how to practice spirituality practically

(this is the fourth session of 'what's on your mind?', the question and answer series being conducted by br. sattvika chaitanya at kalina in santacruz, mumbai. this session was conducted on 15th march 2007.)

The third talk was based on “How to apply spirituality practically?” In this session Sattvikaji began by explaining the meaning of spirituality as the art of living life every moment with clarity, courage and confidence. As Gurudev says – It is not a way to look at certain things – it is a certain way to look at all things.

We must begin by watching our WATCH –
W- Words
A- Actions
T-Thoughts
C- Character
H-Habits

Then Sattvikaji introduced select verses from the 17th Chapter of the Bhagwad Geeta to enable practical application of spirituality. The tips that he gave us were to :

• Economise energy
• Empower emotions
• Expand vision
• Eliminate the ego, and finally
• Experience ecstasy

We can do all the above through a combination of Study, Sadhana, Samyam (self control) and Seva. Through these practices we will evolve in 3 ways – by doing, thinking and finally being. Our culture has defined this formula for us as a way of life – doing in the first 2 stages (Brahmacharya and Grihasthashrama), thinking and introspection in Vanaprastha stage and being / awareness in the Sanyasa stage. He then went on to discuss the application of spirituality in our professional life through the ABCDE formula (Ambition, Belief, Challenge, Dedication, Efficiency) with special emphasis on delinking our worth from our work. He then discussed how to empower relationships through spirituality by loving people and using objects and not the reverse. The other points that he emphasized were the importance of listening in a relationship and the nature of true love which is a fulfillment in itself.

The detailed discussion on these points are available in the presentation used by Sattvikaji. You could download the presentation by clicking on the following link : http://groups.google.com/group/whats-on-your-mind---kalina-talks/web/practical+application+of+spirituality.ppt. And if that doesn't work you can try copying this link to the address bar of your browser. Or you could right-click on the link and select the 'Save Target As' option.

(And please do send in your comments and questions you would like Sattvikaji to answer in the next session.)