The Value Of Spiritual Enlightenment

Spiritual Enlightenment is a long and difficult journey.  I have the utmost respect for the graceful individuals who are courageous enough to pursue a higher calling.  I’ve been on that long, winding and difficult journey of spiritual enlightenment for 30 years. 

But why go through the trouble?  Perhaps to seek higher truth or purpose.  Perhaps to uncover the unknown or uncertainty.  Perhaps all of the aforementioned.  Spiritual growth may be interpreted differently from person to person.

You’ll notice here that Spiritual Enlightenment and Spiritual Growth are used interchangeably.  They are one and the same.

It takes tremendous courage and patience to start and continue such a journey because it’s often done alone.  Spiritual Growth is not a destination, it’s not an endpoint, it’s not static, but  a continuous journey that may take a lifetime to explore and develop through uncharted waters.

How does someone pursue even a small amount of spiritual growth, wholeness and peace?  I’ve been practicing meditation for 30 years.  That’s not to say that you have to do the same, but you should find your own path to enlightenment.  Some love to meditate…as I do.  Some love to read spiritual books…as I do.  Some find their bliss in the presence of nature…as I do.  Some listen to relaxing music…as I do.  Some attend therapy…I don’t, but God knows I should.  No pun intended!  

With such an enormous task at hand, don’t be surprised that you may develop into a mystical being and live a “quieter” and “simpler” life than before.  As you seek spiritual growth, you’ll have greater awareness and compassion.  Please be aware that this journey involves an “inner calling” that may be unknown to you initially.

People become spiritually evolved, whole and peaceful when they come to a realization regarding the difficulties in their lives.

In his Mega Best Seller, The Road Less Traveled, M. Scott Peck has a Famous opening line: “Life is difficult.”

Recognizing your difficulties is perhaps the first step in the journey of spiritual growth.

If you’ve ever experienced meditation, then you have the ability “within” yourself to see, hear and feel certain emotions.  When Buddha meditated for weeks under a tree, he found liberation and enlightenment.  He became “The Awakened One.”

According to a YouTube video: The Enlightenment Of The Buddha, the narrator said: “Life can never satisfy us because we always want more.  The only way to achieve peace is to stop wanting.”

Monks & Spirituality

My friend, Cindy, posted a message on social media: “It may not seem like it, but even monks from what I understand, never stop moving forward.  Eventually the end purpose is to pray and feel a connection to Higher Beings.  Whether it is to seek comfort or simply to appreciate and be grateful.”

Those are beautiful words from a beautiful person; Cindy has the ability to put smiles on people’s faces, including monks.

Monks believe they have a calling to express themselves in a silent, still, humble, holy and peaceful manner.  In fact, monks take a vow of silence.  It’s their “inner guide” that propels them to this vocation of spiritual growth.  In order to pursue such a vocation, one must slowly detach from the external world and accept silence from deep within.

Silence also helps to relax the mind, body and spirit, which is why monks practice meditation daily. If you wish to develop silence, then meditation is a wonderful practice.

When an individual acknowledges to move forward in such a challenging journey, commitment and discipline must be in order because such a journey may take years to explore.

Even ordinary people can develop a monastic mindset.  It’s rare, but there are everyday people who are most happy with very minimal possessions.

The Road Less Traveled

You may have read a great poem by Robert Frost, which resonates with spiritual enlightenment.

The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost:

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be on traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I —

I took the one less traveled by, 

And that has made all the difference.

As a seeker of spiritual enlightenment, you’re at a crossroad with two choices: Road A or Road B.  You’re unsure of which road to pursue; however, you must select only one road.

Road A is a familiar path with no change in sight, so the same results are expected.  It’s a well known fact that if you continue to do the same things over and over again, you’ll produce the same outcome.

Road B is an unfamiliar path, and it’s quite frightening to be honest.  This road has uncertainties and unknown factors.  Road B involves taking risks, and it might not work out.  At the same time, there’s also a “possibility” that it will work out.  I’m currently on Road B, and I’m UNSURE if this journey will work out.  But I’m here.

So that begs the question: Which road will you take?

Silence, Stillness & Intuition

Many people yearn for spiritual enlightenment but fall short because of the peculiar work that’s required.  What are the requirements you may ask?  Silence, stillness, deep thinking and working “alone” for years on end.  Please feel free to add more to the list as you see fit.

This “silence” is not available during a normal waking state, but only in deep meditative thought and contemplation.

I attended a Zoom meeting with a few friends one day.  My friend, Armari, said something that was profound to me.  Armari said: “My intuition told me to do this…” 

The significance was that Armari used the word “intuition” in his statement.  I also use the word: intuition.  That prompted me to ask Armari a question: “Armari — if you don’t mind me asking — do you practice meditation?”

Armari’s response: “Yes.”

A truly serendipitous moment indeed since I practice meditation!  Not only did my intuition tell me that Armari meditates, but he’s definitely on The Road Less Traveled exploring spiritual enlightenment as well.

A few days later,  I sent Armari a text that contained some spiritual growth content.  He was thankful and grateful for such a gift.  It’s a gift that I do not share with just anyone because most people do not fit the bill regarding spiritual growth, and they will not understand it anyway.  I must receive some “spiritual signs” from an individual in order to give it away.  Armari definitely has a high level of spirituality, which is the reason why I shared it with him.

Armari replied: “Thank you…thank you!  It’s great to connect with like-minded individuals.  It’s not easy to find people who like to talk about spirituality.  Luckily, I’m blessed to have a small circle around me who have varying degrees of spirituality, and we can openly discuss.  I look forward to having some discussions on spirituality in the future.”

Armari’s reply was a breath of spiritual fresh air.

A Solitary Journey

I also share spiritual growth content with Cindy as well.  A poetry writer and painter, she provides beautiful insight on spiritual enlightenment.

Cindy is a peaceful, highly intelligent and creative soul with immense love for humanity. Although she may not realize it yet, Cindy is a wonderful role model to others. She’s certainly exploring her journey of spiritual evolution for years to come.

I asked Cindy a poignant question: “Do you share spiritual growth content with your immediate family members, friends, relatives and acquaintances?” 

Cindy’s response: “Nope.”

Try this on for size!  I discuss spiritual growth with only two individuals that I’ve never met in person: Cindy and Armari.  It gets better.  The three of us live in different countries!

Remember what Armari said?  “It’s not easy to find people who like to talk about spirituality.”  Truth be told!

According to M. Scott Peck in The Road Less Traveled: “Those who have grown the most spiritually are those who are the experts of living.  But the person who has evolved to the highest level of awareness, of spiritual power, will likely have NO one in his or her circle of acquaintances with whom to share such depth of understanding.  This kind of ALONENESS is “shared” by all who travel the farthest on the journey of spiritual growth.  The ultimate goal of life remains the spiritual growth of the individual, the SOLITARY journey to peaks that can be climbed ALONE.”

According to Marsha Sinetar, author of Ordinary People As Monks And Mystics: “The work, if it is to be done at all, must be done ALONE.”

With that said, I consider myself very blessed to have Cindy and Armari as spiritual friends; it’s important and healthy to share such beautiful gifts with each other. Even at afar.

Please allow me to share another beautiful excerpt from Marsha Sinetar, author of Ordinary People As Monks And Mystics: “Fortunately, as time goes by, the demands of the Self are easier to hear.  This is especially true when life becomes well-ordered and simplified, for the general rule is this: as the external life gets simplified and less distractive, the inner life is strengthened and developed.  The inner journey, whatever its costs, and whatever form it may take, is necessary for anybody who wishes to embody in thought, word and action all that he truly loves.  In this way, he comes to know and to be his ideally balanced, most wholesome and generous self; his highest Self.” 

When you free yourself from unnecessary distractions, then a more wholesome and noble life is in store.  Spiritual enlightenment is inevitable.  Then two of life’s most precious gifts are in the palm of your hand: Peace and Love. 

Related Reading:

The Road Less Traveled