Who am I? What am I here for?

We know already, that spiritual progress usually starts with asking questions which do not seem to have easy or clear answers. Questions, for which we seek answers by running pillar to post, asking people whom we think to be wise or great. But does it work?

I recently interacted with someone who directed me to some ashram, along with the words ‘Salvation is not possible without a guru’. This is the saddest misconception in spirituality. I know many who have been searching for a guru for so long, that they have ultimately forgotten what they’re really here to find – bliss.

The concept of ‘guru’ has been twisted and turned by selfish teachers so that their followers stick on. What really is a GURU? One who teaches. Why does this person have to be someone with the knowledge of the vedas alone? Or someone who has attained salvation? That is like saying that the only possible teacher in the world is one with PhD and even 5 year olds must learn only from them. Does it really work that way? No.

Focus not on finding a guru, but on finding a shishya (student) in you. Be a good student, and the lessons will come automatically. You have a teacher in everything around you, living and non-living. When Newton was ready, it just took an apple to teach him about gravity. Be ready to learn from everyone that comes your way, whether elder or younger, friend or enemy.

Be an Observer

A good student observes, and this is the true essence of spirituality. One learns about the universe by looking within. Observe, watch yourself. Maintain your awareness at all times, and watch how you behave, react, and think. Observe others too.

Observation helps you pass a lot more information to your subconscious mind. The subconscious mind is a lot better than the conscious, at discovering patterns and at decoding and understanding the information as a whole. When you become a keen observer, you will find that your understanding of the people and the world at large suddenly gets a boost, and you won’t really know why.

When you’re observing and not thinking, your subconscious mind kicks into gear and you’re likely to receive more information – stuff that your subconscious mind has been processing. The subconscious has access to a lot more information than the conscious, and allowing it to process the data you pick up in day to day life is more beneficial. As a result, you will have more ‘gut’ feelings about people and events, feelings that will come to you more easily when you’re thinking less.

Observing is also the essence of meditation, so when you observe without thinking, you are actually meditating with your eyes open. We have such a long way to go, and so much to learn, why waste time? Start right away, watch yourself. What are you feeling, what are you thinking… right now?