Mastery in the spiritual realm is a lifelong journey of personal growth, self-discovery, and inner transformation. It's not a title of a master one simply bestows upon oneself; it's a state of being that is recognized by others due to our wisdom, compassion, and spiritual insights.
What you are after is within yourself.
Let us look into a parable by Sri Ramakrishna who emphasized an interior approach to life's problems-
A man wanted a smoke. He went to a neighbour's house to light his charcoal. It was the dead of night and the household was asleep. After he had knocked a great deal, someone came down to open the door.
At sight of the man he asked, "Hello! What’s the matter?" The man replied, "Can't you guess? You know how fond I am of smoking. I have come here to light my charcoal." The neighbour said, "Ha! Ha! You are a fine man indeed! You took the trouble to come and do all this knocking at the door! Why, you have a lighted lantern in your hand!"
What a man seeks is very near him. Still he wanders about from place to place
Seeking out our inner core and manifesting our potential is a transformative journey of self-discovery and growth. We can start by self-reflection and delving into our values, passions, and strengths to understand our authentic self.
We need to dream, visualize.
As we explore, learn, and take action in pursuing or rather realizing our dreams, our inner core will gradually unfold, and our potential will manifest as we continually evolve into the best version of ourselfves.
This is the beginning of Spiritual Mastery.
Who is a Spiritual Master?
A spiritual master, often referred to as a guru, sage, teacher, or spiritual guide, is someone who has attained a high level of spiritual understanding, wisdom, and realization. While there is no strict definition of what constitutes a spiritual master, the following characteristics are often associated with such individuals:
- Deep Spiritual Wisdom: A spiritual master possesses profound insights into spiritual and philosophical matters, often gained through years of study, meditation, and inner reflection.
- Moral and Ethical Exemplar: They live a life guided by ethical and moral principles, serving as a role model for others in terms of compassion, honesty, humility, and selflessness.
- Self-Realization: A spiritual master has a deep and direct connection with their own inner self or a higher spiritual reality, which allows them to guide others on their own spiritual journeys.
- Compassion and Empathy: They show genuine compassion and empathy toward others and are committed to alleviating suffering and helping people on their spiritual paths.
- Teaching and Guidance: A spiritual master often takes on the role of a teacher or guide, helping others navigate the complexities of the spiritual journey and offering insight and guidance.
- Openness and Tolerance: They are open to diverse spiritual beliefs and practices, respecting the individual paths and choices of others.
- Service to Others: Spiritual masters often dedicate their lives to serving and uplifting humanity, focusing on the well-being and spiritual growth of others.
- Profound Humility: Despite their deep spiritual wisdom, they remain humble and do not seek recognition or personal gain. Their humility is a reflection of their detachment from ego.
- Simplicity: They may lead a simple and uncluttered lifestyle, free from material attachments, to focus on their spiritual pursuits.
- Inner Peace and Serenity: Spiritual masters radiate a sense of inner peace, calm, and serenity that can be felt by those around them.
It's essential to recognize that spiritual masters can be found in various religious and spiritual traditions, and they may have different titles and roles depending on the culture and belief system in which they operate. They may also work with individuals or communities to help them on their spiritual journeys.
We will now look into some traditions from the philosophical systems of Bharath and its impact on the understandings of a teacher and their principles.
Perspectives of Spirtual Masters: A legacy
Gleaning Wisdom from the World of Sri Dattatreya's 24 Gurus
Sri Dattatreya, who Lord Krishna quotes in The Uddhava Gita, has been evoked as a guru for environmental education. Sri Dattatreya gained enlightenment by observing the world, which provided Him with 24 instructors. His teachers were: the Earth, wind, sky, water, fire, the Moon, the Sun, some pigeons, a python, the ocean, a honeybee, a beekeeper, an elephant, a deer, a fish, a reformed prostitute, a small squirrel, a child, a hawk, a young housewife, an archer, a snake, a spider, and a wasp.
These taught Him the futility of mundane attachments, the benefits of contemplation and forbearance, and a path towards the spiritual self-realization of the Supreme.
Sri Dattatreya, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, features in several Puranas where His teachings involve direct challenges to the pretensions and prejudices of the learner. Sri Dattatreya demonstrates an educational method based on intellectual problem solving.
From such roots, Sri Dattatreya emerges as a key figure in Hindu environmental education for sustainable development and worth attention by all of those who would teach environmental education in a multicultural context.
His core message is “never judge by surface appearances but always seek a deeper Truth”: the Earth is sacred, an aspect of God, and a puzzle that challenges the spiritual self to awaken to its true nature.
Sri Ramakrishna in his parables gives us an insight into the learnings of this Avaduta:
The Guru is only one, but Upa-gurus (secondary gurus) may be many. He is an Upa-guru from whom anything whatsoever is learned. It is mentioned in the Bhagavata that the great Avadhuta (a great yogi) had twenty four such Upa-Gurus.
(a) One day, as the Avadhuta was walking across a meadow, he saw a bridal procession coming toward him with loud beating of drums and great pomp. Hard by he saw a hunter deeply absorbed in aiming at his game and perfectly inattentive to the noise and pomp of the procession, casting not even a passing look at it. The Avadhuta, saluting the hunter, said, "Sir, thou art my Guru. When I sit in meditation let my mind be concentrated upon the object of meditation, as yours was on your game."
(b) An angler was fishing in a pond. The Avadhuta approaching him asked, "Brother which way leads to such and such a place?" The float of the rod at that time was indicating that the fish was nibbling at the bait; so the man did not give any reply but was all attention to his fishing rod. Having first hooked the fish, he turned round and said, "What is it you have been saying sir?" The Avadhuta saluted him and said, "Sir, thou art my Guru. When I sit in contemplation of the Deity of my choice (Ishta), let me follow thy example and before finishing my devotions let me not attend to anything else."
(c) A kite with a fish in its beak was followed by a host of crows and other kites, which were pecking at it and trying to snatch the fish away. In whatever direction it went, its tormentors followed it cawing, till at last they made it let go the fish in vexation. Another kite instantly caught the fish and was in its turn followed by the whole lot. The first kite was left unmolested and sat calmly on the branch of a tree. Seeing this quiet and tranquil state of the bird the Avadhuta saluting him, said, "Thou art my Guru, for thou hast taught me that peace of mind is possible in this world, only when one has given up one's adjuncts (upadhis); otherwise there is danger at every step."
(d) A heron was slowly walking on a marsh to catch a fish. Behind, there was a fowler aiming an arrow at the heron, but the bird was totally unmindful of this fact. The Avadhuta saluting the heron, said, "When I sit in meditation, let me follow thy example and never turn back to see who is behind me."
(e) The Avadhuta found another Guru in a bee. The bee had been storing up honey with long and great labour. A man came from somewhere, broke the hive and drank up the honey. The bee was not destined to enjoy the fruit of its long labour. On seeing this, the Avadhuta saluted the bee saying, "Lord! Thou art my Guru; from Thee I learn what the sure fate of accumulated riches is."
Learning how to learn is a good beginning. Learning is a journey, not a destination. It's a process of self-discovery, fueled by curiosity
The relationship between a guru (teacher) and a disciple (student) is a dynamic and intricate exchange that is vital for spiritual and personal growth. While the importance of finding the right guru is often emphasized, it's equally crucial to recognize the significance of the right student.
Culled from standard Vedantaic texts like Vedanta Sara, Vivekachudamani, Shankaracharya’s commentaries on the Upanishads etc, the essential qualifications of a Shishya (disciple) and a Guru (spiritual teacher) coming together in their spiritual quest could be enumerated as follows:
Four essential qualifications of a Sishya (disciple) seeking spirituality from an illumined Guru (teacher):
- Discrimination between the permanent (unchanging) and the evanescent (ephemeral), between the real and the unreal. (Sanskrit phrase: nityaaanitya vastu-viveka)
- Dispassion for (renunciation of) the enjoyments here and hereafter (in this world and in the higher worlds or heavens), or dispassion for the enjoyments seen and heard (unseen), tangible and intangible. (Sanskrit phrase: ihaamutra phala bhoga virago or drishtaanusravika vishaya vitrishna)
- Six treasures: (i) control of the inner senses, (ii) control of the outer senses, (iii) calmness, (iv) forbearance, (v) faith or conviction, (vi) absorption in higher truths. [Sanskrit phrases: (i) shama, (ii) dama, (iii) uparati, (iv) titiksha, (v) shraddha, (vi) samadhana].
- Intense aspiration or yearning or longing for liberation. (Sanskrit phrase: mumukshutva).
Five essential qualifications of a spiritual teacher (Guru): A spiritual teacher or Guru should be,
- Well versed in the scriptures and aware of the inner, subtle meanings, born of his own realization. (Sanskrit phrase: shrotriya)
- Devoted to constant cultivation of higher knowledge. (Sanskrit: brahma-nishtha).
- Sinless (that is, without any commercial or selfish motive). (Sanskrit: avrijina, apaapaviddha).
- Free from petty, demeaning desires. (Sanskrit: akamahata).
- Supremely compassionate and loving towards the disciple and eager to impart knowledge with infinite patience, overlooking the limitations of the disciple, (Sanskrit: parama karunika).
The synergy between the right teacher and student creates a fertile ground for transformative learning and spiritual evolution, making this dynamic partnership a cornerstone of many spiritual and educational traditions. It is a harmonious coexistence that allows the transmission of knowledge, wisdom, and enlightenment to flourish.
Ultimately, the term "spiritual master" is subjective and can vary from one belief system to another. What is universal, however, is the idea that such individuals are revered for their profound spiritual wisdom, their ability to inspire and guide others, and their dedication to promoting spiritual growth and enlightenment.
Here are some steps to consider on your path to becoming a spiritual master and thereby mastering the spiritual realm:
- Adopting an adaptable mindset (or growth mindset) means cultivating the belief that you can improve intelligence and performance because they are not fixed features. This will have a significant impact on your motivation and on the process of searching for new opportunities in life.
- Seek Inner Harmony: Start by working on your own inner peace and balance. Develop a regular meditation or mindfulness practice to connect with your inner self and understand your own mind.
- Deepen Your Knowledge: Study and explore spiritual and philosophical teachings from various traditions. Read sacred texts, books on spirituality, and engage in discussions with knowledgeable mentors or teachers.
- Practice Self-Reflection: Regularly reflect on your actions, thoughts, and emotions. Self-awareness is essential for personal growth and spiritual development.
- Moral and Ethical Living: Strive to live in alignment with your spiritual values and principles. Be honest, kind, and compassionate in your interactions with others.
- Serve Others: Practice selfless service (seva). Helping and serving others is a fundamental aspect of many spiritual traditions. Look for ways to contribute to the well-being of your community and the world.
- Compassion and Empathy: Cultivate compassion and empathy for all living beings. Recognize the interconnectedness of all life.
- Mentorship: Seek guidance and mentorship from spiritual teachers or mentors who have more experience in the path of spirituality.
- Continual Learning: Never stop learning. The journey of a spiritual master is ongoing. Explore different schools of thought and deepen your understanding of the spiritual realm.
- Practice Mindfulness: Stay present in the moment and mindful of your thoughts and actions. This awareness can lead to greater spiritual insight.
- Detachment: Practice detachment from material possessions and desires. This doesn't mean you must renounce everything, but rather, cultivate a healthy relationship with the material world.
- Transcend Ego: Work on transcending your ego and cultivating humility. Recognize that ego often hinders spiritual growth.
- Satsang (Spiritual Community): Connect with like-minded individuals in a spiritual community or satsang. The collective energy of such gatherings can be powerful for your spiritual journey.
- Silence and Solitude: Spend time in silence and solitude to deepen your inner connection. This can be a profound way to gain insight.
- Acceptance and Forgiveness: Practice acceptance of what is and forgiveness for yourself and others. These qualities promote inner peace.
- Teach and Share: As you progress on your spiritual journey, consider sharing your knowledge and insights with others. Teaching can be a way to solidify your understanding and help others on their path.
Remember that the journey to achieving spiritual mastery is highly personal and may take a lifetime. There is no specific time frame for achieving this status, and humility is a key aspect of being a true spiritual master. Be patient with yourself and enjoy the process of self-discovery and growth.
The intensity of one's yearning is the driving force behind the quest for knowledge, growth, and spiritual realization. It is the fire that fuels the journey toward finding the right guru or teacher and becoming the right student or disciple. Sri Ramakrishna's parable on the importance of yearning validates this journey of self-discovery,
How a Guru taught his disciple to see God
A disciple asked his teacher, "Sir, please tell me how I can see God." "Come with me," said the Guru, "and I shall show you." He took, the disciple to a lake, and both of them got into the water. Suddenly the teacher pressed the disciple's head under the water. After a few moments he released him and the disciple raised his head and stood up.The Guru asked him, "How did you feel?" The disciple said, “Oh! I thought I should die; I was panting for breath”.
The teacher said, "When you feel like that for God, then you will realize Him.”
This yearning is a deep and unquenchable thirst for wisdom, a profound desire to unravel the mysteries of existence, and an unwavering commitment to personal transformation. When this yearning is intense, it propels individuals to seek, to question, and to persist in their quest for understanding and enlightenment. It becomes the guiding light that leads them to the right path and the right mentors, ensuring that the knowledge and wisdom they gain are not merely acquired but are internalized, lived, and shared.
In the realm of spirituality and self-discovery, the intensity of one's yearning is the spark that ignites the journey toward profound insights, self-realization, and a deeper connection with the universe.