What are the spiritual path essentials?

1. Daily practice of meditation. Why is regular practice so necessary? Without regular practice of meditation (about 20 minutes twice a day) you will not be able to go beyond the intellect. This is important because the spiritual understanding hides behind the wall of the intellectual mind. If you do not cross the barrier of the intellect, it will naturally continue to rule you. As a result, you will continue to feel inner emptiness, dissatisfaction and unhappiness. As Dalai Lama said, intellect is a great slave but a terrible ruler. Reading books, discussing spiritual topics and attending lectures, seminars and classes will inspire you to practice meditation regularly but it can neither replace the practice, nor really help in crossing the barrier of the intellect. Only diligent, regular meditation will accomplish the task!

2. Company of spiritual people. Brother and sister spiritual seekers are necessary for support. People who have been around longer than you will help you. In turn, you will help those whom you "excel" in spiritual development. Every day every person feels differently--sometimes bad, sometimes good, at times we are depressed, at times we are shining with happiness. Spiritual company helps soften these extremes in our spiritual and worldly life. Unfortunately, true spiritual company is not easily found. Many times what seems to be spiritual company turns out to be a "group" that was initially organized to carry out spiritual ideals but for a variety of reasons began to serve worldly aims.

3. Spiritual teacher. A spiritual teacher (guru-starets) is necessary for competent spiritual advice and for a spiritual transmission (initiation). A spiritual teacher has the ability to see you more clearly, more deeply, than you can see yourself, which is why near him it is difficult to remain "in denial." In the mirror of the Teacher you will see your weak spots. This is always helpful, although also frightening. That is why spiritual teachers occasionally find themselves on the cross or in the bonfire. Oh! How we long to break the mirror in hope of having a straight face. That is why initially it is natural to fear the Teacher. Once you start having definite experiences of the teacher's beneficial effect on you, all fears will gradually subside. Until you find your teacher, you can get by with a sincere practice of the first and second points.

-- Anatole
(Translated from Russian)

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