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.

Feeling energetic upon reading His Holiness (H.H.) Dr. Jayant Athavale's answer to a question, despite feeling feverish and having a backache.

When browsing through the question-answer sets by H.H. Dr. Athavale, I happened to read an email about 'Reasons for not being able to spread Spirituality', which I found very useful. Since the day before, I had been feeling feverish and also had a backache, due to which I had the thought that I would not be able to follow the timetable I had made up for my daily spiritual practice. After studying the answers given by H.H. Dr. Athavale, I felt energetic and was inspired to follow the timetable, as then I felt that fever is a small obstacle, which can be overcome by doing spiritual practice.

- Mrs. Avantika Dighe, Australia..

[When we have intense desire and make efforts to remain in Sat (Absolute Truth), such as reading spiritual guidance, as Mrs. Dighe did, our obstacles are minimized and we get the strength and energy to persevere in our spiritual practice.

-Editor.]

Improvement in illness with chanting*

A seeker from the Atlanta satsang, a doctor, shared that he recommended chanting as per the religion to two of his patients, one having Obsessive-Compulsive neurosis and the other having Schizophrenia. Both the patients have been chanting ('Hail Jesus') and reported that had been feeling better ever since.

- A seeker.

[Due to the mechanism in chanting (see Issue 290, Clarification of Doubts section, impressions in the mind reduce, lessening the effects of many psychological disorders such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Schizophrenia. Aside from that, one also benefits from repeating God’s Name due to the divine consciousness (chaitanya) therein, which naturally calms the mind.

-Editor]

Reduction in body pain due to accident, when in sattvik environment

On my way to a satsang on July 20, 2000, a car accidentally hit me. I suffered from bruises and was hit at the hip and arm. Luckily, the medical check-up revealed that I had no broken bones. No other passengers were seriously injured. My obstacle on the way to satsang illustrated to me how seekers are vulnerable, but most importantly, are protected by God. Soon after the accident, on Sunday, I went to one of the most sattvik churches in my city. I was still in pain as my whole body was sore from the accident. The church was almost empty when I went in. Immediately upon entering I felt no physical pain and felt recharged. I sat there for about half an hour and felt an incredible feeling. The only feeling I can compare it to is the joy people feel when everything in their life is going smoothly.

- A seeker.

[Being in a sattvik environment helps to calm one’s mind and thus any distress experienced will automatically be reduced. Such an environment also helps to pacify problems that are more rajasik or tamasik in nature.

-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.