Practical Spirituality: Human Beings Evolving into a Higher Level of Communion and Ethical Relation with One Another

Abstract

This chapter explores how such a call to spirituality rises within a human being and the types of values and character changes that one begins to demonstrate. We wonder how a human being evolves from a state of animal-human, whereby self-concern, one’s desires and wants take priority over all else, towards a humanized human being endowed with a character, heart, and behaviours based upon the highest values currently known to humankind? In order to examine these questions, this chapter draws upon theoretical and applied research in the field of spirituality. The works of Western philosophers, Emmanuel Levinas and Jacques Derrida, and Eastern yogic philosophers, and spiritual masters provide the contextual platform for this investigation. In addition, we examine how these concepts of spiritual development have been applied and understood by ordinary human beings practicing a modern form of raja yoga as found in Sahaj Marg.

Tena koutau, Tena koutau katau. Ti hei Mauri Ora. We come together as aspects of divinity, and through togetherness and reverence we may glimpse the base of our inherent unity. I honour all that contributes to humanities’ mutual tolerance and the joyful celebration of harmony within diversity. My heart is full of gratitude to Shri Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari for his encouragement to consider notions of universal brother-sisterhood and research such a topic. As always—we are indebted to those who have gone before. Tena koutau, tena kautao katau.