Introduction:Awakening Spiritually
Imagine waking up one morning only to discover that you are not who you thought you were. You were given a different name at birth and your true family lives in a distant land. Would not a yearning awaken within you to meet your family and rediscover your true identity?
Awakening spiritually is not dissimilar. Throughout our lives, we identify with the face we see in the mirror, the roles we play, the relationships we form, and the positions we hold. Yet when we awaken spiritually, we unravel a case of mistaken identity. We come to realize that we are not the body or the mind we have long associated ourselves with. Our true self is the soul, a drop of the Divine, whose home is not here in the material worlds but in the higher spiritual realms. When the soul awakens from its long slumber, it remembers its yearning to return to its Source — to merge again into the Ocean of Love from which it came.
It is then that a burning question arises: How can we attain this goal? How can we grow spiritually so that the soul may return swiftly to its eternal Home?
How Can We Grow Spiritually?
Spiritual growth begins when we nourish and nurture the soul. For ages the soul has been separated from its Source, left longing for sustenance. Like a seed that waits through the long winter to sprout in spring, our soul too is a “spiritual seed” that will bloom when given the proper nourishment.
The nourishment of the soul comes through contact with the spiritual current that flows from its origin. This contact is made possible through meditation, the key practice on the spiritual path.
Meditation Holds the Key
The cornerstone of spiritual growth is meditation. It is through meditation that the soul connects with the inner Light and Sound of God and experiences firsthand the love, bliss, and joy of the spiritual realms. This divine contact strengthens the soul, empowers it to gain mastery over the mind and senses, and guides us to our highest purpose.
Our soul is covered by countless impressions gathered through thoughts, words, and deeds over many lives. Meditation is the process by which these coverings are removed. As the soul is bathed in the inner Light, it begins to shine forth in its full brilliance. Love becomes the essence of our lives, and we move steadily toward the spiritual goal.
This clip shows the importance of regular, accurate meditation — how it’s not enough to know the technique; one must do it daily
Foundational Factors for Spiritual Growth
While meditation is central, it flourishes best upon a strong ethical foundation. The Masters have provided a blueprint for virtuous living that prepares the ground for spiritual progress.
A Life of Love and Ethical Living
To grow spiritually is to grow in love. This love is expressed in compassion, nonviolence, truthfulness, humility, and kindness. It is lived through service to others and through alignment between what we think, what we say, and what we do. When love imbues our lives, we live the law of love and expand into human unity.
“At the heart of spirituality, is love. Thus, coming to the spiritual path is coming to the path of love. Spirituality is not a cold, dry subject to be studied and memorized. It is not a rigid meditation in which we cut ourselves off from our families and communities. Rather, spirituality is immersing ourselves into the love that is our true nature, into the love between ourselves and others, and our loving connection with all life itself. Spirituality is an experience of becoming love itself.”
— Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj
Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj taught that “an ethical life is a stepping-stone to spirituality.” By keeping our thoughts pure, we ensure that our words and deeds are noble, creating harmony both within and without.
Introspection
Spiritual aspirants are encouraged to examine their lives daily. Through introspection, we can identify and gradually eliminate the weaknesses and negative tendencies that hinder our progress. This honest self-analysis cultivates virtue and prepares the soul for higher journeys.
Vegetarian Lifestyle
A vegetarian way of life is consistent with the principle of love for all beings. By adopting a vegetarian diet, we live nonviolently, enhance our meditation, and accelerate spiritual growth. At the same time, we contribute to the welfare of animals and more sustainable use of the Earth’s resources.
Diligence and Commitment
The spiritual path requires perseverance. While the attractions of the world may distract us, true growth comes through steady effort. We must do our work, remain diligent, and trust that divine grace will carry us forward.
This short video clarifies how stilling both body and mind, letting go of evaluations and judgments, opens the door to experiencing God within.
Just as the natural seed requires daily sunlight, so too does the spiritual seed require daily meditation. Consistency, accuracy, and devotion in meditation are essential. Even when results are slow or invisible, persist—this is how spiritual growth builds steadily over time.
A Life of Love and Human Unity
To grow spiritually is to radiate love to all. Love manifests as service, tolerance, appreciation, and peace. When we embrace everyone regardless of outer differences, we live human unity.
“As we embrace our interconnectedness with all life forms, we become concerned about the ecology of the world and stop destroying nature with its forests, air, and water that God has given. When we destroy what we have received, when we take sustenance from the soil while polluting it instead of rejuvenating it, we harm the world. The universes have been created in perfect harmony. There is much lost when we do not take care of nature.”
— Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj
Spiritual growth thus leads us to care not only for humanity but for all creation.
Positive Mysticism: Spirituality in Daily Life
Choosing a life of spiritual growth is not renunciation. Rather, it enriches life, allowing us to fulfill our responsibilities to family, society, and the world, while also advancing spiritually. This balanced approach is known as Positive Mysticism.
“In whatever line we work, we should strive to complete our assignments or conduct our business in a perfect manner. On the path of positive mysticism, excellence is the key word. Whatever we do in life, we should do well. Yet, while doing our best, we should not be attached to the results.”
— Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj
The Role of a Spiritual Master
On the spiritual path, theory alone cannot bring realization. Just as a student of the arts requires a master to guide them through the intricacies of their discipline, so too does the soul require the guidance of a spiritual Master. A true Master, who has traversed the inner journey, can unerringly guide the disciple to their highest purpose.
“The spiritual Masters are like expert gardeners who can teach us how to tend to the seeds of our soul so we can blossom forth into the spectacular flowers God meant us to be.”
— Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj
Conclusion: Choosing a Life of Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth is the journey of rediscovering who we are — souls connected to the Divine. By meditating daily, living ethically, practicing introspection, adopting a compassionate lifestyle, and following the guidance of a spiritual Master, we nourish the soul and move closer to our eternal Home.
Through this path, we not only find inner peace and fulfillment but also contribute to peace and harmony in the world.
At Science of Spirituality, we invite all to take the first step. Learn meditation, join our community, and experience the profound transformation that comes from growing spiritually.
