Four Pillars of Spirituality

According to Yoga Vashistha there are four gate keepers at the realm of freedom or moksa. These are self-control, spirit of inquiry, contentment and good company. These four can be said to be pillars on which a seeker can build his or her spritual journey.

Self control can be obtained only when mind is tamed. Mind has a unique property that it cannot be tamed by brute force. Nor can it be free from craving by abstinence. Only way to control it is by giving it something better to crave then for the things it does now.

Or the second way is to show your mind the truth of its craving. This can be done only by showing the reality of pleasures after which the mind is running. As the truth about material pleasures is realized dispassion will arise naturally in you. Only by knowing what is the ultimate truth of existence that mind becomes pure and tranquil. Free from delusion of this ever changing world.

Inquiry or attitude of learning and understanding is the second gatekeeper to liberation. It is important that before inquiring, mind should be purified by study of scripture. Spiritual inquiry should be a constant unbroken effort. It is very important that a true seeker doesn’t lose its sight even in midst of all worldly activities. He who doesn’t have his mind fixed constantly on such inquiry has no hope. To inquire, “Who am I?” is the only true inquiry which can take you across the repetitive cycles of birth and death, of pleasure and pain. Keep doing it, till you reach the very end.

Contentment is the greatest virtue, which a seeker needs to develop. Only a contented mind can give you peace, nothing else will do it. True contentment can come only from experience. As it is said bad experiences lead to good experiences if we are willing to learn from them. 

We become what company we keep. Thus it is said “birds of same feather flock together”. Thus choose your friends very wisely. It is better to be alone, than to have bad company. 

Thus it is said contentment is the greatest gain. Spirit of inquiry is the greatest wisdom. Self control is greatest happiness and company of wise and holy people are the best companion to the destination. 

Jai shree Hari 🙏🏻