Paths to Perfection
All Saints, past or present, have stressed the need for human beings, spiritual aspirants particularly, to lead an ethical life. The Living Master, Sant Kirpal Singh Ji, in His Satsangs, has often emphasised this need:
Ethical life is a stepping-stone to Spirituality.
Holy Seed of initiation thrives best in a rich and fertile soil formed of high ethical value and loving compassion,
He has observed in His booklet ‘Seven Paths to Perfection.’
To give a practical shape to this idea, the Master has devised a self-introspection diary for His disciples. It is not only His advice – but a commandment to those who want to make a real progress on the long Spiritual Journey ahead to keep a self-introspection diary which helps in developing fertility and in germinating the Divinity to full bloom.
The entire concept of ethics has been covered by the seven steps rescribed in the diary. These seven steps are briefly explained here for the benefit of our readers:
- Ahimsa – non-violence: If we really wish for God, we must learn to love His creation, for God is nothing but Love. The whole creation is the manifestation of His love and God verily dwelleth in it. Intrinsically, all of us have our roots deeply embedded in the Light and Love of God, though we may not be aware of it because we seldom get an opportunity to peep inward. Ahimsa or non-violence is then the practical aspect of Divine Life. The cultivation of this virtue demands broad development of toleration towards all, irrespective of their short-comings and failures. To radiate the grand principle of the family of man on the Divine Ground of loving and compassionate desire for the wellbeing of all costs little but counts very much. A heart full of Divine Compassion is the abode of all virtues.
- Truthfulness: God is Truth and Truth is God. If one is true to his own self, one need fear none for he is true to God in him Who is in all hearts. He will speak truth, think truth and deal in truth for he is aware of the Divine at every step. Adversity cannot deter him, misfortune cannot betray him and opposition cannot waylay him because the gracious Godpower is his shield and comes to his aid anywhere and everywhere. Such a heart becomes an abode of all other virtues. Truth does not mean simply speaking truth and thinking truth but it is a righteous mode of life. Truth is above all, but higher still is True Living. The Divine Tree of Spirituality needs to be nourished with the waters of ahimsa and truthfulness. The Truth of truths resides in the innermost recesses of the human soul and needs to be dug out, unearthed and freely practised in all our dealings. The True Sound Principle is the source of all life and it is only by contacting It on the Divine Ground that we become truly truthful, and our life can be moulded on the pattern of Truth. It is through day-to-day contact with this Truth that one purifies one’s self.
- Chastity: Restraint in thought, word and deed is life and indulgence is death. Continence is a virtue to be observed for success in all spheres of life. A clean and chaste life is a fertile soil wherein the HoIy Seed of Spirituality thrives best. Diet plays an important part in our mental make-up. Closely connected is the far-reaching inexorable law of karma, the law of cause and effect or action and reaction. Every thing in the world or of the world has to be paid for. You cannot take away life without paying the penalty. The observance of brahmacharya – a life of continence, temperance and self-restraint, including total abstinence from all kinds of unwholesome foods and drinks – is a necessity for the Path Godwards.
- Humility: Humility has been described as an ornament of the Saints. ‘Service before self’ is a rare gift. When the same self operates in every living creature, one ought to delight in service for its own sake. – ‘Self’ and ‘service’ are but two aspects of Divinity. This understanding of shared nature of the universe, despite its apparently multi-coloured designs and patterns, brings about an attitude of equipoise which in turn gradually leads to serenity and sublimity. Humility is the only virtue that allows a person to enter the court of Saints. A heart full of reverential humility is a fit receptacle for His Grace. The mystery of life cannot be resolved by intellectual attainments or by sophisticated reasoning which may bring knowledge but not wisdom. The knowledge may induce pride of learning and leadership, making it all the more difficult to enter the Kingdom of God.
- Diet: A proper diet is important for a Spiritual Aspirant. All prohibited foods and drinks should be scrupulously avoided. Flesh or eggs flare up the carnal appetites which, in the long run, result in gross dissipation of energy. The benefits of vegetarian diet are now being realised all over the world. (See also the text ‘Food for Spiritual Life’in this Sat Sandesh / August 1968).
- Selfless service: Man is a three-fold entity – body, mind and soul. One should be of service to his fellow beings in all the three spheres. Selfless service is a great virtue and is the central theme of the Sacred Teachings of the Masters. The more one serves, the more one’s self expands and in course of time goes out to embrace the entire creation. Every sweet word uttered or helping hand extended to those in distress goes a long way in purifying mind and body.
- Spiritual Practices: The repetition of the five Sacred Charged Names conveyed at the time of Holy Initiation, orally or mentally, is not a difficult task and carries a deep meaning. The Holy Names carry the Life-Impulse of the Master which works wonders in withdrawing the sensory currents from the body-level up to the eye-focus, thus preparing the soul for eventual Inner Journey on to the regions of bliss and harmony. Certain hours should be fixed for meditation. Daily meditations clear the gross dross that one gets at the sensuous level. The second important part of meditation is listening to the Holy Sound Current, audible Life-Stream, coming from the right side.