Driving on a stormy night to an uncertain destination is a daunting experience for all of us. It’s also a perfect analogy for the challenges on our spiritual journey.
First, we get in our car and are glad for the moment to be out of the storm. (This is our first step on the path to God, in which we have a longing to escape the turmoil of life and find peace of mind.)
Next, we’re uncertain about driving in the storm. We even begin to question if getting to the destination is worth it, so we decide to cancel the trip. (Some new seekers lose heart before they begin, and decide that the unknown destination of finding God and the demands of the trip are too much. They quit before they’ve even begun.)
Then, if we’re plucky enough, we summon up the courage to start the car, turn on the headlights, and check our GPS unit to get an idea of where we’re going. (We generate the initial energy to start the journey, then put out the positive energy that enables us to find a true guide—the guru—who can show us where we’re headed and how to get there.)
So the journey begins. Since the headlights enable us to see only a little distance ahead, we proceed slowly and cautiously. We hope that the road will become clearer as we continue driving. (Each step on the spiritual path is revealed as we approach it. The techniques and teachings come into focus as we proceed.)
At this point, the storm seems to be letting up, and we begin to relax and enjoy the journey. As we draw closer to our destination, streetlights appear to guide us, the road gets wider, and the signs for our journey’s end are more frequent. (As we continue towards our spiritual goal, the dark karma that obscured our way seems to lift. Our inner path to God becomes more brightly illumined, and reaching Him begins to seem possible.)
Finally, as we approach our destination, we begin to speed up, because we see that we’re nearing the journey’s end. With a sigh of relief, we realize that the goal that for so long seemed obscure is now familiar and welcoming. (Though the spiritual journey is seemingly filled with perils and uncertainty, as we continue the momentum builds. We realize that there was always an Unseen Passenger in the back seat silently guiding our way to our true home in God.)
To complete the journey, we must find the faith to trust that we are never alone on the spiritual path, and that God’s grace is always with us. But we must also have the courage to take the next step, and then the next, until we arrive at our goal.
“The Path,” by Nayaswami Jyotish.
Once Yoganandaji was correcting a disciple for some behavior that needed changing. The man tried to justify himself by answering, “That’s easy for you to say—you’re a master.”
Yoganandaji replied with great force: “And what do you think made me a master?” In other words, it’s by facing our challenges and overcoming them that we attain soul freedom. The journey may seem dark and daunting, but if we take each step in front of us, with God’s grace, we will get there.
Master, who has the soul of a spiritual warrior, wrote a wonderful poem, “My Soul Is Marching On.” It’s filled with the determination and power to reach the journey’s end. As you read these stanzas excerpted from the poem, try to visualize him in armor of gleaming light holding a flaming sword to guide us forward:
The flowers bloomed, then hid in gloom,
The bounty of the trees did cease;
Colossal men have come and gone,
But still my soul is marching on!
Darkness, death, and failures vied;
To block my path they fiercely tried.
My fight with jealous Nature’s strong,
But still my soul is marching on!
Take the next step with determination, friend. Marching bravely we will reach—each one of us—the journey’s end.
Nayaswami Devi
Listen to Devi as she reads the blog, then expands on it, often adding special behind-the-inspiration stories and answers to common spiritual questions. Subscribe to the podcast or download the audio recording by right-clicking here. Or listen to it here (10:07):
27 Comments
Thank you Devy, as always your wise words come on the precise needed moment.
Have a nice weekend!
Thanks for the very inspirational analogy to follow the GURU with faith and aspire to reach our goal of self realization & union with GOD .
Special message for me now; and I go one and find my goal!
Thank you so much.
The analogy used really helped to deepen my understanding of the spiritual path. It somehow feels less daunting when thinking of it from a driving perspective 🙏🏻
Thanks do much
Xx
With love
Trace
Thank you s
Thank you so much !🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 The best analogy I have come across so far . It will surely help me as a guiding force to stick to the spiritual path and to march on without any doubt and fear.
Thank you.
Perfect timing. Thank you for this wonderful message. Drive on!
Excellent analogy. Thank you Devi!
A beautiful metaphor for the spiritual journey – thank you for sharing the gift of our Wisdom, Devi!
Meant “your” wisdom – apologies!
Dearest Devi, thank you for this helpful and humorous analogy. Some of us must also stop along the way to put on tire chains! With unimaginable joy in the journey, Meri
You always give me the good cry I’ve been needing! Thank you again as always.
So helpfully apt for me, this analogy of travel and our spiritual journey, Devi. Many thanks for these inspired words, as I happily remember “that there was always an Unseen Passenger in the back seat silently guiding our way to our true home in God”.
Thanks Devi ji!
This analogy is applies perfectly to our spiritual journey.
It’s like Divine Mother timed the snowstorm – despite the various weather forecasts and predictions – with this Touch of Light! ❄ Thank you for the fun and uplifting read 🤍
Devi, As you stated several years ago, “Let the GPS (God’s Polestar) lead the way.” So true.
Thank you, Devi. Glad you’re safely in the Bay Area!
Very thoughtful write up. It makes our journey courageous.
Aum Guru
Bless you and thank you, dear soul. Words fail but God and Guru NEVER do. Namaste
Devi, I always enjoy your and Jyotish’s inspiring blogs. This analogy was one of the best. I read it with recognition and gratitude. Thanks.
Thank you so much. I love that poem. I didn’t know the story behind it. It makes it all the more meaningful. Blessings, Mary
Brilliant, dear Devi! Thanks so much for sharing this. <3
Dear Nayaswami Devi Ji,
Thank you for sharing this beautiful blog. Very nicely written and able to grasp it
The GPS translates to Guru Positioning System as we march on :-)
These lines were very comforting to read – We realize that there was always an Unseen Passenger in the back seat silently guiding our way to our true home in God
Joy,
Prem
The message came at the right moment just when I was struggling with my thoughts, believing that I am moving on the path and want to continue and there’s a force which is making it difficult. Though one sees some sign that Guru is the guiding force but you can’t see him.
What a lovely article. So true!
The analogy of the stormy journey as a metaphor for our spiritual path resonates profoundly. The stages highlighted – from the initial hesitation to the eventual courage and faith – beautifully capture the essence of our spiritual journey towards God.
The anecdote about Yoganandaji’s response is a powerful reminder that mastering one’s soul involves facing challenges head-on, a testament to the strength and resilience needed to overcome obstacles on this path.
The poem “My Soul Is Marching On” exudes determination and strength, urging us all to take each step with conviction, despite the adversities that may present themselves.
I’m immenselybgrateful for your words of guidance and motivation.
With heartfelt gratitude, Àshvini