How can you know what level of consciousness you attain. Because I see a portal opening in the sun can you explain this. I see this with my natural eyes
—Judy, United State
Dear Judy,
The lives and lessons of saints down through ages reveals that all but the true avatars are unsure of their own spiritual realization. Many have moments wherein they despair for their own “salvation.”
It is wise therefore to leave that question in the hands of God. For until we achieve final liberation, becoming a “jivan mukta,” we are never safe from falling back.
In addition, spiritual phenomenon such as you describe (in the “portal” of the sun) are even less reliable measures of one’s progress.
There are those with psyhic powers who are not more spiritual than most people. Down through the ages and including Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras we are warned from mistaking spiritual powers (“siddhis”) for spiritual realization or at least view them as temptations for the ego.
As Swami Kriyananda describes at the end of his now classic tome on Art and Science of Raja Yoga, our spiritual progress is best measured by the degree to which we are calmer; kinder; wiser and guided by devotion and self-offering.
Swami Sri Yukteswar’s counsel to all was simply, “Learn to Behave!” As great an avatar as he was he reduced the spiritual path to its simplest forms.
Even at that, feeling progress is not an evaluation, it is only a directional guide because we can always end up feeling “proud” of the progress we claim.
So, while the question lingers in the minds of all of us, perhaps when we get impatient or question our own progress or commitment, give your “salvation” to God.
As Lahiri Mahasaya counseled all of us: “banat, banat, ban jai!” Doing, doing, soon done. Live each moment in eternity for time is illusion. God is as much with you now as He will ever be.
Pray, meditate, serve!
Blessings,
Nayaswami Hriman
