Spiritual Root Cause of Problems

In today's era of strife (Kaliyug) we are constantly overwhelmed with news about violence, crimes, war, rapes, hunger, disease and poverty. In the midst of all this, we constantly ask ourselves - how can I have peace of mind, how can I be happy? Man is constantly in search of that elusive everlasting happiness. However, the mistake we all make is that we are searching for everlasting happiness externally. All we need to do is to turn the camera inwards and uncover our pure soul. Spirituality is the inward journey that helps us tap into this unlimited source of happiness.

Besides being aware that Spirituality is the permanent solution to one's unhappiness in life and the only means of being in Bliss, it is important to understand the science of Spirituality. Spirituality, being a science, needs to be studied and practiced in order to derive spiritual benefits. Most of us commit the folly of just listening to inspirational spiritual talks and leave it at that. It is only by regular spiritual practice that one can actually and permanently make a difference in one's life.

What are the Benefits of Spiritual Practice?
There are several benefits in commencing spiritual practice and being persistent with it. In fact, one will be able to perceive some benefit almost immediately. Each of the benefits has a direct or indirect effect on increasing our happiness or reducing our unhappiness.

The Balanced State of Mind
Each of us today lives such a fast paced life. One rarely takes the time to step back and view one's life with a zoomed out perspective.
As you can see from the above diagram the blue wave indicates a reduction in the magnitude of being thrown off balance by circumstances. In fact our emotional state becomes more resilient and we are able to handle both positive and adverse situations calmly. This happens by virtue of our knowledge of the science of Spirituality and practical appliance of it through spiritual practice, as we are gradually able to have a more philosophical view of life.

Increased Tolerance for Pain
Each of us has a different threshold to bear pain - be it physical, emotional or psychological pain. Sometimes we come across situations in life that are painful. The situations can range from a painful divorce to the loss of a loved one. A difference in the threshold levels to bear pain will be understood from the following examples:
A woman is livid with rage as her fringe has been trimmed a fraction too short by her hair-stylist. The effect lasts for many days as she complains to all her friends about the issue.
On the other hand we have a real life example of a woman who lost her husband shortly after marriage. Even though she had suffered a terrible loss, due to her spiritual practice she showed inner strength by maintaining composure and even consoling her in-laws in spite of her loss.
In the first instance a small event such as a fringe being trimmed a little shorter sparks off an intense reaction. In the second instance one is able to bear a very adverse situation such as a loss of a loved one with more resilience. We do not know which circumstance can bring out the worst in us until we come face-to-face with it. With spiritual practice we get the strength to bear pain on all fronts and thus enjoy a happier life by also finding good in every situation.

Personality Development
By practicing Spirituality our personality changes permanently for the better. This is very important to most people who want to improve themselves. Along with helping oneself to be more positive this change in attitude has a positive ripple effect on the people around one. It is a permanent self-help solution.

The Path of Guru's Grace - Gurukrupaayog
To excel in studies we need a good teacher, to excel in sports we need a trainer or coach; similarly, if we have to make rapid spiritual progress, the acquisition of the Guru's grace is a must. In today's era of strife, the path of Guru's grace will lead to rapid spiritual progress of the seeker. No matter what path we are on, if we try and do it on our own, we can reach only up to a particular level. Beyond this, the Guru's grace is a necessity to take us to the next level. Seekers who have practiced Spirituality through various paths for several years and not progressed beyond a particular spiritual level yearn to attain the Guru's grace. On the other hand seekers who have made spiritual progress by the grace of the Guru get spiritual experiences to prove the supremacy of this path.
The word krupaa has been derived from the Sanskrit word 'krup' which means to be compassionate. Krupaa denotes compassion, initiation or a blessing. Accordingly Gurukrupaayoga is the spiritual path where through the Guru's grace the embodied soul is united with God.
There is a well known saying in Sanskrit: 'Gurukrupaa he kevalam shishyaparamangalam'. It means that only by the grace of the Guru can the disciple attain his ultimate benefaction, that is, spiritual progress.
The Path of the Guru's Grace comprises of the following 8 practices

For more details on spirituality and spiritual practice you may want to visit the website http://www.spiritualresearchfoundation.org

Spiritual Root Causes of Difficulties in Life
Most of us are unaware of the spiritual factors that are the root cause of 80% of the difficulties in life for the simple reason that they are beyond the understanding of our five senses, mind and intellect. Whether a particular difficulty has a spiritual root cause along with its details can be known for sure only through the medium of a highly activated sixth sense. Ignorance about the existence of the spiritual dimension and knowing its role in our difficulties will frustrate attempts to fully overcome the difficulties. In this article, we explain the role of the spiritual realm in difficulties in our lives.

The Root Causes of Problems in Life
In order to overcome a difficulty completely, we need to first correctly understand its root cause. Only when the correct and complete diagnosis has been made, by going to the root of the difficulty, can the appropriate remedy be given.
Modern sciences attribute the cause of a problem to being either physical or psychological. Hence we go looking for the cause and remedy only in these two areas.
For example:

• Itching is understood as having a physical cause and is treated accordingly with physical medicines.
• Narcotic abuse is understood as a psychological problem and is treated primarily with psychotherapy.

But there is a third cause of our difficulties in life and that is Spiritual. Spiritual root causes of difficulties in fact affect our lives to a large extent. But spiritual causes are not as easily understood, as they are beyond the understanding of the modern sciences. In fact, the World Health Organisation (WHO) defines health as 'a state of positive health in the physical, mental, social and spiritual dimensions.' Thus officially it has been ascertained that spiritual well being is also a component that contributes to our health. However spiritual research conducted by SSRF reveals the actual extent to which spiritual factors contribute to our total well being.
Through spiritual research, Spiritual Science Research Foundation (SSRF) has ascertained the breakdown, on average, between the 3 root causes being responsible for problems in our lives.
Breakdown of the root cause of difficulties in life:

• 20% Psychological and/or physical
• 30% Spiritual, Psychological and/or physical
• 50% Purely spiritual in nature

Hence, up to 80% of our problems have their root cause in the spiritual realm.
How to overcome these problems?
These type of problems can only be overcome by spiritual means i.e. either through:

• Spiritual practice according to the 5 basic principles of spiritual practice helps to build our overall spiritual energy to combat or be insulated from these problems
• Specific spiritual healing remedy performed to overcome a specific symptom caused by some factor in the spiritual realm

In this way, problems that have their root cause in the spiritual realm can either be resolved or we get the strength to endure them.

About SSRF - The Spiritual Science Research Foundation (SSRF) is a non-profit organization registered in the USA and Australia. SSRF's aim is to educate society on the spiritual dimension and how it affects our lives. We conduct research and convey knowledge about the spiritual dimension to help people understand it, advise those who are curious to experience it for themselves, and guide those who have intense desire for spiritual growth and God-realisation towards achieving their goal. More at http://spiritualresearchfoundation.org/spiritualresearch/difficulties/ro...
Email: christieleung@ssrf.org