From everything I have heard and read the message is clear that for almost all their spiritual development (advancement?) will be slow. However, if one is putting in serious effort towards his/her spiritual development with meditation, etc., it is not surprising to get frustrated with perceived lack of any progress.
Fortunately, in his “Thought for the Day” Shri Easwaran has provided several easy to use yardsticks for measuring ones spiritual progress. I believe it will help me stay focused on my own developmental efforts. I have provided below the entire “thought” from Shri Easwaran below. I hope it will enable you to stay the course for your own spiritual development.
=======
JUNE 19
Do not be dismayed, daughters, at the number of things which you have to consider before setting out on this divine journey, which is the royal road to heaven. By taking this road we gain such precious treasures that it is no wonder if the cost seems to us a high one. The time will come when we shall realize that all we have paid has been nothing at all by comparison with the greatness of our prize.
– SAINT TERESA OF AVILA
Those who offer instant enlightenment mislead us. After all, we have to bring the mind itself under control, and there is no more difficult task in life. We should be prepared for a lifetime of challenge. But then, we need challenges, or we stagnate. If you want to judge your progress, ask yourself these questions: Am I more loving? Is my judgment sounder? Do I have more energy? Can my mind remain calm under provocation? Am I free from the conditioning of anger, fear, and greed? Spiritual awareness reveals itself eloquently in character development and selfless action. Authentic spiritual experience changes the way you see the world and the way you live.
jgdshares 