If you are on the spiritual path, you are on the path of inner growth.

You are keen on looking for a deeper sense of fulfilment from life. And, you want to gain it not from changing things and people around you, but in changing yourself.

Here are 5 ways that guarantee your spiritual growth. . .

Satsang—keeping spiritual company

The very first thing that puts you on the spiritual path and keeps you there is Satsang.

Satsang is a Sanskrit word made up of two root words – sat and sang.
Sat means “truth”, “good” or noble.
Sang means “in the company of” or “in association with.”

Satsang means being associated with the truth, or that which is good and noble. Itmeans keeping spiritual company.

Keeping spiritual company is “good” because it brings peace of mind, and “noble” because it promotes spiritual growth.

You can be in satsang in many ways: You can attend regular services at a place of worship where people gather to pray, sing devotional hymns, and read from holy books.

You can listen to talks given by spiritual teachers, meet with other like-minded people to discuss spirituality, or read spiritual books, magazines, and articles on your own.

Satsang instills your mind with higher ideals and noble emotions that help to keep you inspired and on path.

Always do your obligatory duties

No matter who we are, we all have obligatory duties to perform.

They come to us based on our roles and relationships with others such as being a parent, a child, an employer, employee, professional, business owner, volunteer, a resident in a community or citizen of a nation.

Duties should not be done with a sense of ego or selfishness. Also, our personal likes and dislikes should not influence how and what we do.

If you do your duties readily and happily in this way, they become the means to break down the ego.

As the ego and sense of selfishness breaks down, more and more of the beauty of your spiritual nature will start to shine through. This spiritual growth will positively transform your personality and your life.

Develop your head: regular spiritual study

Along with worldly knowledge it’s important to gain knowledge on spiritual matters such as learning about your innate spiritual nature, the nature of the Source or Creator of this world and your relationship with it, your ultimate purpose and the various means to fulfil it.

Spiritual knowledge is vital because the world, your relationships, wealth, possessions, educational accomplishments, and even your body will be left behind when you die.

What is the real purpose of your life? What is the cause of suffering? Where can you find true happiness?

Like satsang, regular spiritual study will help you understand your life, relationships, joys and sorrows from the higher spiritual perspective of being a soul on an evolutionary journey to rediscovering your true Self.

Your true Self is infinite, immortal, and blissful. It will bring you the highest fulfilment and permanent happiness that you are really seeking.

You can join or start a weekly study group using one of the many spiritual books written by masters and teachers from all faiths and cultures.

Develop your heart—be kind

Being kind to others is based on the spiritual principle of ahimsa, the Sanskrit word for non-injury or non-violence.

It is based on the spiritual truth of oneness. What this means is that there is one Source and all things and beings in creation are not only connected to each other but are innately various expressions of the same Source.

If you are one with everyone and everything, it just makes sense to be kind to “yourself.”

Being kind in your thoughts, emotions and actions is a serious spiritual discipline. It is a true sign of an advanced spiritual seeker.

Speak right

The discipline of right speech is a very important one in our lives. It not only cultivates harmonious relationships but also promotes spiritual growth through mental and physical self-control.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten into trouble because of what, when and how I said something.

A verse from the Bhagavad Gita gives us three guidelines of right speech: *

Speak the truth

Speak in a pleasing manner

Speak only when it’s beneficial to others

Speak the truth—Honesty is a virtue that is valued by people everywhere. An honest person attracts people’s trust. But being honest doesn’t mean it’s ok to be blunt or speak the truth in a way that hurts another’s feelings.

This is why it’s important to remember the next instruction—speak in a pleasing manner. If we have to speak the truth but know that it will cause pain to someone, we should say it in as kind a way as we can.

I’m pretty sure we are all guilty of breaking the last rule at some point or the other—Speak only when it’s beneficial to others. Living by this guideline will effectively eliminate all gossiping, backbiting and angry retaliatory words.

It’s easy to see how speaking right is a powerful spiritual discipline.

5 universal ways

These 5 ways are applicable to all serious seekers everywhere, no matter their age or background.

Adopting them into your life will not only guarantee your spiritual growth but ensure that it is steady and sure.

* Bhagavad Gita chapter 17, verse 15.

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