Skip to main content

Three Steps to Oneness


Introduction

The journey of spiritual life is an inward expedition—a quest to realize our eternal essence. It is a profound undertaking that transcends worldly pursuits, inviting us to break free from illusions and merge with the ultimate reality. This path, though arduous, is illuminated by three significant steps: Vairagya (dispassion), the understanding of God’s manifestation in the world, and the dissolution of the individual ego. Each step is a gateway to a higher state of consciousness, guiding the seeker toward the supreme goal of self-realization.

Step 1: Realization of One Supreme Being

सः एको द्वितीयो नास्ति। 

“Sah eko dvitiyo nasti”—He alone exists; there is no second.

The first step in spiritual life is Vairagya, or dispassion. It begins with a profound realization that there is only one supreme being—the ultimate source of eternal bliss. This realization dawns when the seeker comprehends the transient nature of worldly pleasures and material achievements.

The Illusion of Sensory Pleasures

In our daily lives, we often chase fleeting joys: the thrill of a promotion, the comfort of material possessions, or the indulgence in sensual pleasures. Yet, these experiences, while momentarily satisfying, inevitably lead to dissatisfaction. For instance, a gourmet meal may delight the senses, but the hunger returns. Similarly, the excitement of acquiring a new gadget wanes as it becomes routine.

The seeker must discern that such pursuits are akin to chasing shadows. True contentment lies not in the ephemeral but in aligning oneself with the eternal—the supreme goal of God.

Breaking the Brahma Granthi

The Brahma Granthi represents the knot of ignorance that binds us to material desires. To break this knot, the seeker must pray for divine grace and practice disciplined self-restraint. It is essential to renounce the lust for transient pleasures without losing the ability to act in the world. For example, a person may choose to forgo the rat race for wealth yet remain diligent in fulfilling their responsibilities. This balance prevents the laziness and apathy that can arise when renunciation is misunderstood.

When the seeker realizes that everything “else” is transient and redundant, they cultivate a deep sense of Vairagya. This marks the beginning of their spiritual journey.


Step 2: Seeing God in All - The Manifestation of the Divine

त्वमेको द्वितीयो नास्ति। 

“Tvameko dvitiyo nasti”—You alone exist; there is no second.

Once the seeker achieves Vairagya, they are ready to perceive the divine presence in all aspects of existence. This step involves recognizing that every being and object is a manifestation of God.

Seeing the Divine in Daily Interactions

Consider the myriad interactions we experience daily. A mother’s care for her child reflects God’s nurturing love, while a colleague’s support during a challenging project can be seen as God’s guidance through another’s actions. Yet, it is not just the positive acts that reflect divinity. Even moments of conflict, betrayal, or hardship are God’s ways of imparting lessons.

For instance, a rude neighbor might teach patience, or a difficult boss could help cultivate humility and perseverance. However, there are times when God’s acts appear ruthless and cruel in every sense. A sudden loss, an unjust treatment, or a catastrophic event can shake our understanding. Yet, even in such moments, the seeker must hold on to the conviction that it is God’s will at play. It may be a blessing in disguise, a way to purify the soul, or a method to clear past karmas.

The seeker must transcend judgments of “positive” or “negative” and perceive every experience as an act of God. Each encounter, pleasant or unpleasant, carries a divine message, guiding the seeker toward growth and understanding.

Breaking the Vishnu Granthi

The Vishnu Granthi represents the illusion of separation between God and the world. To break this knot, the seeker must develop a habit of seeing God in everyone and everything. For example, when facing criticism from a superior at work, instead of reacting with anger, the seeker might reflect: “This is God teaching me humility and patience.” Similarly, the joy of receiving help from a friend is a reminder of God’s ever-present grace. Over time, this understanding dissolves frustration and cultivates equanimity.

As this realization matures, the seeker transcends personal grievances and begins to see the world as a divine play. This marks a significant milestone in the spiritual journey.


Step 3: Dissolution of the Ego - The Illusion of Individuality

अहमेको द्वितीयो नास्ति। 

“Aham eko dvitiyo nasti”—I alone exist; there is no second.

Even after recognizing God’s presence in the world, the seeker often retains a sense of individuality—a subtle ego that separates “me” from the divine. The final step in spiritual life is to dissolve this ego and merge completely with the supreme reality.

The Root of the Ego

The ego is a product of accumulated karmas and memories, which create the illusion of an individual self. It manifests as thoughts of “I” and “mine.” For example, a person might think, “I achieved this,” or “This belongs to me.” Such thoughts perpetuate duality and prevent union with the divine.

Breaking the Rudra Granthi

The Rudra Granthi is the knot of ego, and its dissolution requires relentless introspection. The seeker must repeatedly ask, “Who am I?” This inquiry, coupled with divine grace, unravels the illusion of individual existence. For instance, a seeker meditating on this question might experience moments of egolessness, where they feel an infinite connection to all that exists.

When the Rudra Granthi breaks, the seeker realizes their true nature—an indivisible part of the supreme being. This marks the culmination of the spiritual journey.

In the quiet of the heart’s retreat,
A seeker’s journey stands complete.
Three steps he treads with faith and care,
To find the truth that’s ever there.

The Journey begins, with wisdom’s glow,
“The world is fleeting, this I know.”
Pleasures fade like the morning dew,
“I seek the eternal, pure, and true.”

He breaks the chains of lustful ties,
And lifts his gaze to the open skies.
“Oh Lord,” he prays, “grant me Your grace,
To walk this path, to see Your face.”

The second step, it reveals the whole,
God’s hand in every living soul.
“In all I see, Your form does shine,
Each moment sacred, each act divine.”

No anger stirs, no pride takes hold,
For love of God makes the heart bold.
Through every trial, the seeker knows,
“This too is God, His mercy flows.”

The final step dissolves the ‘I,’
The self that clings, the ego’s lie.
“Who am I?” he asks with zeal,
Until the truth begins to reveal.

The knots of ignorance fall away,
In God’s embrace, the seeker stays.
No two remain, no world, no me,
Only the One, vast and free.

Oh seeker, tread this path so bright,
Through shadows deep, to realms of light.
Three steps, and then the goal is won,

The truth revealed: All is One.

Conclusion

The path of spiritual life is a progression from Vairagya to the recognition of God’s manifestation and, finally, to the dissolution of ego. Each step is a transformative process that requires discipline, introspection, and unwavering faith. Though the journey is challenging, it leads to the ultimate reward: self-realization and eternal bliss.

As seekers, let us strive to walk this path with humility and dedication, praying for divine grace to guide us through the knots of ignorance. May we one day awaken to the truth that there is no “other,” for in the ultimate reality, only the One exists.

Location: Thane, Maharashtra, India

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Look Within: A Lesson from the Bhagavad Gita’s Battlefield

Look Within When sorrow struck his mighty heart, And made his bow and will depart, Arjuna stood in battle’s haze, With teary eyes and clouded gaze. He spoke of love, of kin and peace, Of how all war and wrath should cease. His words were noble, deep, profound— Yet feet of truth must touch the ground. Lord Krishna smiled, then sternly spoke, A jolt that through illusion broke. No soothing words, no soft embrace, But truth delivered face to face. “O warrior, where’s this grief from born? Is death so strange it makes you mourn? These bodies fall, the soul lives on, Like dusk must yield to rising dawn.” It seemed unkind, a harsh rebuke, A friend turned guide, now strict and stoic. But deeper still, the lesson lay— To turn his sight the inward way. For when we search the world outside, Our inner voice we tend to hide. We seek in crowds what dwells alone— The whisper of our truest tone. Arjuna’s thoughts, though draped in gold, Were not yet pure, were not yet bold. To tru...
Post a Comment
Read more

Arjuna - The One Who Asked

The One Who Asked On Kurukshetra’s fateful ground,  where war cries filled the air, Where steel and silence both were crowned,  and fate was laid out bare, The warriors stood with hearts of flame,  with vengeance in their breath— Each eager for eternal fame,  and unafraid of death. Their banners soared, their chariots rolled,  their bows were drawn and tight, Each eye was set on wealth or pride,  each mind prepared to fight. Yet in that storm of wrath and roar,  one soul began to sway— A prince who saw what lay in store,  and slowly turned away. He saw not foes but fathers there,  not rivals—but his own, And felt a grief too sharp to bear,  that pierced him to the bone. “Why must we kill?” he softly cried,  “What honor lies in pain? I’d trade the earth and all its pride,  for peace that might remain.” His fingers slipped, his bow fell low,  his knees sank to the floor, While all around him longed for war —he sought a deepe...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Deathless Self – Beyond Grief, Beyond Illusion

Not born, not bound, not made to fall, The Self stands silent, watching all. It does not burn, it cannot die, It does not weep, it does not cry. The sword may slash, the fire may blaze, But still it dwells in changeless ways. No age can wrinkle, time can't fade, What was not formed, cannot degrade. We wear these bodies, like old clothes, And shed them when the moment goes. Yet we remain—untouched, unseen, Beyond the play, beyond the screen. So grieve not, friend, for death or birth, For none can end the soul’s true worth. Begin the path, though far it seems— This truth will wake you from your dreams. In the heart of the second chapter of the Bhagavad Gita , Krishna gently yet powerfully peels away Arjuna’s confusion, fear, and sorrow—not by dismissing them, but by elevating his vision to a far deeper truth. We live under the spell of form—the body, the name, the story, the victory, the defeat. But Krishna declares: there is no real existence in what is transient, and ...
Post a Comment
Read more