The Seven Steps in Spiritual Progress

In this talk, Swamiji throws light on Sapta Bhumikas, from the Yoga Vasishtha Ramayana. The word ‘Bhumika’ means a stage, a plane or a level. Sapta Bhumikas are the 7 stages our mind can reach and actualize.

The 1st bhumika is getting exposed to the shastras and mahatmas who enrich and empower the mind. In this discretion and discrimination are enhanced. The 2nd bhumika is a stage wherein the mind takes to Spiritual Introspection – things related to the mind, reactions and responses, passion and prejudices. Here, one starts to assess their own defects. The 3rd stage is when you become detached–Asanga.

The 4th bhumika is wherein one understands the mind’s creations are all in the form of thoughts, emotions, reactions etc. All these Manovrittis and mind modifications start getting dissolved in the mind itself. The thoughts get feebler and lighter, the reactions do not last long as one realizes the mind is the source and terminus of everything. In this stage, the Self is actualized.

Slowly one will start to feel the Source, Self in everything. You see the Self in doubt, grief, joy, sorrow or clarity. This experience gives rise to Jeevan Mukti. This leads to the 6th and 7th stages where the realization grows further and further.

Shlokas chanted in the Track:

खं मनो बुद्धिरेव च अहङ्कार ।
Bhagavad Gita 7.4

PR 23 Apr 2016