Are you receiving spiritual training right now? Here's how to find out.

A teaching from Sri Swami Nityananda Giri

6F437A7F-19E2-43FF-AC2D-65428D201F45.jpeg

Becoming an athlete of the spirit

In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna is the voice of wisdom, light, and love, the voice of the all-beautiful, all-perfect Divine in each of us. Krishna is the energy of the whole universe that animates every cell of our body, the energy that says when we stand firm on unity, we commune with the Divine that abides in all beings.

When we commune with the light that abides equally in all beings, the ones we like, the ones we don’t like, the ones who help us stretch and expand our ability to love unconditionally and to practice kind, calm, clear awareness and compassion, only then, in whatever state we find ourselves, we live in God, we abide in the Divine. 

Krishna also says to each of us, when you do this, when you stand firm on unity, you are an athlete of the spirit. It is exactly times like these in which we get practice in being spiritual athletes.

“Krishna also says to each of us, when you stand firm on unity, you are an athlete of the spirit.”

Practicing being a spiritual athlete

Very playfully, silently identify to yourself the spiritual qualities that have seemed stable, steady, and in place within yourself.

You might say something like, Okay, this past week I’ve done a good job of remaining in contact with kindness. I’ve been able to remain calm. I’m definitely in contact with compassion and caring.

Then notice for yourself, again with a calm, neutral, nonjudgmental awareness, what are the spiritual qualities in which I’m invited to expand? Where am I receiving training as a spiritual athlete?

  • Am I receiving training in courage, in nonattachment, in letting go of sorrow, or letting go of the appearance of separateness?

  • Am I receiving training in forgiveness, in letting go of judging myself or others?

  • Am I receiving training in patience, in steadfastness, in fortitude, and faithfulness, and being honorable and practicing forbearance? 

Whatever it is, notice both the spiritual qualities in which you are invited to expand, and those you have been lovingly, wonderfully able to count on and rely on in yourself. Those are gifts of the Divine to you, and the more you notice them and express thankfulness and gratitude for them, the more they will be strengthened and energized and the more you’ll be able to share them. 

Whatever it is that you have moved through, whatever it is that you are facing now, you are adored, and you have the strength to share blessings always, no matter what. 

❤️We Think You’ll Love This Video ❤️

If you are interested in learning more about how to recognize when you are receiving spiritual training, there is a wealth of information available online about the teachings of yoga philosophy, Advaita Vedanta, and the mystical teachings of Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism, Zen, Hinduism, and Judaism. You are also invited to discover these teachings through Awake Yoga Meditation’s offerings. Based on your interest in this article, you may also enjoy:

You are also always invited to schedule a private, personal, spiritual conference with Swami Nityananda whether you are completely new to the study of yoga philosophy and meditation or one who is seeking to deepen your practice.

Sri Swami Nityananda GiriAwake Yoga MeditationBhagavad Gita, Krishna, Practice, Love