Giant leap

Even uninitiated ones in Eastern philosophy would still be well-acquainted with word ‘Maya’. This isn’t about explaining its philosophical context pertaining to Kashmiri Shaivism but rather searching for the key, in simple terms, to break its shackles of vicious Birth-and-Death lifecycles.

Moment we acknowledge and understand any problem, we can recognize its solution. When it comes to Life, interestingly enough, many find it difficult to accept solution even if they knew deep within that its their only Antidote; same reason why this topic has become a go-to choice as a prelude for popular scriptures like Bhagavad Gita (Arjuna recognizes he’s deluded) and Devi Mahatmyam (Suratha and Samadhi knew they’re unreasonably attached to those who abandoned them). All fingers eventually point towards Divine’s overwhelming power that conceals Truth.

foremost step is a well directed Will-power or Discipline attaining which itself completes half journey

We can sense the missing key to this Maya’s riddle by looking at the underlying principle of this Nature. Imagine Sun deciding to take rest and not shine at all few days thereby relieving Moon’s lunar phases too or, rivers and oceans decide to relocate on a whim. May be Earth, for a change, wants to choose different path around the Sun this year or want to flex her muscles a bit by tilting 1 degree. These catastrophic events can wipe off Life within a moment. But they won’t because Regularity or Consistency is the defining quality of Nature without which this Creation isn’t possible as we perceive it today. Spiritual growth comes in many grades with each step being revealed by the Divine as we evolve. Foremost step is a well directed Will-power or Discipline attaining which itself completes half journey.

the key to unleash our Consciousness lies in Mind itself

Even though the Divine conceals our Shiva tattva i.e Consciousness, with Shakti tattva i.e our Mind, the key to unleash our Consciousness lies in Mind itself. Mind has a great potential called will-power with which it can choose whichever path it wants: to the Heavens or to the Netherworld. Amount of effort to pull a bow string is the same whether one wants to attain spiritual or material goals. Difference only lies in the direction where we aim the arrow- Stars or the Earth. Karma that we often blame when faced with an untoward incident is nothing but Mind’s habitual patterns that makes it not look beyond what its used to, like a Frog that’s born in a well. In a way, that well becomes an extension of frog’s mind as it can’t think beyond its boundaries.

Only way to expand our Consciousness is not to give a deaf ear if a new Frog joins the well and explains how it is be outside those cylindrical walls of brick and further lays path to reach out. Whether it ridicules these instructions or makes a giant leap depends on how ready the Frog ‘really’ is for the change. So are we too. Many feel the lack of satisfaction in Life and acknowledge need for Spiritual progress but not ready yet to let go of habits and comfort zone thats pinning them down. First step is to make a disciplined approach to implement (not just read) instructions passed down by Seers and Saints who’ve reached highest levels of Consciousness and devoted rest of their lives to carve-out a clear trail in the deep forest of Samsara. If not this lifetime, at-least the deep desire within the Frog to break free of that well while attempting makes its path easier next lifetime; such is the grace of Divinity referred to by Lord Sri Krishna in Bhagavad Gita chapter 6, shloka 41-42. Punya or virtuousness mentioned here is a direct result of our attempts to realize the Absolute instead of basking in ephemeral :

Meaning: The unsuccessful Yogis at end of their life term, go to the abodes of the virtuous. After dwelling there, they’re reborn into a family of pious and prosperous people. Else, if they had developed dispassion due to long practice of Sadhana, they’re born into a family endowed with divine wisdom. Such a birth is very difficult to attain in this world !

~ Swami Pranava