I just went through 4-5 spiritual organisations, but nothing is helping me in my personal experiences. How should I believe and how can I go naked without any understanding and experience?
First thing needed is clarity, which comes by becoming conscious of yourself, the motives for our actions and, most importantly, the reason for our attraction towards the spiritual life. The clearer and more crystallised the aspiration is, the better it is. It is this aspiration that guides, opens the path and helps us in the journey.
Then comes understanding, a right understanding of the principles and practice of spiritual life. Organisations do not help except by strengthening the faith and aspiration and fixing it along a certain line. But they can also become a prison by deflecting your seeking along lines not meant for you. Books are a better way, provided we choose them carefully, since all kinds of things, even the most contradictory ones, can be and have been spoken in the name of God and spirituality.
Slowly, you will see that certain teaching is attracting you more than another. Or you are distinctly drawn towards a Master more than any other. It is then that you can visit the organisation connected with the teaching and feel for yourself whether you feel inwardly nourished and supported in your seeking by the Influence that each place and Yogi exudes.
Then comes the stage of practice wherein you take the leap of faith and put your trust in the Master and his teachings, you try to follow in whatever imperfect way the mind has understood it. Until you reach this decisive stage, it helps to spend some time quietly alone, seeking the meaning and purpose of your life, reflecting upon the world and God. If the seeking is sincere, the guidance and the answer will surely come.
Meanwhile, feel free to write and clarify anything you wish to. You can call me anything you wish to. My role in people’s lives is more as a mentor and guide. Personally, I connect best as a brother and hence alok da, alok bhai, or simply alok is fine.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
