Cover An introduction to the 6 Basic Principles and the 1st Basic Principle of spiritual practice www. S piritual R esearch F oundation.org

Importance of the 6 basic principles We decided to do a tutorial even though its available on the website The reason? If you have the urge to progress spiritually in this lifetime itself … It is imperative that you have a comprehensive understanding of these principles and are able to apply them in your spiritual practice

If you have the urge to progress spiritually in this lifetime itself …

It is imperative that you have a comprehensive understanding of these principles and are able to apply them in your spiritual practice

The common denominator for all paths of spiritual practice Path of Meditation Path of Devotion Path of Action Path of Penance Path of Knowledge Path of Guru’s grace Most major religions come under Path of Devotion

At the outset Spiritual stagnation God-realisation Unless our spiritual practice adheres to these principles, we run the risk of seriously compromising our spiritual practice efforts.

Conforming to all principles Following one principle but not another will diminish one’s spiritual practice efforts.

The first of six basic principle of spiritual practice There are as many pathways to God as there are people.

Analogy of a mountain climber There are an infinite number of ways of climbing a mountain

Sects and Sectarian Religions Path of Meditation Path of Devotion Path of Knowledge My religion is the only way, forget your path, and follow mine ?! Hmm

Incorrect to recommend the same spiritual practice to all Headache Cancer Ulcers Influenza Diabetes Aspirin Aspirin Aspirin Aspirin Aspirin Doctor’s prescription ? ? ?! !?! ??? !

We are all different Not only at a physical and mental level but… Also at a spiritual level Three subtle basic components ( triguna ) Five Absolute Cosmic elements ( panchamahaabhoota ) Accumulated account ( sanchit karma ) Destiny ( praarabdha ) and Wilful actions ( kriyamaan karma ) Visit www.SpiritualResearchFoundation.org for more information

Three subtle basic components ( triguna )

Five Absolute Cosmic elements ( panchamahaabhoota )

Accumulated account ( sanchit karma )

Destiny ( praarabdha ) and

Wilful actions ( kriyamaan karma )

Risks of sectarian spiritual practice Goes against the fundamental principle of Spirituality that there are as many temperaments as there are people

Goes against the fundamental principle of Spirituality that there are as many temperaments as there are people

Risks of sectarian spiritual practice Goes against the fundamental principle of Spirituality that there are as many temperaments as there are people One does not develop a feeling of closeness towards other sects. One is not able to attain his target of feeling closeness or oneness with the entire universe

Goes against the fundamental principle of Spirituality that there are as many temperaments as there are people

One does not develop a feeling of closeness towards other sects.

One is not able to attain his target of feeling closeness or oneness with the entire universe

Risks of sectarian spiritual practice Goes against the fundamental principle of Spirituality that there are as many temperaments as there are people One does not develop a feeling of closeness towards other sects. One is not able to attain his target of feeling closeness or oneness with the entire universe Generally happens only at a psychological level

Goes against the fundamental principle of Spirituality that there are as many temperaments as there are people

One does not develop a feeling of closeness towards other sects.

One is not able to attain his target of feeling closeness or oneness with the entire universe

Generally happens only at a psychological level

Risks of sectarian spiritual practice Goes against the fundamental principle of Spirituality that there are as many temperaments as there are people One does not develop a feeling of closeness towards other sects. One is not able to attain his target of feeling closeness or oneness with the entire universe Generally happens only at a psychological level Although there are risks of sectarian practice; in the initial stages it is still better to follow some sectarian spiritual practice rather than not following any.

Goes against the fundamental principle of Spirituality that there are as many temperaments as there are people

One does not develop a feeling of closeness towards other sects.

One is not able to attain his target of feeling closeness or oneness with the entire universe

Generally happens only at a psychological level

In summary Visit www.SpiritualResearchFoundation.org for further details Only seekers on my path will progress spiritually My path is superior I will go to heaven while the rest of the unbelievers will go to hell All should follow my religion Its only right that we convert the whole world Are these reflective of your thoughts … Then you are at risk of violating the 1 st Basic Principle

Only seekers on my path will progress spiritually

My path is superior

I will go to heaven while the rest of the unbelievers will go to hell

All should follow my religion

Its only right that we convert the whole world