Spiritual ScienceResearch FoundationBridging the known and unknown worlds SpiritualResearchFoundation.org
3rd Basic Principle of spiritual practice
www.SpiritualResearchFoundation.org
Spiritual ScienceResearch FoundationBridging the known and unknown worlds SpiritualResearchFoundation.org
Importance of these principles
Spiritual ScienceResearch FoundationBridging the known and unknown worlds SpiritualResearchFoundation.org
The 3rd of six Basic Principles of spiritual practice
From Gross to Subtle
Spiritual ScienceResearch FoundationBridging the known and unknown worlds SpiritualResearchFoundation.org
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
Spiritual ScienceResearch FoundationBridging the known and unknown worlds SpiritualResearchFoundation.org
Gross and subtle two ends of the continuum
Most subtle or intangible
Grossest SubtlestGross to subtle continuum
Something that is very tangible or very physical
Unmanifest Supreme God Principle
Spiritual ScienceResearch FoundationBridging the known and unknown worlds SpiritualResearchFoundation.org
Gross and subtle two ends of the continuum
Most subtle or intangible
Grossest SubtlestGross 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.
Spiritual ScienceResearch FoundationBridging the known and unknown worlds SpiritualResearchFoundation.org
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
Spiritual ScienceResearch FoundationBridging the known and unknown worlds SpiritualResearchFoundation.org
Example – shaking hands
The old goat needs to retire, how long will I put up with him?
Hmm ..This upstart wants my job.
Spiritual ScienceResearch FoundationBridging the known and unknown worlds SpiritualResearchFoundation.org
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?
Spiritual ScienceResearch FoundationBridging the known and unknown worlds SpiritualResearchFoundation.org
Examples – External versus Internal
Gross or outward signs are not necessarily a reflection of one’s inner state
Spiritual ScienceResearch FoundationBridging the known and unknown worlds SpiritualResearchFoundation.org
Spiritual inner state
In spiritual practice the inner state is most important and it is the driver behind sustained positive spiritual changes in us
Spiritual ScienceResearch FoundationBridging the known and unknown worlds SpiritualResearchFoundation.org
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
Spiritual ScienceResearch FoundationBridging the known and unknown worlds SpiritualResearchFoundation.org
Gross to subtle in chanting
Grosser level : Chanting with beadsand chanting aloud
Spiritual ScienceResearch FoundationBridging the known and unknown worlds SpiritualResearchFoundation.org
Gross to subtle in chanting
Grosser level : Chanting with beadsand chanting aloud
Subtler level : Chanting with concentration at a non-verbal level
Spiritual ScienceResearch FoundationBridging the known and unknown worlds SpiritualResearchFoundation.org
Gross to subtle in personality defect removal as spiritual practice
Action level Working on reducing rudeness and sarcasm Gross
Spiritual ScienceResearch FoundationBridging the known and unknown worlds SpiritualResearchFoundation.org
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
Spiritual ScienceResearch FoundationBridging the known and unknown worlds SpiritualResearchFoundation.org
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
Spiritual ScienceResearch FoundationBridging the known and unknown worlds SpiritualResearchFoundation.org
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?