Om! Studying and reflecting on spiritual books and sacred texts - Atman Nityananda

 

Studying and reflecting on spiritual books and sacred texts

 The study of spiritual books is one of the important forms of practice in our spiritual journey. I will briefly list briefly what the study of spiritual books offers us so that you can become more aware of what you can gain by studying and reflecting on the ideas you are studying. The study is, of course, only one part of spiritual practice and is not a substitute for other practices. Spiritual practice should include a variety of exercises and methods suitable for the integral development and transformation of ourselves on all levels (body, energy, heart, mind and intellect).

 

·       It gives us inspiration, enthusiasm and strength to follow the path.

·       It helps us to keep the fire of aspiration burning. By reading spiritual books on a daily basis we remind ourselves of our purpose. Life consumes us too easily and makes us forget the goals we have set for our inner growth and Self-realization. Daily study is a way to remind us of our purpose and to keep us steadfast in our practice.

·       By studying the autobiographies of the enlightened and the saints, we gain the courage to continue practicing with patience, determination and constancy. We learn about the adversities and challenges they went through, the endurance they showed to overcome them and achieve self-realization.

·       It gives us important information and insights into the path, practices, mind, ego, Self, obstacles and various topics related to the spiritual path.

·       Studying spiritual books is a way to substitute in a way the satsangs with enlightened or awakened beings.

·       The knowledge we gain from books affirms the knowledge we already have and the reliability of our experience and, as a result, boosts self-confidence.

·       Feed the mind with positive, lucid and sattvic thoughts. Thoughts are the food of the mind and their quality affects the quality of our mind. Sattvic thoughts increase the sattva in the mind and thus the mind can function at its highest potential.

·       Feed the intellect with beliefs aligned with truth.

·       It connects us with the consciousness and vibrations of the writer and this helps us to raise our consciousness and vibration.

·       Through study and reflection, you can develop discrimination and detachment, two abilities that are the basis on which all spiritual practice and Self-realization is based.

·       It helps us to concentrate and forget the world and worldly thoughts (It is a type of pratyahara, 'withdrawal of the senses').

·       If we concentrate deeply, then reading becomes a type of meditation, especially with sacred texts such as Bhagavad Gita, Ribhu Gita, Avadhuta Gita, Ashtavakra Gita, Vivekachudamani, Moksha Gita.

·       It helps us to develop an awareness of our true Self (i.e., Self-awareness).