Mandalam Musings Day 6 - W5s of Spirituality

Mandalam Musings Day 6

W5s of Spirituality

Many great souls, Mahatmas, have used a variety of scriptures as the basis of their inquiry, and have amazingly came up with very similar visions of the Ultimate Truth. In my opinion, there is great merit in reading and studying the life and teachings of these gurus, as a daily practice.  They have inspirational stories to tell, and they keep you excited about the possibilities of self-realization. Well-known Mahatmas of the past, like Adi Shankaracharya, Ezhutthachan, Sri Narayana Guru, Swami Vivekananda, and Ramana Maharshi, as well as the Gurus of recent times, including Swami Chimayananda, Sri Sai Baba, Mata Amritanandamayi Amma, and others, have laid wonderful paths of discipline and spiritual practice for our guidance. You, I, and the Mahatmas are all divine beings, or at least potentially we are all divine! 

In short, practical spirituality can be summarized using the famous W5 (What, Why, Who, Where, When), and a How!

What is Spirituality? It is the way we think and acts in life. It is about taking full responsibility for our own thoughts and actions, without depending on anyone else. Please note that depending on someone and getting inspired by someone is entirely different in terms of attitude.  

Why? We need to develop a readiness to face any situation in life by developing mental tranquility and a proper attitude. Most of us face situations that are difficult, even impossible to change, but our attitude can be changed. Of course, the journey is solitary.

Who? You and I, on our own terms. It is not just for the Sadhus and priests. No doubt, all Mahatmas, religious or otherwise, are our teachers, but no one other than our own self is there to take us through life’s ups and downs, to the journey’s end.

Where? Right here, wherever we are. There is no need to wait until we get into the company of Yogis in the Himalayas. It is in our houses, workplaces, parks, and playgrounds.

When? Spirituality is right now, in this life, at this moment. There is no need to wait until we get older, or eventually die and get in line to be chosen for heaven or hell. Spiritual life can bring heaven here, for the self and the people around, and even for the environment. 

How? By practicing mindful awareness, guided by inspiring spiritual disciplines as shown by men and women of wisdom. Inquire. Inquire. Inquire. Of course, we should be willing to make mistakes of our own before finding that path to freedom.

Practicing the Ayyappa culture every year during the Mandalam season is a practical way of spirituality that encompasses all the W5s. Lord Ayyappa showed us the ‘How’, through his inspirational life of dharmic duty, dynamism, contemplation, and ultimate awakening to the higher reality.