Spiritual Experiences

Spirituality is a science in which knowledge is attained through spiritual practice and the spiritual experiences (anubhutis) resulting thereof. An experience beyond the five senses, mind and intellect is known as a spiritual experience.

Being able to expedite the process of acquiring citizenship due to the Guru's grace

As part of our spiritual practice on our spiritual journey, it was suggested that my wife and I visit another country to meet other seekers there. This was to happen around September. I did not have US citizenship papers, without which the trip could be potentially challenging and since the situation where we to visit was sensitive, we thought it would be next to impossible to make this trip in the near future. The preceding January we were told that I would have to reapply, and the whole process would take about two more years. I appealed, but that, too, was rejected. We tried all the other different avenues to get around this problem so that we could get there, but nothing worked. Finally, one day another seeker in our local satsang had a strong feeling that we should go the immigration office again.

At first, I thought it was ridiculous to go again, but immediately felt that when it comes to Spirituality, the Guru's grace could make the impossible possible. I put my faith in the Guru and did as I was told. Before I spoke to the officer, I prayed to the Guru and told Him that I want whatever happens to be as per His wish, and that I have faith that He will get me there and I was ready to do whatever He wanted relating to that. With that prayer, I approached the officer and said exactly what that seeker had told me to say. Without any hesitation, the officer replied to me that all I needed to do was be sworn-in (after which citizenship is acquired), which should happen by September 30 at the latest. To make sure I heard correctly, I asked again if my documents were all in order. The officer responded that they were, and that I should get my citizenship call between then and September 30. I felt extreme gratitude and joy that the Guru did all this for me. Now, I have understood even more fervently that the only thing necessary for spiritual upliftment and the only "accomplishment" in a seeker's life is to be in the Guru's service. After that, Liberation is at hand.

- A Seeker from the USA.

[As the seeker above experienced, faith in God, in the Guru, is all one needs to overcome obstacles in life. If one surrenders the outcome of any situation at His feet, then there is no way our efforts will be in vain. Simple steps like prayer and chanting* go a long way to facilitate the development of surrender and faith.

-Editor.]

Being able to hear a sound clearly despite being hearing impaired, when in a high spiritual state

My husband and I, along with another seeker, were having dinner in the garden. Before eating, we chanted and offered our food to the Guru. While chanting, I imagined myself in a white dress jumping on a trampoline in an attempt to reach God. In the meantime the trampoline vision changed into stairs leading up. I was happily jumping and dancing on the stairs, going higher and higher. Then I came to an invisible door of white light. With both my hands, I pushed the door open and then saw God, all in white-yellow light, and souls happily flying around. It was so real and loving, beyond any words. Then I went through the door and became a soul too, One with all. While I was in this state, the other seeker accidentally hit on a pot in the kitchen. This brought me back. I was at a standstill. I tried to see that vision again and turned to the clouds above, then realized I just need to bow down in gratitude. I started crying with spiritual emotion. I was very thankful to His Holiness (H.H.) Dr. Jayant Athavaleand bowed to His feet mentally. Upon doing this, I experienced lots of love in me. Half an hour later, the other seeker tried to hit the same pot again and again, but I didn't hear it. (I have been diagnosed with profound hearing loss since early childhood.) Yet, I could hear it previously. It was the best spiritual experience I ever had.

- A Seeker.

[The seeker in the above experience had been previously told by H.H. Dr. Athavale that with correct and regular spiritual practice, her hearing impairment would be corrected by 30%. This experience was further confirmation that if we properly follow and implement guidance given to us by an authority in the field of Spirituality, a spiritual master, then not only will our progress be hastened, as evidenced by the above seeker’s experience of God, but worldly obstacles will be removed.

-Editor.]

*If one is not currently doing any spiritual practice, or to complement one's current spiritual practice, one can begin with the simple, but powerful spiritual practice of chanting or constantly remembering God's Name according to one's religion. Chanting also acts as a useful complement to any spiritual path one may be already following. It is a practice recommended for the current times by Holy texts and Saints of all religions.

Seekers in the initial stages of spiritual practice (less than one year) can repeat The Name of the Lord as per their religion (refer to Issue 3 Clarification of Doubts section for details).
Seekers who have been doing regular spiritual practice for over a year or so can determine the appropriate chant for them from the experiment given in Issue 124, Message to Seekers section.