Spiritual destination

This life has been given to us to realise ourselves as spirit and to find our way back to God. Once we understand our purpose and resolve to attain it, we must take real steps toward it. First, we need to understand the difference between knowledge and faith, and their importance. Knowledge is important because it points us in the right direction, but knowledge alone cannot take us to our destination. We may spend our lives following outer rites and rituals without understanding their deeper meaning or purpose. Similarly, we may know intellectually that God exists and be familiar with the teachings of the spiritual path, but without faith, that knowledge cannot carry us very far.

All that matters is the conviction with which we follow what we know. This faith must also extend to the guidance we receive. The Divine has blessed us with the precious gift of human birth, so that we may fulfil the purpose of our existence and return to our true Home.

Faith is especially important in meditation. Just as a farmer plants a seed trusting that it will eventually bear fruit, we must continue our spiritual practice with patience and perseverance. Even when we do not see inner Light or hear inner Sound, we should not become discouraged or doubt that we are progressing. Knowledge tells us that meditation will lead us to God; faith gives us the conviction to continue, even when the results are not yet visible.