Raja's Exocortex

Evolution of Faith

Faith is based on the direct experience of reality, which is Brahman. Faith is not to be confused with belief, which is based on what we think or have been told.

Lord Rama once asked Hanuman, "How do you look upon me?"

Hanuman gives a three part answer which shows the stages of our spiritual quest:

  1. "When I believe that I am the body, then I am your faithful servant."

When we identify with the ego and the body-mind complex, we realise that we are here to do God's work, to serve that higher self in us and in everything. This is the foundation of Karma Yoga, the practice of selfless action.

  1. "When I know that I am the soul, I know myself to be a spark of your eternal light."

When our ego dissolves, we realise the presence of God in everyone and the connected nature of all beings. This is the foundation of Bhakti Yoga, the practice of devotion and love towards all.

  1. "And when I have the vision of truth, you and I, my Lord, are one."

The final step is when we realise that the only reality is Brahman and there is nothing else. The Do-er, the Witness, the Law of Karma, Dharma and Adharma, birth and rebirth are all dissolved into Brahman. This is Jnana Yoga, the practice of self-realization.

Hence, the final teaching of Jnana Yoga is Silence: Mounam Vyakhyanam.

#TODO A Jnana yogi lives his daily life as a witness . Get the quote from Kaivalya Navanethem. #TODO Swami Sarvapriyananda - you measure your spiritual progress by the level of detachment you have in worldly affairs.