RE: what does it mean to be spiritual
Firstly, Thank you all for the replys. I feel like a bit of a nutcase at the moment!
The Raja yoga is the teachings of the brahma Kumaris, and the celibacy is a choice that they make in order to stay pure. My confusion came from the fact that I didnt right it off and say "this is not for me" I felt pulled towards it like it was my destiny. But the other side of me was saying, what if this isnt my soul pulling me but simple mind programming, or brainwashing if you will. I was going to morning class every day for a month and when they repeat the same principles over again in very subtle different ways, you dont notice what they are saying. One day it all became obvious to me that celibacy was what they meant although noone had told me that, it was like they were drawing me in without telling me all the facts of what I was getting into. I think thats why I fled, if they had said that upfront, im sure I would have said thats not for me in the outset.
I think I understand now that the spiritual church is not for me but its not to say I wont give it a go, and I do understand that concentrating on seeing things is not going to make me any better at Reiki, I guess thats just a selfish aim!
Hmm, so lots to think about, what would you define as being spiritual then, from the Raja yoga I learnt that I am a soul who resides in this body, I am an eternal being who has been sent to play a role in this drama "life" but its only temporary and that I will be reincarnated again and again and eventually I will go home to the soul world and become reenergised by god. That bit I like! So from here, is meditation the only path or are there other ways? Is it just about becoming aware of your true self?
I would love to hear your experiences of how you got to where you are today!
Thanks so much
Sam
xxx
RE: what does it mean to be spiritual
Hi Sam,
These are just a few notes from me, not a comprehensive reply.
Just so you know, Raja Yoga doesn't somehow 'belong' to the brahma Kumaris. There is an authentic tradition of Raja Yoga stretching back centuries before them. I've had no personal contact with the Brahma Kumaris, and so have nothing to say of them myself. But I have a friend who is extremely experienced in all forms of meditation. He is a very mild man, and not given to saying negative things about anyone. When I asked him some time back about the BK's, in his mild way he said that there is a tendency for them to split marriages, as one of the partnership "joins" and is told to be celibate.
Celibacy is one topic associated with spirituality, but it's by no means essential and especially for a newcomer to it all.
I take Sunanda's point, which she worded well, when I gave a link to another thread. I'd say, take a look there anyway, but it's a long thread. I only gave the link in the absence of your knowing people face-to-face, or having books to hand. Personally, I always work things out by reading, but that just might be my own way.
I've no doubt that you've awakened something, or that you are awakening, so in time you'll find the right Way for you anyway. True raja yoga is a decent start, if you read more about that. But 'spirituality' isn't just about Hindu methods, and it isn't just about yoga, and it isn't just about meditation. Sme very spiritual people never consciously meditate. Spirituality is a broad subject! Take a look under that word in bookshops, or in search engines ... 😉
V
RE: what does it mean to be spiritual
I have met a few people who have experienced the bks, and they have said it is very extreme. There were 2 people there who left their wives to become brahmin. Also a nice lady who had a child and her husband decided to stay and be celibate with her.
I guess its down to personal choice and they feel thats what they need to do on their path.
But I was aware that I was throwing the baby out with the bath water somewhat!
I think I need "spirituality for dummies" !!! Will start reading, I think this is a good way to form my own ideas.
Thank you again
x
RE: what does it mean to be spiritual
There are many different definitions of spirituality but they all boil down to common denominators: be nice to others and aim for peace and happiness.
If you want an easy entry into the world of spirituality, then you could check out books or tapes by Wayne W Dyer or Deepak Chopra.
ORIGINAL: sammyd
Also a nice lady who had a child and her husband decided to stay and be celibate with her.
It's a very understanding wife who will stay with her celibate husband... I can't think that this will do much for their marriage. All the best to them.
RE: what does it mean to be spiritual
sammyd,
I would like to offer my view on this for you. I do not have any set of rituals for you just some things to consider. This is all the opinion of mine and does not reflect anyone but myself. If it doesn't work for you please disregard it and go with what works best. There is no wrong path because God is the destination.
First let me answer the question "what does it mean to be more spiritual?". It means nothing at all. We were created by God as an extension of Divine Love. We are the creation, all of us together and all of us individually. God is not partial. There is nothing that you need to do but accept this simple fact: you did not create yourself. All of our searching is nothing more than a repeat of 'the fall' where we looked outside of ourselves for the truth (I think the physical world came into being with this decision). The opposite of omnipotence (fully aware) is perception (selectively aware), the opposite of truth is illusion. All we can do is accept or reject what we are (what God is) and the results are as infinite as we are. The basis for all spiritual teaching is to remove the roadblocks to our awareness. We do not change during all of this. Only our perception changes and as a result our direct experience of what and who we think we are (body/world/ego, spirit/creation/God).
Celibacy for purity? You can be no less pure than God who created you. Be yourself and share yourself with your partner in a loving way. That is why we are here. To connect with each other. Sexual expression for the purpose of spiritual union is nothing to be ashamed of. If the body were a spritual impediment then breathing would hold you back. To me the body is a channel for cummunication. Our awareness is purified by the act of sharing.
The most helpful meditation that I have ever done is to sit quietly and simply to tell yourself that you are the most perfect child of God and to ask to know the Love God has for you. Your answer will come as soon as you allow it to. You are worthy to receive the only gift God can give. You are the creation, you are God's gift, you are what you seek. Healing is the result of this awareness because it heals the idea that you are apart from God (life, health, abundance). Be open to guidance but do not think that you were ever without it.
I hope this was helpful. May your path be blessed!
~Peace