In this general trend of living, there is one understanding that allows human beings to develop their skills and their inherent qualities: that we are all evolving. If that awareness and understanding is there, that we are evolving and there is a continuation even beyond death, then naturally the desire comes to know what evolution is and how we can become better.

It is this quest to improve one’s self that is the main drive of a human being, and in this quest we create and formulate our own concepts, ideas and beliefs that guide, inspire and motivate us to look into other areas of our lives and explore expressions of the mind and consciousness that have not yet been accessed.

The shift from normal involvement in life to the cultivation of awareness, along with the endeavour to access those areas of life that are presently untapped, marks the beginning of spiritual life.

Spiritual life is different to religious life; do not confuse the two. They are poles apart. They are the two ends of the stick. Spiritual life indicates a transformation taking place in the life of an individual where one comes closer to the inner nature, where one tries to discover one’s own transcendental nature and to cultivate positive, creative qualities and virtues.

Spiritual life is an expression of an integrated personality, an integration between head, heart and hands. It is not important in spiritual life whether you believe in God or not. You can be a believer or non-believer, as what you believe or do not believe is your own expression of mind.

Spiritual life is not bound by devotion; rather it is about coming into contact with your own inner nature, the inner spirit, and cultivating positive, creative and harmonious qualities.

God is something different.

Ganga Darshan Munger, 27 September 2008

From the book “On the Wings of the Swan, Vol.8”, pg. 56-57, Sw. Niranjanananda Saraswati