Receptivity, Purity, Aspiration and Gratitude. Thursday's Homily For the Devout 9, to Nikki Khan

Manatita is an esteemed author living in London, UK. He writes spiritual books, flash fiction and esoteric poetry, his favourite genre.

Receptivity

When he was about 14 years old, the great Sage of Arunachala, Sri Ramana Maharshi, suddenly had an experience of dying, which he lived through. In fact, so profound was this effect upon him, that he left home soon after, leaving a note to his parents which read something like this:

“The Ordainer controls the fate of souls in accordance with their prarabhda karma (destiny to be worked out in this life, resulting from the balance sheet of actions in past and current lives). Whatever is destined not to happen will not happen, try as you may. Whatever is destined to happen will happen, do what you may to prevent it. This is certain. The best course, therefore, is to remain silent.” --Ramana Maharshi

It took a few more years before his mother finally found him on the hills of Arunachala, by which time he was a fully God-realized soul with many disciples. She never left.

Vivekananda was once given a spiritual experience by the great Spiritual Master Sri Ramakrishna, with a simple touch, which sent him – Vivekananda – straight into a deep trance-like state of Bliss called Samadhi.

Why did these things happen? Why don’t I have the experience of dying, like Paul and become a Sage? Why am I not touched and sent straight into this deep spiritual state? Sri Chinmoy teaches that God has given him this capacity. So why not give me the experience? The answer is simple, Guruji teaches that we all have inner vessels and that if we are not ready, the vessel will simply break.

What made both Sri Ramana and Vivekananda ready? Does a farmer get a bumper harvest without tilling the soil and looking after his crops? Same thing is necessary in spiritual living. Both great souls had what we call receptivity – a crucial tool from God, necessary to attract the divine forces, raining down from above, (Grace). Grace is always flowing, but we do not attract it, as we are not receptive to it. Why aren’t we receptive?

Loosely speaking, Receptivity is the inflow and outflow of cosmic energy and cosmic light. Put simply, if the sun is shining and we leave our curtains drawn, it will not come in. If we open the curtains, it is only then that our bedrooms or living rooms, will be flooded with Light. There is a veil on the Heart, a dirty mirror, which has to be cleaned. Once this happens, then the shining nuggets, which we all are, will glint again in their original pristine glory.

All scriptures, whether it’s Christianity, or the Zend Avesta of the Zain’s; the Dhammapada of the Buddhists, as well as Sri Krishna’s Bhagavad Gita of Hinduism or the Koran of Islam, all speak of an Ultimate Reality – a Divine Ground, a perennial existence from which all things come, live and have their Essence. Again, all scriptures speak of recommendations which we have systematized and called rules. You know them:

Prayer, both verbal and silent, meditation, reading of devotional works, breathing, exercise, music for the soul, love – a pretty vague word - and so forth. The four words in my title are also mentioned and quite crucial.

What hinders Receptivity? It is Ignorance … it is our ‘nafs’ or ego, inherent weaknesses, imperfections and bondage. It is the lower forces that have not yet been touched by the light divine: fear, lust, greed, anger, passion, insecurity and so much more. This brings me to the second quality:

Wisdom from the Master

Purity

Purity is the inner vessel that holds the Light … the clean mirror, so to speak. Purity is both physical and internal. When there is malice or hatred in the Heart, the psychic Heart, we cannot be pure. Grace is very subtle and so its descent requires a very pure Heart:

“Blessed are the pure in Heart”, says the Christ, “for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)

“Purity is the Light of our soul expressing its divinity through the body, the vital and the mind. When we are pure, we gain everything. If we can retain our purity, we will never lose anything worth keeping.” -Sri Chinmoy

When the inner purity is increased, our faces will radiate and we will reflect God’s Light.

“Purity is like a divine magnet. It pulls all divine qualities into us. If you have purity, then you have everything. There are two ways to have purity. One is by seeing God inside everyone, consciously and constantly. The other is by imagining God and consciously repeating His name as many times as possible. If you have purity, you do not have to go to God. God Himself will make you see His infinite Divinity.” -Sri Chinmoy

Aspiration

Aspiration is the beginning and the end of the journey. It is the burning intensity for Light, for divine oneness with the Higher Reality. It is the longing, earnestness or inner cry for Allah. Without this cry, we cannot reach God. The child cries for its mother and the good mother comes running, how much more will our Lord run towards us, if we seek or knock on Her door.

What prevents our knocking and seeking? This is a very complex issue. Some are ready and aspiring, but the longing needs to be triggered. The pull of the material world is extremely strong and rather paradoxically, God Himself has made it this way.

So, the second point is that some are really meant to be where they are right now as this is necessary for the game. Nevertheless, how do you know that it is not your turn to walk, march, run or sprint to the Divine?

Practice selfless service, it will break down the ego and open up the Heart. Pray regularly and punctually without ceasing, every single day of your life, a half-hour at least. Avoid expectations and reduce ‘clinging’ or attachments, both are extremely difficult to do. Work, as if it’s your duty, but offer the results of your actions to God. Do not create boxes as everything belongs to God and only He is indispensable.

More wisdom from the Master

Gratitude

Gratitude is the life-breath of the Supreme. You may find it useful, to make it a habit of offering Gratitude when you are awake and throughout the day. Pray for protection from dark or hostile forces that may affect or attack you. We are made in Love’s image and we are all It’s children – the children of Light. As such we affect this world by the vibrations that we give out.

A good or useful exercise is to think of others around the world who have not and will not wake up; who does not have food to eat. Yet God has chosen to give us warmth, shelter, air, security, education, parents and good food. Offer the joy of the Heart in Silence.

At this time and on this day of Thanksgiving, which is none other than God’s Gratitude to us, let us long for His grace and compassion; serve and never be tired of serving; see the divine and the innate goodness of all our brothers and sisters: mankind. Happy Thanksgiving!

Manatita, The Lantern Carrier. 28^th November, 2019

Gratitude

© 2019 manatita44

Comments

manatita44 (author) from london on March 15, 2020:

Thank you, Peggy

What a beautiful thing to say! This can come only from a receptive soul. Let us pray.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on March 14, 2020:

What beautiful thoughts these are for Thanksgiving, and dare I say, every day. Our thankfulness should be an everyday event. You are a great teacher.

manatita44 (author) from london on December 03, 2019:

Haha.

We discussed the difference between purity and modesty early in our relationship on HubPages. Glad you like these small selection. Peace.

Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on December 03, 2019:

Yes, the four words in your title are all crucial to the development of our God-like characters. Thanks for your exposition on each one. Very helpful.

manatita44 (author) from london on December 02, 2019:

All my Love ... my Heart ... my Heart to you Fotini and loved ones. May you have not a lighter burden, but a much stronger Heart. Glory be!!

Ioannis Arvanitis from Greece, Almyros on December 01, 2019:

A Lantern Carrier indeed you are my dearest brother! I am grateful for the gift to know you and let my Heart to be warmed by your luminous work. Thank you in behalf of all these people this little prayer of yours will inspire! I also offer the Light of my Heart and my prayers to them in need! I pray, every day, for receptivity and purity! I pray to make our lives a neverending thanksgiving!

Prayers for you and much Love!

Sean

manatita44 (author) from london on December 01, 2019:

Yes, yes, Lynne.

I know of no dichotomies in Faith. It is us humans that need to evolve to the level of what is being said. Keep the faith as this always happens at God's choice hour.

Lynne Samuel from Malaysia on December 01, 2019:

Interesting read, manatita. Quite informative.

As a Christian, I identify with Matt 5:8, purity is an essential characteristic in finding and seeing God.

Thanks for sharing.

Luis G Asuncion from City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, Philippines on November 30, 2019:

Thanks Manatita for those wonderful words. God bless.

manatita44 (author) from london on November 30, 2019:

Audrey,

I chose the video, my friend, but right at the very end there is a bit which you can identify with. I had not got that far until you mention the video, but now I have looked at it again.

You say such meaningful things on my Hubs and they are filled with wisdom. God bless your wisdom-Heart and may He continues to illumine your mind. Om Shanti!!

Luis,

Yes, without longing it is difficult to find God. Hence life's struggles, for example your constant search for work right now, are merely experiences to help you to grow … to remember your divinity.

Aspiration is the word we use on our Path for this upward longing for something Higher, more fulfilling and satisfying. It is a never-ending inner journey. Don't look up, but within, in the sacred sanctum of the spiritual Heart. Much Love.

Luis G Asuncion from City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, Philippines on November 30, 2019:

A spiritual life that we need to choice. I like, how you explain it. Specifically in aspiration. Thanks for sharing.

Audrey Hunt from Idyllwild Ca. on November 29, 2019:

Outstanding! The seeker of wisdom and light need look no further...the fullness is contained here within your written message. Being receptive, living a life of purity, aspiring to live a life of unending service, and finding gratitude in all things...herein lies true happiness.

To know God, to see Him in all things and all people, and to recognize ourselves as His offspring, for He is the way, the truth, and the light.

The videos add even more inspiration. You are a great man, a beautiful teacher.

Namesta

manatita44 (author) from london on November 29, 2019:

A new one on me, Dear.

Conscious awareness is obviously better than unconscious awareness. But I do not know about spiritual life by choice. He who chooses the infinite, has been chosen by the infinite.

God gives us limited freedom and we tend to use it in a particular way, but ultimately it is the same God that directs us to use it towards the service of God in man.

Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on November 29, 2019:

A spiritual life by choice works best and we are connected in different ways.

manatita44 (author) from london on November 28, 2019:

Yes my dear.

Some of us are meant to be where we are, doing what we are doing. It is His Divine game not ours. That is actually covered in the piece. There is no failure in the true sense, only experience

manatita44 (author) from london on November 28, 2019:

Haha.

I'm not there yet, Bro.

Need help myself. On this 'razors edge', it's so important to have beginners mind! But I can see that you are on the journey. Patience that's all.

Be like the child with blind Faith. She does not know, neither does she thinks where her next meal will come from, but she trusts her mom.

Du Caussade suggests that we abandon ourselves to Divine Providence ... to the Sacrament of The Present Moment.

Linda Lum from Washington State, USA on November 28, 2019:

My dear Manatita, you ask what hinders receptivity? I think it is not a failure on one's part, but rather that God is using your gifts as they are needed at this time and place. It is not ours to decide. Please read the 1st Book of Corinthians, Chapter 12. It is a beautiful description of how we are many parts but all necessary.

Chris Mills from Traverse City, MI on November 28, 2019:

1 corinthians 13:12, says, "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." Seeing through the glass darkly is also seen as knowing god's unknown ways. How can we know? If I surrender, who will catch me, a wandering human with no answers? A just man with a sword? A wandering mystic who loves like no other? Such as our manatita?

manatita44 (author) from london on November 28, 2019:

Lorna

Both my poem and prose, The Old Man Speaks on Love and Suffering, was inspired by him.

I once say a single individual reciting Kahlil's entire Prophet as a play. Totally awesome!! much gratitude.

Sara we must chat. Tell me how you've been doing: ceeccil@hotmail.com

manatita44 (author) from london on November 28, 2019:

Thank you for your soulful offering. Many friends here are familiar with my work. But yes, the journey is an inner one.

Purity is a big one and I'll return here later about this.

Now while the quotation was not my own, my friends are also very wise people. But yes, repetition is always an exception in the spiritual life.

Finally, even though my Hubs may not look like it, I am always trying to temper them with Mercy and empathy. After all. We are all His. Peace.

Sara,

If only you knew how happy I am to see you!! At poetry. Will return.

Elijah A Alexander Jr from Washington DC on November 28, 2019:

If I may, Manatita, I would like to share my understanding of the four words, may you not be offended.

Concerning "Receptivity is the inflow and outflow of cosmic energy and cosmic light," I agree with. However, I'de rather you had made it clear that what we are looking for comes from within rather than from outside of us, which is how most people will see the words immediately following it. And concerning the last paragraph of receptivity, you could have reiterated "Whatever is destined not to happen will not happen, try as you may. Whatever is destined to happen will happen, do what you may to prevent it."

Concerning "purity" I don't believe people realize it means "having nothing in excess or missing" very much like being in the line around earth made by the hour after sunset and before sunrise. All too often do we accept the concept of "pure" as being an extract but without that from which it was extracted it is not "pure." Sometimes, defining our words will help others understand.

It is well said that "Aspiration is the beginning and the end of the journey" because there is no end to our journey, every phrase of the journey is preparing the "life-force," as I call it, for another transition through the cycle of eternity.

I believe "Gratitude" is the state of accepting whatever comes because it all comes from the same source, thus, by neither rejecting nor clinging are we showing gratitude.

Thank you for sharing, I found it refreshing to my life-force.

Elijah

Lorna Lamon on November 28, 2019:

This is indeed a spiritual journey and reminds me of the words of 'Kahlil Gibran' from 'The Prophet' - very moving.

Sara Sarwar Riaz from Michigan, USA on November 28, 2019:

Hello old friend :)

Nice to see you’re writing with the same zeal and spirituality after all these years.

manatita44 (author) from london on November 28, 2019:

I say 'Wow' too, Nikki.

Being receptive to my work means that your own Light is shining brightly.

I treasure your sincere complements and feel your Heart. Much Love.- Manatita

Indeed, Bill. We do. All praise to the One. Gratitude.

Nikki Khan from London on November 28, 2019:

Wow, I am impressed with your spiritual journey and level of it. It is on the high-end. God loves all of His creatures. But He made us superior to other livings. He loves to be loved and wants His Humans to obey Him. Soul has its own light, we must discover the inner sparkle to brighten up our hearts and minds.

All curtains would be brought out once we become eligible. The inner world so much brighter than the outer surface.

Thanks so much, Manatita Ji for this spiritual hub. I loved each word of it. Fabulous. I am feeling honoured and humbled by this dedicated beautiful writing.

Many Blessings to you and your family Bhaia Ji.

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on November 28, 2019:

We travel in the same Circle of Love, my friend. Your friends are my friends, and mine yours, and love connects us all. Happy Thanksgiving to you both, and love always.

manatita44 (author) from london on November 28, 2019:

Thank you. Eric.

Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A. on November 28, 2019:

All virtues to aspire to.