. THE THREE STAGES OF SPIRITUAL PROGRESS
SHRII SHRII ANANDAMURTI
After receiving this initiation according to the Vedic system, one is said to have attained a little maturity of mind. The next stage is the initiation according to the Tantric system which occurs when one is eligible to be taught Iśt́a mantra and guru mantra. The initiate becomes a more evolved person, a new personality. In fact, after the prayer is made to the Supreme Entity, it is Iishvara who makes arrangements for imparting diikśá (initiation) and the Iśt́a mantra. He alone is the Guru (spiritual preceptor) and that’s why it is said, “Guru is Iishvara and Iishvara is Guru.”
Those who have not joined the path of spiritual practice remain undeveloped beings. Though endowed with a human body, they are no better than animals. At that stage they should pray to the Lord in all earnestness, “Please elevate us from this life of animality. Please show us the right path.” In this early stage the devotees call Parama Puruśa, “Pashupati” (“pashu” means “animal” and “pati” means “Lord”) or Lord of the Animals.
Later on, after joining the path of spiritual practice, one is confronted with obstacles and hindrances on all sides. Even one’s families, friends and relatives create obstacles. But one must fight against these and other obstacles which come from different corners and move on courageously. No-one can be victorious without fight: victory without struggle is unthinkable. Now, the question arises, “Who is fit to fight in battle?” Only a hero can fight. One who rises above the level of animality becomes a “viira” or a hero. At this stage one addresses Parama Puruśa as “Viireshvara.” To the devotee having attained the mentality of a hero, He is no longer known as Pasupati. Such a devotee can never tolerate sin and injustice and can never commit any crime or sin.
“Kramena devatá bhavet.” One becomes God in due course. That is, one attains Godhood. Rising step by step from viira bháva (heroic stance), one becomes a veritable god and reaches divya bháva. We call such a person whose conduct becomes ever noble, a godly person or a Shiva-like person. Such a person proceeds far along the path of evolution and one day merges in Parama Puruśa, and becomes Parama Puruśa Himself. These are the different stages of spiritual practice.
SHRII SHRII ANANDAMURTI
AV Part 4, CH 13
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