My Spiritual Awakening
निराकारमोंकारमूलंतुरीयं।गिराग्यानगोतीतमीशंगिरीशं।
करालंमहाकालकालंकृपालं।गुणागारसंसारपारंनतोहं॥2॥
I bow to the supreme Lord who is the formless source of “Aum” The Self of All, transcending all conditions and states. He represents the fourth state of the soul, beyond the limitations of expression, knowledge, and sensory perception. Supreme Shiva, also known as Girish, is the supreme of all. Supreme Shiva embodies both fierce and benevolent aspects. In his fierce form of Mahakaal, he symbolizes the destruction of time itself. He is the compassionate destroyer who paves the way for new beginnings. Beyond the confines of the universe, he transcends all qualities and limitations.
The spiritual journey is a transformative process that takes individuals on a profound quest for self-discovery and connection with the divine. The journey of spiritual awakening is a profound and transformative experience that opens doors to a deeper understanding of oneself and the universe.
For some, a spiritual awakening may be a sudden and profound realization of their true nature, while for others, it may be a gradual process of self-discovery. For me, it triggered during my journey to Kailash, and it continued thereafter. The spiritual awakening ignited by my visit to Kailash encompassed moments of euphoria and profound introspection. It was a path that led me through the depths of spiritual ecstasy and the challenges of spiritual depression. Through rigorous spiritual practices, intensive study of sacred scriptures, and deep meditation, I witnessed the unveiling of truths within myself. The awakening ushered in a profound transformation, expanding my consciousness and connecting me to the divine. This journey continues to shape my perception of reality and guides me towards a deeper understanding of my purpose in the universe.
The journey to Kailash evoked both spiritual ecstasy and a subsequent period of spiritual depression within me. Although my physical body had returned from Kailash, my mind, heart, and soul remained captivated by the profound experiences I had encountered there. Overwhelmed by a deep sense of longing, I yearned to return to Kailash, unsure of the transformative process that was unfolding within me. Unable to confide in anyone, including my family, for fear of being misunderstood or labelled as mentally unstable, I turned to spiritual practices as a means to navigate this perplexing journey. Unable to articulate my inner turmoil, I carried the weight of my experiences in solitude. Fearing judgment or disbelief, I refrained from sharing my feelings and emotions, even with my loved ones. This isolation intensified the intensity of my journey, urging me to seek solace and understanding from within.
Amidst the shadows of ignorance, the Ancient Sages kindled the eternal flame of knowledge, foreseeing the scarcity of wisdom in the ages to come. Let us unravel the sacred threads and behold the timeless teachings that hold the key to enlightenment.
In my quest for clarity and transcendence, I immersed myself in the study of ancient scriptures. From the profound teachings of Shiv Purana, Ling Purana, Skanda Purana, Markendeya Purana, to the wisdom encapsulated in the key Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, YOG Vashishtha, and Brahm Sutra, I delved deep into the wisdom of the sages. Getting up at the early hours of 4 am became a sacred ritual, allowing me to establish a profound connection with Supreme Shiva through dedicated meditation.
Through unwavering commitment to my spiritual practices, a profound realization began to unfold within me. Doubts arose, questioning the authenticity of my experiences—were they mere hallucinations or a glimpse into the transcendental realm? As I grappled with these uncertainties, the enduring claims of sages and ascetics resonated deeply within me. The notion that surrendering to the divine could enable the apprehension of a higher reality gained credence, igniting hope within my wavering thoughts.
It was a profound and life-altering experience that triggered a deep inner awakening within me. As I embarked on this spiritual path, I encountered various stages and experiences that shaped my journey. During my awakening, I went through a period often referred to as the “dark night of the soul” in western spirituality. It was a time of intense introspection and inner exploration. I confronted my deepest fears, faced my own shadows, and experienced a profound sense of spiritual crisis. It was a period of confusion, depression, and an inner battle between the old self and the emerging awakened self.
This awakening unleashed a surge of divine energy, unlocking a new level of consciousness and spiritual insight within me. It was a profound merging of my individual self with the universal consciousness.
In my quest for the divine, I delved into scriptures, explored various spiritual practices, and sought guidance from enlightened beings. I embarked on pilgrimages to sacred places in the Himalayas, where I met rishis, aghoris, sadhus, and Himalayan seers. These encounters and experiences further deepened my understanding of spirituality and expanded my consciousness.
Through this journey, I realized that everything we seek is already within us. The source of the universe resides in the latent energy of Kundalini (Shakti), waiting to be awakened and guided towards the Sahasrara, the crown chakra (Shiva). It is the pure abstract intelligence that is not conditioned by fears, emotions, or worries. It is our pristine nature, our true essence. My consciousness expanded beyond the limitations of my physical body, encompassing the vastness of the entire universe.
The awakening I experienced was a profound realization of my innate shakti and connection to the divine. It was a shift in consciousness that allowed me to align with the greater universal intelligence and manifest my true potential. It was a journey of self-discovery, liberation from limitations, and a deep connection to the infinite possibilities that exist within and around us.
My awakening was a personal and unique experience, yet it is a testament to the universal potential that lies dormant within each of us. It is a reminder that we are not separate from the divine but an integral part of it. Through our own awakening, we can tap into the boundless shakti and wisdom that resides within, transforming our lives and contributing to the greater unfolding of consciousness in the world.
The spiritual path is not without challenges. It can be a solitary and demanding journey, as it requires unlearning conditioned patterns and embracing a new way of being. However, the rewards of spiritual awakening are profound. It brings a deep sense of purpose, inner peace, and alignment with the divine will. While initially a solitary and challenging path, the awakening opens doors to an extraordinary realm of spiritual awareness and unconditional love. This awakening process unravels the layers of our conditioned existence, allowing us to discover our true essence and a higher reality.
Conclusion: The journey from Kailash’s bliss to spiritual awakening brought about a tapestry of emotions and experiences. I navigated the realms of spiritual ecstasy and spiritual depression, finding solace in spiritual practices and extensive scriptural study. The unfolding of my inner transformation challenged societal perceptions and led me to question the nature of reality. The path to rediscovering divinity and raising our consciousness is a transformative and empowering journey. This journey continues to shape my perception of reality and guides me towards a deeper understanding of my purpose in the universe. It is a journey of self-discovery, liberation, and connection to the divine, empowering me to manifest my true purpose and align with the universal intelligence.