We are all pilgrims treading the Path of Life. It is often called the Path of Self-realisation. It is a difficult path — “sharp as the edge of a razor”. And one treads the Path — step by step.
The very first step is referred to as viveka or “awakening”. The “Self”, the Atman, is different from the body, the sthula sarira (the physical vehicle). We must awaken to the Atman, the Self.
The next step on the Path is that of sadhana or self-discipline. When the awakening has come, the seeker desires to discipline himself. The secret of self-discipline is purity.
Then comes the third step he finds that there descends upon his soul a flood of light, and he feels interior joy. He begins to realize the truth that God is with us and within us.
Then comes the fourth step. The Light seems to retreat. The seeker is filled with anguish: he seems to enter a realm of “darkness”. One day, when the clouds have passed away, he realizes that the “darkness” was god’s prasad (gift) to the pilgrim. It is then that he develops a child-attitude, an attitude of faith. This is the attitude of shraddha, faith. Without it none may expect to make progress along the Path.
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