Concept of Spiritual Self, Spiritualism, and Integral Humanity
1. Spiritual Self
Definition:
The Spiritual Self refers to the innermost essence of a person—the part of us that connects with
higher consciousness, purpose, and truth. It transcends the physical and mental layers and reflects
our core being beyond ego and material identity.
Key Aspects:
• Self-Awareness: Knowing oneself beyond personality traits.
• Inner Peace: A sense of calm that is not dependent on external circumstances.
• Purpose and Meaning: Understanding one’s life mission or higher purpose.
• Transcendence: Connection with a higher power, the universe, or universal consciousness.
Importance:
• Promotes emotional balance, compassion, and forgiveness.
• Encourages ethical living and conscious decision-making.
• Reduces stress through detachment and mindfulness.
2. Spiritualism
Definition:
Spiritualism is both a belief and a practice that centers on the idea that spirits of the dead can
communicate with the living, and more broadly, that the universe is governed by spiritual principles.
It includes a wide spectrum of traditions, from religious to metaphysical.
Key Features:
• Belief in Afterlife: Continuation of the soul beyond physical death.
• Mediumship: Communication with spirits through a medium.
• Karma and Rebirth: Cause-effect principle guiding soul's journey.
• Moral and Ethical Living: Emphasis on virtue and spiritual progress.
Schools of Thought:
• Western Spiritualism: Focus on séances and spirit communication.
• Eastern Spiritualism: Focus on self-realization, meditation, and karma.
• Mysticism and Esotericism: Inner awakening, divine knowledge through symbols and
practices.
Benefits:
• Offers comfort and hope.
• Promotes altruism and peace.
• Encourages introspection and personal growth.
Criticisms:
• Misuse by fake mediums.
• Lack of empirical proof.
• Confusion with superstition or occult practices.
3. Integral Humanity
Definition:
Integral Humanity refers to a holistic concept where human life is seen as a combination of physical,
mental, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions. It emphasizes the full development of the
individual in harmony with society and nature.
Foundational Principles:
• Unity in Diversity: Celebrates differences while affirming universal oneness.
• Holistic Development: Embraces education, health, morality, and spiritual values.
• Human Dignity: Every individual is inherently valuable.
• Collective Well-being: Focus on the welfare of all beings.
Influences:
• Sri Aurobindo’s Integral Yoga: Combines spiritual and material development.
• Swami Vivekananda’s Teachings: Harmonizing science, spirituality, and social service.
• Indian Philosophy: Dharma, karma, and moksha as life pillars.
Application:
• Education: Value-based learning integrated with academic excellence.
• Governance: Policies rooted in ethics and compassion.
• Spiritual Practices: Yoga, meditation, and community service as part of daily life.
Relevance Today:
• Counters materialism and isolation.
• Encourages sustainable living.
• Builds inclusive and morally grounded societies.
4. Processes of Self-Awareness and Inner Growth
4.1 Self-Awareness
• Definition: Conscious recognition of one’s thoughts, emotions, actions, and values.
• Process:
o Practicing mindfulness.
o Keeping a journal of thoughts and behaviors.
o Regularly reflecting on personal experiences and reactions.
• Benefits:
o Enhances emotional intelligence.
o Reduces impulsivity and promotes intentional behavior.
4.2 Self-Observation
• Definition: Observing one’s own mental and emotional patterns without judgment.
• Practice:
o Watching the mind during meditation.
o Detaching from emotional triggers.
• Role in Indian Thought:
o Tied to the concept of the witness self (Sakshi Bhava) in Vedanta.
4.3 Introspection
• Definition: Deep internal examination of thoughts, motives, and spiritual values.
• Process:
o Asking fundamental questions: "Who am I?", "What is my purpose?"
o Practiced through silence, solitude, and reading spiritual texts.
• Significance:
o Essential step in self-realization and spiritual growth.
o Integral to Upanishadic and Yogic traditions.
4.4 Austerity (Tapas)
• Definition: Self-discipline through conscious control over desires and comforts.
• Practices:
o Fasting, silence (mauna), celibacy, simplicity in living.
o Performing duties with detachment and devotion.
• Purpose in Indian Philosophy:
o Purification of body and mind.
o Accumulation of spiritual strength and inner fire (tapas shakti).
Indian Thought on Self:
• Atman: The eternal, unchanging self in Hindu philosophy.
• Purusha: In Samkhya, the pure consciousness distinct from Prakriti (nature).
• Self-Realization (Atma Jnana): Ultimate goal is to realize the oneness of Atman with
Brahman (universal soul).
• Bhagavad Gita View: Selfless action, devotion, and knowledge lead to liberation (moksha).
Concept of Sthitpragya (From Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2)
Sthitpragya (Sanskrit: स्थितप्रज्ञ) is a term used by Lord Krishna in Chapter 2 of the Bhagavad Gita,
denoting a person of steady wisdom and unwavering intellect. It forms a cornerstone of spiritual
discipline in Indian philosophy.
Meaning of Sthitpragya
• Sthita = steady, stable
• Prajna = wisdom, intellect
So, Sthitpragya means "one whose wisdom remains undisturbed by emotional turbulence,
desires, or attachments."
Qualities of a Sthitpragya (Verses 2.54–2.72)
Quality Explanation
Freedom from desires Desires do not control or disturb them.
Equanimity Remains balanced in pleasure and pain, success and failure.
Self-controlled Has mastery over senses and mind.
Undisturbed by external events Not shaken by praise, criticism, or dualities of life.
Content and self-sufficient Derives joy from within, not dependent on external things.
Detached from the world Lives in the world but is not bound by it.
How to Become Sthitpragya (as per Krishna)
1. Control senses – Don’t let the senses drag the mind.
2. Perform duties without attachment – Practice Nishkama Karma (action without
expectation).
3. Practice Dhyana (Meditation) – Develop focus and inner stability.
4. Let go of ego – Realize the true Self (Atman) beyond body and mind.
5. Detach from fruits of actions – Practice Karma Yoga.
Symbolism of the Sthitpragya
Krishna compares a Sthitpragya to:
• A tortoise (verse 2.58): Just as a tortoise withdraws its limbs, a Sthitpragya withdraws his
senses from worldly temptations.
• A deep ocean (verse 2.70): Just as rivers enter the ocean but don’t disturb it, desires enter a
wise man but don’t affect him.
Indian Philosophical Context
• Vedanta: Sees Sthitpragya as an enlightened being who knows the Self (Atman) is identical to
Brahman (Universal Self).
• Yoga: Views Sthitpragya as a Sthit-Mind Yogi—calm, meditative, unaffected by dualities.
• Bhakti: Emphasizes surrender to God while maintaining detachment.
Relevance Today
• In modern life, being Sthitpragya means:
o Handling stress and uncertainty with calmness.
o Making ethical decisions without ego or bias.
o Staying focused on duty, not results.
o Maintaining peace amidst chaos.
• Yoga as a Tool for Integration of Individual and
Universal Self
• Core Idea:
• Yoga, especially Ashtanga Yoga, as described by Maharishi Patanjali in the Yoga
Sutras, is a systematic method that purifies, disciplines, and elevates the individual
self (Jivatma) to ultimately realize its oneness with the Universal Self
(Paramatma/Brahman).
•
• Ashtanga Yoga: The Eight Limbs
Limb Name Purpose in Self-Integration
Regulates external behavior, detaches from ego-driven
1️⃣ Yama (moral restraints)
actions.
Limb Name Purpose in Self-Integration
Niyama (personal Fosters inner purity, contentment, and spiritual
2️⃣
disciplines) discipline.
Prepares body for meditation by building stability and
3️⃣ Asana (posture)
balance.
Pranayama (breath
4️⃣ Controls life-force energy (prana), connects body-mind.
control)
Pratyahara (withdrawal of
5️⃣ Detaches mind from external distractions.
senses)
6️⃣ Dharana (concentration) Sharpens focus on the higher Self.
Establishes uninterrupted awareness of the Universal
7️⃣ Dhyana (meditation)
Self.
Complete union of Individual Self with the Universal
8️⃣ Samadhi (absorption)
Self—liberation (moksha).
Five Niyamas (नियम)
Niyama Meaning Description
Cleanliness of body, mind, and surroundings.
1. Shaucha (शौच) Purity
Encourages both external hygiene and inner clarity.
Being satisfied with what one has, cultivating
2. Santosha (संतोष) Contentment
gratitude, and accepting life as it is.
Austerity / Willpower, perseverance, and self-control. Creates
3. Tapas (तपस्)
Discipline inner strength to overcome distractions and habits.
Study of sacred texts and introspection to understand
4. Svadhyaya (स्वाध्याय) Self-study
the true self and elevate consciousness.
5. Ishwarapranidhana Surrender to Devotion and offering all actions to a higher power or
(ईश्वरप्रनिधाि) God universal consciousness; letting go of ego.
Components of Yama (यम) – The First Limb of Ashtanga Yoga
Yama refers to the ethical restraints or moral disciplines that guide a yogi's behavior in society.
These are universal vows, promoting harmony, non-violence, and truthfulness in interactions with
others.
The 5 Yamas (Pancha Yama)
Yama Sanskrit Meaning & Explanation
Non-violence in thoughts, words, and actions. Avoids harm to any living
1. Ahimsa अह िं सा
being (physically, mentally, or emotionally).
Yama Sanskrit Meaning & Explanation
Truthfulness – speaking and living truth, with compassion and clarity.
2. Satya सत्य
Never using truth to hurt others.
Non-stealing – not taking anything that doesn't belong to you, including
3. Asteya अस्तेय
time, energy, or credit.
4. Celibacy or moderation in desires. In broader sense, it means conserving
ब्रह्मचयय
Brahmacharya energy and directing it toward higher purpose.
Non-possessiveness – letting go of greed, material attachment, and
5. Aparigraha अपरिग्र
hoarding. Cultivates detachment and simplicity.
Difference Between Personal Growth and Personal Development
While personal growth and personal development are often used interchangeably, they have subtle
but important differences in focus and approach:
Aspect Personal Growth Personal Development
The natural, internal process of becoming The structured, goal-oriented
Definition more conscious, aware, and emotionally improvement of skills, behavior, or
mature. knowledge.
Being – emotional, spiritual, and Doing – skill-building, career improvement,
Focus
psychological evolution. goal achievement.
More introspective and organic; often More planned and measurable; usually
Nature
inspired by life experiences. guided by goals or programs.
Learning a new language, improving time
Gaining emotional intelligence, becoming
Examples management, attending a leadership
more empathetic, spiritual awakening.
course.
Reflection, meditation, introspection, life Books, seminars, training, coaching,
Tools
challenges. SMART goals.
A deeper understanding of the self and Tangible improvements in skills, habits, and
Outcome
greater emotional resilience. performance.
1. Basic Mandukasana (Frog Pose)
Procedure:
• Sit in Vajrasana (kneeling position).
• Make fists with both hands, placing them on the navel area (near the belly button), with
thumbs inside.
• Inhale deeply.
• Exhale and bend forward while pressing the fists into the abdomen.
• Try to keep the spine straight and chin raised slightly.
• Hold for 10–30 seconds; breathe normally.
• Inhale and return to the upright position.
Benefits:
• Stimulates the pancreas and is helpful in managing diabetes.
• Improves digestion and activates abdominal organs.
Precautions:
• Avoid in case of ulcers, back issues, or recent abdominal surgery.
2. Uttana Mandukasana (Extended Frog Pose)
Procedure:
• Sit in Vajrasana.
• Spread your knees wide apart while keeping the big toes touching.
• Raise both arms and bend the elbows, placing your palms on opposite shoulders (like a self-
hug).
• Inhale, then exhale while bending forward.
• Hold the pose as long as comfortable, then come back slowly.
Benefits:
• Enhances flexibility in the hip and groin area.
• Opens the chest and improves posture.
Precautions:
• Avoid if you have severe knee or hip injuries.
3. Adho Mukha Mandukasana (Downward-Facing Frog Pose)
Procedure:
• Begin in a tabletop position on your hands and knees.
• Slowly widen your knees as far apart as comfortable, keeping your ankles in line with your
knees and feet turned outward.
• Lower your forearms to the floor, keeping your elbows under your shoulders.
• Keep your spine neutral and hips aligned with your knees.
• Hold the pose for 30 seconds to a few minutes, breathing deeply.
• To release, gently bring your knees back together and return to the tabletop position.
Benefits:
• Deeply stretches the hips, groin, and inner thighs.
• Improves flexibility and mobility in the lower body.
• Can help alleviate lower back tension.
Precautions:
• Use padding under the knees if needed.
• Avoid if you have knee, hip, or groin injuries.
What is Asana?
In yoga, Asana (आसि) refers to a body posture or physical position used for physical stability,
mental calmness, and spiritual advancement. The word asana literally means "seat" in Sanskrit,
implying both a physical posture and a meditative position.
In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, asana is the third limb of Ashtanga Yoga, defined as:
"Sthira Sukham Asanam" – That which is steady and comfortable is an asana.
How Many Asanas Are There?
• Classical texts (like Hatha Yoga Pradipika) mention 84 traditional asanas.
• However, modern yoga has hundreds to thousands of variations, including dynamic,
therapeutic, and hybrid poses.
• The 84 original asanas are believed to represent the 84 lakh (8.4 million) species of life,
symbolically showing evolution toward human consciousness.
Seating Position (Seated Asanas)
Seated or meditative asanas are used for pranayama (breathing), dhyana (meditation), and mental
centering. They keep the spine erect, pelvis grounded, and mind calm.
Common Seated Asanas:
Asana Name Description Benefits
Cross-legged with feet on opposite Promotes deep meditation, opens
Padmasana (Lotus Pose)
thighs. hips.
Suitable for beginners, promotes
Sukhasana (Easy Pose) Simple cross-legged posture.
relaxation.
Asana Name Description Benefits
Vajrasana (Thunderbolt
Sitting on heels with knees folded. Aids digestion, improves posture.
Pose)
Ardha Padmasana (Half Less intense than full lotus, good
One leg on the opposite thigh.
Lotus) for long sits.
Siddhasana (Accomplished Heel presses perineum; other foot Enhances energy flow, improves
Pose) tucked in. focus.
