GRADUATING FROM THE SPIRITUAL LENS!
I have immensely enjoyed the time spent on this initial phase of our Gita study.
There is a much greater clarity of Brahman, Ishvara, and Krishna. In addition to the intellectual knowledge we have been gifted, practical ways in which to establish a direct relationship with the ultimate reality. I have particularly enjoyed the study of the Law of Karma, the Gunas, the contemplative practice commencing “I am not the doer…” together with Idam Na Mama and Swaha, all deepened my understanding, practice, and experience. The five Yajnas are also now a key part of my attention. I was engaging in the areas they describe, but did not know them as Yajnas, which only enriches my contact and experience.
The Devas have been challenging! Perhaps I have a Deva allergy! Probably by some element of ignorance, I see them as “middle entities” and somewhat unclear as to their part in our evolution.
Krishna spends much time in the Gita bringing Arjuna to the level where he sees Krishna everywhere, from the “fluidity in the water” to the “cunning in the cheat.” Like Arjuna, to reach the highest levels of consciousness, we need to see the ultimate reality everywhere and, by overcoming Maya, ultimately as our own self.
The spiritual lens is a great start towards reaching the highest goal, but any perspective you have about the Devas would be welcome!
Thank you, James, for sharing your insight on the practice and experience of the spiritual lens. For me too developing a relational experience of the Devas took some time (a few months). I knew about the concept through other satsangas and had tried to develop a relationship with them. Much patience with my ego was needed, yet I can say that getting up very early and going into nature near my home to greet the Deva of the Sun (Suria) has really helped me. I can see and contemplate how our life is intricately dependent on the sun, so it was an easier early step to take. And consequently led to other steps. Shunyaji's teaching on Deva Yajna (on which we had a very special satsanga) made things deeper for me. I am still practicing it. So, more contemplation may lead to deeper insights as well. Hope this humble one helps ❤️ Jai Maa and Jai Guru Deva 🙏🏼