separation of the unwanted from oneself by dissociation of a rejected thing. It is different from suppression by which the offending elements are pushed down by force, moving back them into the subconscious or the unconscious parts where they lie waiting for a suitable opportunity to rise up and build a tension which is felt whenever exciting cause appears. The element must be pulled by its roots from one’s being after things are refused indulgence. These elements try to occur again whenever they regain the slightest possibility of entry. The rejection proceeds by a steady elimination of ideas, thoughts and beliefs that interfere with the free flight of aspiration. The mind has to give up the tendency of referring every movement to its ego. Mental disposition to depression must be done away with. A depressed mind keeps away from all happiness and light by building a wall of negative thoughts around itself. Let the mind be opened more and more to the reception and formulation of truth. Therefore, everything, which interferes with the activities of mind, must be examined and set aside. Negative tendencies like suspicious and criticism should be discouraged and replaced with positive qualities like understanding and goodwill.

According to Process of surrender, the surrender is to submit one’s will to the Divine-will on each level of one’s being, always tuning in consciousness to the higher consciousness. It is done as a need in being but not as an imposed disciplined. The surrender becomes possible only if there is an inward orientation of the life in thoughts, activities and feelings as a necessary discipline. Let the mind cease to play its own tune and forsake its habitual thinking. It must build a silent base in itself for the higher truth. A peaceful mind alone knows how to surrender itself to a higher intelligence when it is at liberty from its impatient and restless movements and habitual reaction.

A person must be beware of not only that type of surrender which is born of helplessness because of inadequate resources and he turns to the Divine for help by surrendering himself to the Divine-will at such a moment of crisis but also that surrender which is out of devotion and an inner-compulsion of love, abandoning all initiative and clearly making it a self deceptive cover for inertia and laziness as time passes.