Paths To The Divine

This text, "Paths to the Divine" by Yogi Amrit Desai, explores two fundamental approaches to spiritual realization: one where God is perceived as external and another where God is understood as residing within.

Path 1: God is External (Bhakti Yoga)

• Belief: God is a separate, higher entity residing in heaven, beyond human reach.
• Method: Primarily through prayer and surrender. The devotee relies on God's grace for salvation, relief from suffering, and attainment of a future heaven.
• Attitude: Complete dependence on God's compassion and mercy, with the phrase "Thy will be done" encapsulating the follower's approach.
• Examples: Christianity and Islam are cited as religions following this path.

Path 2: God is Within (Yoga)

• Belief: God is immanent, residing within each individual, as close as one's breath. The goal is to uncover this inherent divinity.
• Method: Primarily through meditation and self-discipline. The practitioner strives to realize the God within.
• Attitude: Self-reliance and active engagement. The practitioner says "Aham Brahmasmi" (I am Brahman) and "Tat Tvam Asi" (Thou art That).
• Body as Temple: The body is considered the temple of God and an instrument for achieving oneness. Therefore, care of the body is an integral part of spiritual growth, a concept often overlooked or even shunned in religions that view God as external.
• Kundalini Yoga: This specific yogic path is presented as an example. It begins with the tangible body, progressing to deeper spiritual practices. The journey starts with will and reason, engaging with what is known, external, and concrete. This approach is seen as particularly suited to the Western mindset.
• The Path of Will and Surrender: The path of will, exemplified by the initial stages of Ashtanga Yoga (Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana), leads to a point where surrender becomes necessary. At this stage, will becomes a hindrance, and faith, trust, and surrender are crucial for continued growth. This faith is often a natural outcome of prior wilful practices.
• From Known to Unknown: The yogic path progresses from the known (the body) to the unknown (inner divinity), making it more accessible to those who value logic and experiential proof. This contrasts with paths that begin with an unknown God, requiring an initial leap of faith.

Key Contrasts and Interconnections:

• Prayer vs. Meditation: Prayer is described as speaking to God without, while meditation is listening to God within.
• Action vs. Waiting: The yogi acts to awaken inner energy (Shakti), while the follower of the path of prayer waits for divine grace.
• Body Neglect vs. Body Care: The text criticizes the neglect or condemnation of the body in some religions, emphasizing its importance as a vehicle for spiritual realization in Yoga.
• Sensual Energy: Sensual energy, often seen as an obstacle in the path of prayer, can become a means of higher growth when God is accepted as within. Through yogic techniques, this energy can be purified and used to achieve expanded consciousness.
• Internal vs. External Focus: Believing God to be internal leads to seeing divinity in everything, fostering oneness. Believing God to be external often creates a dichotomy and a sense of separation, leading to guilt and shame.
• Faith vs. Reason: The path of prayer relies heavily on faith, which can be challenging for a modern, scientific mindset. Yoga, on the other hand, uses logic and reason to build faith, making it more accessible.
• Suitability for Individuals: The text acknowledges that different paths suit different temperaments. While the path of will and action is easier for many, particularly Westerners, the path of surrender and prayer is also valid, especially for those with a natural inclination towards faith.
• Ultimate Goal: Both paths ultimately aim to awaken the dormant energy of Kundalini Shakti, leading to higher consciousness.

In essence, Yogi Amrit Desai presents a nuanced view of spiritual journeys, highlighting the distinct methodologies of external devotion and internal realization, while ultimately suggesting that both can converge towards the same divine goal. The emphasis on the body as a sacred vessel and the gradual progression from the tangible to the subtle are key tenets of the yogic approach discussed.