The biggest opposition to spiritual progress comes from maya — the material energy of God, says Ajit Kumar Bishnoi

This is not my conjecture but a statement from the Bhagavad Gita. In the verse 6.25, lord Krishna advises that we slowly get detached from material objects. In earlier verses, it has been explained that shift from material consciousness to spiritual consciousness is essential. And that can only be slow. Such shift ensures spiritual progress.

Therefore, we can understand that spiritual progress can only be slow. However, this rule does not apply to advanced devotees. Such persons, due to practice of many births, make rapid progress, but such persons are exceptions rather than the rule. Only they would have the natural inclination to devote majority of their time to the lord.

There are compelling reasons why spiritual progress can only be slow. The biggest opposition comes from maya — the material energy of God. Our bodies, minds and intelligence are all creations of this maya. And the material energy is very different from anything spiritual. For example, the soul — which is spiritual —resides in a material body but never mixes with it. It always retains its separate identity. Upon death, the soul leaves the material body fully intact, while the material body disintegrates.

When we attempt to do anything spiritual, our bodies, mind and intelligence are very reluctant. We have to literally force them to accept spiritual practices like chanting. Meditation is a very popular word these days. But how many do it seriously, ie be in communion with God. let us take worship of deities in our homes. Mostly, it is the women who do this practice. Other family members hardly ever participate in it, even though it is so convenient to do so. Another example can be going to temples. Don’t we find many excuses to avoid itIJ Even on festivals, if we go we do so reluctantly. What can we lose by going to well maintained temples where spiritual vibrations are very strongIJ These go a long way to satisfy the soul.

Unfortunately, love for God develops very slowly if one tries; not many do so. Why is it so difficult to love GodIJ Because God is very subtle. We are used to loving what is manifest — bodies, material objects etc. It is extremely difficult to fall in love with the unmanifest. That is the reason why temples are built to show God as manifest in a deity form. Still, it is difficult to love God. One has to be very determined. This explains why spiritual progress is slow, even if seriously attempted.

So what should one doIJ For a beginner, one should set apart a certain amount of time, even an hour or so, for spiritual practices. For the rest of the time, material activities must be continued. Initially, we cannot imagine remaining linked with God for 24 hours; our natures will not permit that. This nature has formed over many births.

However, these activities should not pollute the mind or consciousness. This is very important, otherwise no spiritual progress is possible. No activity should be against dharma (righteousness). If one does what has been suggested, one will begin to make spiritual progress in a steady way, and love for God will also develop over time. Is making spiritual progress not the ultimate goal of the human birthIJ

Bishnoi is a spiritual writer