Through the study of the words of Enlightened Beings, and your own increased devotion to The One, you begin to realize how paradoxical, illogical, irrational, and inconceivable reality truly is.
You realize that since you aren't the body, mind, senses, desires, or anything but The Self, you are what you are searching for. YOU are already Realized; you are The Self, and it is pure love, bliss, life--One with all.
Ramana Maharshi described this paradox very well:
"We imagine that we will realize that Self some time, whereas we are never anything but the Self."
"Realization consists of getting rid of the false idea that one is not realized."
So naturally you ask the question: "If I am already Enlightened, then why am I 'not Enlightened'; why am I not completely free from thoughts, desires, suffering, etc.?"
The answer is deep. Our current spiritual evolution is determined by our prarabdhakarma. We cannot enlighten ourselves. Realization and spiritual growth comes from the Grace of The Universe.
The story of your life is already written and set in stone. Whether you will realize yourself (The Self) in this lifetime has already been determined.
Therefore, it is unnecessary to feel guilty, ashamed, or depressed about your spiritual progress; you have NO CONTROL, and you NEVER HAVE.
So then the question becomes: "What do I do?"
And the Answer is: Nothing. Just surrender to Life and every moment. Surrender to any suffering you endure, any mistreatment from others, and every aspect of physical consciousness.
Just give up. Continue your daily spiritual practice--meditation, hatha yoga, mantra, pranayama, prayer, loving service, etc.
Do not seek happiness through anything exterior.
All you have ever wanted is within you. Bow to The Universe in humble devotion.
THERE IS NO YOU. "You" are NOTHING.
Peace to all
Love to all
Life to all
Namaste
Sat Nam
-Acintya Bhakti
