Today we will discuss the relative influence of various factors on one’s spiritual growth. The discussion will help understand how the equation changes greatly after acquiring a Guru’s grace. The following table lists the main factors that spiritual progress depends upon before and after being blessed by a Guru.

The progress in a seeker when doing spiritual practice as per his own understanding, under a Guru’s spiritual guidance and after acquiring a Guru’s grace.

     A seeker doing spiritual practice according to his own intellect, without the guidance of a Guru or a spiritual guide, is able to progress at an average rate of 0.25% per year, and can at best attain a spiritual level of 50-55%. Contrary to this, the one doing spiritual practice under the guidance of a Guru can progress at the rate of 2-3% per year. And the one upon whom the Guru has bestowed His grace can reach a spiritual level of 80-100% progressing at a much quicker rate of 5-8% per year.

Practical Application

    The importance of the Guru’s grace in making rapid spiritual progress is obvious from the above discussion about the various factors or reasons for spiritual growth. It is also clear that until attaining the grace of a Guru, spiritual practice under the guidance of a Guru will yield much more rapid spiritual progress compared to spiritual practice according to one’s intellect.