Re: What makes a person unfit for spirituality?
hariḥ oṁ
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Namasté
If I may let me offer the following. There are a few ways of looking at this. Many are aghast when one says 'you may be unfit for spiritual pursuit'. We think how can any one say this? Surely having compassion, patience, friendliness can be spiritual qualities. Yet maybe there is more here then meets the eye. Let me offer the following for consideration.
- adhikārin अधिकारिन् is one that is entitled to, fit for; possessing authority.
This definition is used for the spiritual aspirant. For now let's assume adhikārin = the desire for and movement to mokṣa. We can also look at 'spiritual aspirant' in other ways, but for this post lets stay with the desire for mokṣa.
Entry level
It is suggested that there are 2 elements/qualities considered needed for the adhikārin. That of humility and truthfulness. We can see why , no? Humility suggests the ego is not dominating (it is still there but not in front) and truthfulness allows one to answer questions openly, even if there is some discomfort doing so.
More advanced
Ādi Śaṅkara's work, Vivekacūḍāmaṇi¹ , calls out 4 qualities (sādhana catuṣṭaya) to discriminate between the Self and not-Self (ātmānātma vivekaḥ). He mentions memory, power of comprehension, ability to reason, and is learned (study has occurred). We can consider this yogyatā¹ or fitness, ability.
Another view
Vasișțha's Yoga say is a bit differently. Vasișțha says to Śrī Rāmaḥ " there are 4 gatekeepers at the entrance to the realm of mokṣa (liberation or enlightenment), they are self-control, spirit of enquiry, contentment, and good company ( satsaṅga)"
Did you happen to note that yama and niyama are not mentioned? This is due to what occurs on the spiritual path. These qualities unfold or become one's focus of attention, not an 'entry fee' if you will to become the adhikārin.
Note that all of these elements can be expanded substantially, yet I think many readers will get the ideas offered.
praṇām
words and references
- Vivekacūḍāmaṇi or the Crown jewel of Discrimination ( some say crest jewel), 16th śloka.
- yogyatā योग्यता - suitableness , fitness , propriety , ability
यतस्त्वं शिवसमोऽसि
yatastvaṁ śivasamo'si
because you are identical with śiva
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