Self-inquiry, self-awareness, detachment from the body, the ego, and the mind (thoughts, emotions), discernment, tranquility (apathy), ego dissolution (in all its aspects), and meditation are the fundamental pillars of spiritual practice. They go hand in hand until the journey's end. The ultimate goal is the complete dissolution of the ego and our establishment in our true nature (Atman, Consciousness, Spirit). Progress in any of these practices supports and accelerates progress in the others.
Vigilance, alertness, control of the mind and senses, investigative attention, discernment, detached observation, acceptance, inquiry, contemplation, questioning, and exploration of our mental and emotional expressions, focus on what we do, prayer, mantra repetition, kirtan (singing mantras and hymns), worship, pranayama, and the repetition of positive affirmations are the primary tools to develop our abilities in detachment, self-inquiry, self-awareness, ego dissolution, and meditation.
Beyond the dedicated morning and evening hours when we perform specific practices under favorable conditions as part of our schedule, aimed at achieving the aforementioned goals, it is essential to apply these principles throughout the day if we wish to progress steadily and uninterruptedly toward freedom and light.
The spiritual life and practice demand vigilance and alertness moment by moment. At every moment, we are either identified with the ego, acting mechanically and unconsciously, or we are in a state of attentiveness and self-awareness, undergoing transformation.
The 'secret' to a plentiful life, a life of harmony, happiness and contentment is to have a sattvic mind free from desires and ego and to live in every moment in conscious contact with our true Self (Consciousness).
🌺 Peace, Love, Harmony