Ways to Achieve the Goal
I would like to refer to an ancient Indian text which is called the five ways or five methods, which, according to eminent scholars, can apply as rationally to professional life or to army manoeuvers as to spiritual life. This text emphasises that all human endeavour must conform to five principles if it is to succeed. These are:
1. Acquiring knowledge and understanding of the goal to be achieved.
2. Select the right way or approach to achieve that goal.
3. Correctly assess one's current state.
4. Attract to oneself all favourable forces which will conduce to achievement of the goal.
5. Repel or do away with all adverse factors standing in the way of the goal.
Spirituality says, "Try to realise right from the beginning, what is the purpose we have come here for. What is the purpose for which we are here? Is it achievable? What are the means to achieve it?" So we have to have an idea of the goal of our existence, we are to understand what we are and which level we are trying to aspire to that Goal. We must find a person who can guide us and lead us to the destination; we must avoid everything that is inimical, which can frustrate these aims, and the achievement of these aims. And, wisdom says, "Also take the help of everything that can possibly help you in this pursuit."
One who aspires to reach the goal must be vigilant, lest his feet stray off the path. How to be vigilant? Is it possible to be in a permanent state of alertness? Yes. It is constant remembrance. One in remembrance of the Master keeps his mind on Him and Him alone, and this automatically and effectively prevents everything else from coming to the abhyasi's awareness. This is the only sure way of avoiding all distractions and diversions, and thus of keeping one's feet surely on the path of progress following in the Divine footsteps of my great Master.
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