I'n writing a spiritual autobiography, the role of truthfulness and honesty on the part of the author is paramount. Without this, it cannot be said to be worth the paper it is written on, or at best, it could be a second- or third-rate work. Also, the author's willingness to share the difficult periods of their life with the reader is crucial. To omit the experience of adversity in their life or gloss over it means denying the reader a very human experience as well as the very rationale and need for spiritual enlightenment. Also, to be able to bare the uncomfortable aspects of their human personality in the light of the Higher Truth, which they have attained, is important, as are the qualities of humility and modesty. In fact, all of the above are aspects of genuine spiritual attainment and are inherent in the experience of spiritual awakening.
In choosing these spiritual memoirs, all the above factors have been taken into consideration as well as the fact that this is a selection of the stories of ordinary people-as against spiritual masters who awakened spiritually. With one or two notable exceptions, these are all stories of regular people like you and me, following a variety of spiritual paths, who awakened either gradually through spiritual practice or suddenly due to seeking a way out of intense adversity and suffering. There are also a couple of memoirs by the spiritually gifted such as genuine psychic mediums or those who can see angels or read people's energies, but they are few and far between. For the vast majority of humanity, a consistent (preferably daily) spiritual practice, is the best possible way to spiritual attainment. This, I would say from personal experience, is the surest, most sustainable, and gentlest way to happiness.
This story is from the May 2024 edition of Life Positive.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2024 edition of Life Positive.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Miracles of Mount Maunganui
A hike to Mount Maunganui in New Zealand filled Rashi Bunny with a sense of awe and wonder equivalent to witnessing the glory of the Divine Himself
Navigating Your 20s: A Simple Guide
By embracing the tumultuous journey through her 20s, Abhilasha Srivastava learnt to triumph over the challenges encountered and carve the path for her future
Inducing Sweet Slumber
As we are well aware, lack of sound sleep can give rise to physical and mental problems. To ensure a good night's rest, you could follow the suggestions given by Jamuna Rangachari in the next few pages
Days for the Divine
Guided by her mentor Megha Bajaj, Meghana Acharya sends positive vibes into the Universe to ensure the well-being and success of others
Voices from the beyond
Near-Death Experiences (NDES) have long fascinated humanity-a glimpse beyond the veil, a sneak peek into the unknown that pulsates with wonders, mysteries and intrigue. Jamuna Rangachari takes us through the narrations of a few who went to the other side and returned to share in great detail what they experienced and how it transformed them
All for the best
An academic disaster turned opportunity led Rajeev Hallur to understand the jigsaw puzzle of life, initially incomprehensible to most of us
Many Lives, One Master
Dr Bijal Maroo probes into the enigmatic charisma of Swami Omkaranandaji to discover the story behind his uncanny healing powers
Modern art with a tribal touch
Gautam Bharati and Avani Jain, based in Dungarpur, Rajasthan saw the incredible ability and passion of tribals for arts and decided to do something about it.
Laugh your way to health
Rupa Bannur, a former IT professional turned holistic health coach from Bangalore began turning to laughter yoga in 2001 after she faced profound loss of precious family members.
Healing Hands
When Rupesh Budh Ahmedabad from was 15 years of age, he learnt meditation from his martial arts (Karate) teacher. His teacher also introduced him to Reiki as a healing modality that can cure with just a touch. He told him that advanced Reiki practitioners can cure even from a distance without touching.