We all need some pointers for introspection in our spiritual journey. Here I present ten sutras or pointers for a positive spiritual life.
Sutra 1.
No one can solve our problems. Remember we are your own problem-creator and solver. We think that something is a problem and when we imagine it is not in our control we get stressed. We must think that there is an inherent solution that lies within each problem and we have that under our thinking and control. We must give any so-called problem, time, thought, and effort.
Sutra 2.
We must avoid taking advice from anyone, especially from those whom we do not want to be like. We think that we need someone else to guide us but we need to remember that all of us are endowed with the capability of self-reasoning and self-control to guide our destiny. We should not rely on anyone else for such guidance because each person has a different journey on this planet and there are no ideal role models.
Sutra 3.
We must identify our bondages and get rid of them slowly and steadily. We all are tied down with material needs and wants. We must strive to become less and less dependent on worldly possessions.
Sutra 4.
We must not share our personal life with anyone Remember no one one has earned the right to know it. No one will understand our struggles, our situation, or our challenges and we must strive to be self-independent.
Sutra 5.
We must keep our thinking high but focus on living a simple life. We must strive for ideals and at the same time live within our means and try to reduce our wants.
Sutra 6.
We do not need any self-help books or wise people sitting on a pedestal to guide us. All we need is self-introspection. Each human being is capable of self-reflection and self-improvement.
Sutra 7.
If someone makes more money than us then it is good for them, and we should have nothing to do with it. Often looking at nice things with other people we compare ourselves which leads to jealousy and other negative emotions. This only frustrates us and has no place on the spiritual path.
Sutra 8.
No one cares about how we look or what we have. Let us stop worrying about what others will think. Such a worry is unnecessary and is a hindrance in our journey of consciousness.
Sutra 9.
If we find someone smarter than us, let us not compete but collaborate with them. At the same time, we must avoid unnecessary collaborations.
Sutra 10.
Let us focus our journey on continued self-improvement and reduce distractions. Often we lose our direction toward perfection of the journey of our consciousness which must be curtailed.
Dr. Manoj Sharma is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Social and Behavioral Health at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, USA. He is an avid practitioner of Kundalini Yoga.