How Can a Common Man Grow in Spirituality?

Spirituality, often portrayed as an elusive and grand pursuit reserved for saints or ascetics, is, in reality, an inward journey that can be embarked upon by anyone—regardless of their status, occupation, or lifestyle. The question, “How can a common man grow in spirituality?” may seem daunting at first, but in truth, it is an inquiry that every person, in their own way, is asking within their heart, even if they don’t fully recognize it. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, a worker in an office, or someone trying to make sense of the chaos of daily life, spirituality can offer a path to deeper peace, clarity, and fulfillment.

Spiritual growth does not require a dramatic change in one’s external circumstances; it requires a shift in perspective, a willingness to open the heart and mind to the infinite wisdom of the universe, and a commitment to living in harmony with our truest nature. As I reflect on my own journey, I realize that the process of spiritual growth is a slow unfolding of truths, each discovery leading to more clarity and understanding of who I truly am and what my purpose is in this vast universe. This path is unique for each individual, but there are universal principles that can guide us along the way.

A Journey of Self-Discovery

To begin with, spirituality is essentially a journey of self-discovery. It’s about recognizing that you are not just your body, your job, or your relationships, but a being with a deeper essence—an eternal soul. The idea that we are more than our external identities is echoed across many sacred texts, most notably in the Bhagavad Gita, where Lord Krishna teaches Arjuna that our true self is beyond the physical form. He says, “You are not the body, you are the eternal soul.” This profound statement serves as a reminder that we are much more than the fleeting moments of our lives; we are timeless and connected to a source much greater than ourselves.

I remember, in the early days of my spiritual journey, being overwhelmed by the chaos of life. It felt as though I was constantly running after the next thing, always busy, always striving, and yet, never quite satisfied. Then, one day, I had a moment of stillness—something I now recognize as a sacred moment. I was sitting on a park bench, and for the first time in a long time, I wasn’t thinking about the future or the past. I was just being, observing the world around me. I felt a deep connection to the trees, the sky, and the people around me. It was as if I had peeled away the layers of worry and distraction, and for the first time, I touched something eternal within me.

In that moment, I understood that the essence of spiritual growth is not found in the hustle, but in the pause. It’s in the quiet moments of self-reflection and introspection that we begin to touch the deeper aspects of ourselves. As we connect with our inner stillness, we begin to recognize the impermanence of external circumstances and the eternal nature of our true self.

The Role of Sacred Texts

As I continued on my journey, I turned to sacred texts for guidance. The Bhagavad Gita was particularly transformative in helping me understand the path of self-realization. Lord Krishna’s teachings to Arjuna—about detachment, devotion, and understanding the nature of the soul—have been a source of endless insight. One verse that particularly stood out to me was when Krishna advises Arjuna to perform his duties without attachment to the outcomes: “You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.”

This teaching became a cornerstone of my spiritual practice. It reminded me that my role in the world is not to chase success or to live for external approval, but to do my best in everything I do with a sense of detachment. Detachment doesn’t mean disengagement; it means performing our duties without being emotionally entangled in the results. This practice of detachment has allowed me to experience life with a greater sense of freedom and peace.

Similarly, the Ramcharitmanas by Tulsidas, another powerful scripture, taught me the importance of devotion, humility, and surrender. The story of Lord Rama’s life, his exile, and his victory over evil, resonates deeply with the human condition. There were moments in my life when I felt like I was fighting my own battles—whether personal, professional, or spiritual. The story of Lord Rama showed me that, while we must fight for what is right, we must do so with a heart full of devotion and surrender to a higher will. Lord Rama’s unwavering faith in dharma (righteousness) and his humility in the face of challenges have been an inspiration, reminding me that strength is not just physical, but spiritual.

The Importance of Daily Practice

While sacred texts provide wisdom, they are just one part of the equation. The other key ingredient is consistent, daily practice. Spirituality is not just a theoretical idea; it’s a way of living. And it is through daily practices that we begin to internalize the wisdom we gain from these texts and make them a living reality in our lives.

For me, meditation became a cornerstone of this practice. In the beginning, my mind was like a wild stallion, constantly racing with thoughts. Sitting in stillness was difficult, and at times, it felt like I wasn’t getting anywhere. But over time, I began to experience moments of profound peace and clarity during my meditation sessions. I also started practicing mindfulness throughout the day—whether it was being present while eating, walking, or even engaging in conversation. I began to realize that the more present I was in each moment, the more I could experience the divine presence within and around me.

The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of devotion in everyday life, where Lord Krishna says, “Whatever you do, do it as an offering to me.” This teaching resonated deeply with me. I started to see my daily activities—cooking, working, interacting with others—not as mundane tasks, but as opportunities for spiritual growth. By performing every action as an offering to the Divine, I could bring mindfulness and intention to even the most routine parts of my life. And in this offering, I found a sense of sacredness in everything I did.

Another powerful practice I embraced was the repetition of mantras. Simple phrases, such as “Om Namah Shivaya,” or “Hare Krishna,” became a source of grounding and connection. Even on the busiest of days, chanting these mantras helped me re-center and feel connected to the divine energy within and around me. The power of sound and vibration in spiritual practice is something that cannot be underestimated—it is said that the mere repetition of sacred names can purify the mind and elevate the soul.

Facing Challenges with Grace

One of the biggest obstacles I faced on my spiritual journey was the challenge of navigating the ups and downs of life. It’s easy to seek spirituality when everything is calm, but when life throws its curveballs—be it a personal loss, a career setback, or health issues—spirituality becomes a lifeline. This is where the true test of our inner growth lies: in how we respond to challenges.

The Ramcharitmanas beautifully illustrates this with the example of Lord Rama’s trials. From his exile to the loss of his kingdom, Lord Rama faced unimaginable hardship. Yet, he faced every challenge with unwavering grace and strength, always remaining rooted in his dharma. He never allowed himself to be overtaken by anger, doubt, or despair, even when the odds were stacked against him.

I took this lesson to heart. When I encountered difficulties, I reminded myself that life is a series of lessons and that every challenge carries within it the potential for spiritual growth. Rather than reacting with frustration, I learned to take a step back, breathe, and surrender my worries to a higher power. This practice of surrender—of trusting that there is a greater plan at play—has brought me a sense of peace even in the midst of adversity.

The Beauty of the Present Moment

Ultimately, spiritual growth is about realizing that peace is always available within us. It’s about coming to the understanding that the moment we are living in right now is all we truly have. The Bhagavad Gita teaches us to be present and to live in the moment, saying, “Perform your duty with a mind that is free from attachment, and take pleasure in the present moment.”

For many years, I found myself either regretting the past or worrying about the future. It was only when I began to truly embrace the present moment that I found peace. It is in the present moment that we connect with our inner truth and the divine presence. When we stop clinging to what was or what might be, we are free to experience the beauty of life as it is.

Final Reflection: The Journey is Within

As I reflect on my own journey, I realize that the spiritual path is not about reaching a particular destination or achieving perfection. It is about the unfolding of the self, a gradual awakening to the truth that we are already whole, already complete. The wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and the Ramcharitmanas have shown me that the true path to spirituality is one of self-discovery, devotion, and presence.

To anyone reading this, I offer this final affirmation: You are already on the path. Whether you realize it or not, the divine spark within you is always guiding you toward growth, peace, and self-realization. All it takes is a willingness to look inward, to practice presence, and to trust in the unfolding of your journey.

So, take a deep breath, feel the sacredness of this moment, and know that the peace you seek is always within reach. The journey may not always be easy, but with patience, faith, and dedication, the light of your true self will shine brightly, guiding you toward a life of inner peace and spiritual fulfillment.