While the intensity faded, it has left my old patterns noticeably weakened. Was this a genuine spiritual opening, and is this a practice I should continue?
What you tried earlier is the way of discernment characteristic of gyana yoga. Here, one relies almost entirely upon one’s own efforts.
The second one of renouncing the doership, is the kernel of karmayoga. The third attitude of ‘Let Thy Will be done’ is the acme of bhakti yoga.
Combine the three approaches. Step back from the blind identification with the surfaces of life and its meaningless agitation due to the desire self. Practice nishkama karma and then give up the sense of doership. It takes away the sting of the ego. Surrender all to Her and pray that it is the Divine Will that be fulfilled in us. This turns us into dynamic channels of the Divine Work.
With persistent practice, this leads us to the royal road to inner freedom, liberation, mukti.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
