Spiritual Practice - Basic Principle 3
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The document discusses the third of six basic principles of spiritual practice - moving from gross to subtle. It explains that 'gross' refers to practices that are shallow, superficial, or limited, while 'subtle' refers to practices that are more intangible or connected to the Supreme God Principle. It provides examples to illustrate moving along the continuum from gross to more subtle practices, such as changing the focus of prayer from formal words to heartfelt feelings, or changing the focus of chanting from aloud to mentally without words. The principle suggests that as spiritual practice evolves, it should incorporate increasingly subtle and internal aspects to fully embrace the Supreme God Principle.
Spiritual Practice - Basic Principle 3
- 1. Cover 3rd Basic Principle of spiritual practice www. S piritual R esearch F oundation.org
- 2. Importance of these principles
- 3. The 3 rd of six Basic Principles of spiritual practice From Gross to Subtle
- 4. Meaning of ‘Gross’ ‘ Gross’ would have connotations of … shallow, superficial, superfluous, mechanical, and limited in terms of both the understanding of the God principle as well as quantity and quality of our spiritual practice efforts
- 5. Gross and subtle two ends of the continuum Most subtle or intangible Grossest Subtlest Gross to subtle continuum Something that is very tangible or very physical Unmanifest Supreme God Principle
- 6. Gross and subtle two ends of the continuum Most subtle or intangible Grossest Subtlest Gross to subtle continuum Something that is very tangible or very physical Unmanifest Supreme God Principle To merge into the Supreme God Principle which is the ultimate in spiritual evolution then our spiritual practice too has to become more and more subtle.
- 7. The real test for spiritual practice Initially we identify with the 5 senses, mind and intellect Finally we identify only with the Soul Dissolution of the 5 senses, mind and intellect through spiritual practice Our true nature - The Soul 5 Senses Mind Intellect
- 8. Example – shaking hands The old goat needs to retire, how long will I put up with him? Hmm ..This upstart wants my job.
- 9. Example – praying I think the Jack should be able to come down in price Should I go to Europe or the Caribbean for a holiday?
- 10. Examples – External versus Internal Gross or outward signs are not necessarily a reflection of one’s inner state
- 11. Spiritual inner state In spiritual practice the inner state is most important and it is the driver behind sustained positive spiritual changes in us
- 12. Gross to subtle in prayer as spiritual practice Grossest level : Attending a prayer service at a place of worship but thoughts are somewhere else Formal prayers at pre-determined times such as at meal times or weekly religious services Saying the same formal prayers but with feeling Then saying one’s own heartfelt prayers Gross Subtle
- 13. Gross to subtle in chanting Grosser level : Chanting with beads and chanting aloud
- 14. Gross to subtle in chanting Grosser level : Chanting with beads and chanting aloud Subtler level : Chanting with concentration at a non-verbal level
- 15. Gross to subtle in personality defect removal as spiritual practice Action level Working on reducing rudeness and sarcasm Gross
- 16. Gross to subtle in personality defect removal as spiritual practice Action level Thought level Working on reducing rudeness and sarcasm Working on the incorrect thought, i.e. one’s superiority complex Gross Subtle
- 17. Gross to subtle in personality defect removal as spiritual practice Action level Thought level Working on the incorrect thought, i.e. one’s superiority complex Gross Subtle Not only reduce rudeness and sarcasm but also all ones other actions become more humble
- 18. In summary Visit www.SpiritualResearchFoundation.org for further details If you are doing any form of spiritual practice please do reflect as to whether it embraces this third principle. Are you going from gross to subtle?