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The creative expression of Life itself is a direct manifestation and result of the bliss, love, and joy of the Creator; whereas egoity is not capable of knowing or experiencing this essential Truth and feels separate from this Universal Power and Connectedness. This constant emptiness which is egoity endlessly craves and searches for objects of experience that will satisfy this deep feeling of unhappiness and lack. Spirituality is the soul's journey to Self/God-Recognition through the process of transcending egoity, which is the core feeling of separateness.

There are two purposes of life: 1) personalized sensory experience, 2) the transcendence from it. Egoity is personalized clinging to the experience of forms, and therefore "bonding" oneself to them. Transcendence from this bondage is the result of the spiritual path which "liberates" one from the need for the individualized experience of forms.

Egoity is the state of emptiness and limitation, and because of this lack it searches for objects of experience. Without these objects, the ego is aware of itself as an unhappy and empty shell, and from this arises desire to change this experience. Even though this object of desire causes the expectation of "getting something good," the real motivation is actually a "running away from the pain of not having." Without an object to distract oneself from the pain of egoity, all that is experienced is the dissatisfaction of one's core experience of self/being.

Egoity is the confining thought of "not having" and "being limited from Being All.". The ego is the primary limiting thought through which the One Self Operates. It is from this amnesia (forgetfulness of Self/Awareness) that emptiness or lack is experienced, which motivates the seeking for objects that will satisfy or fulfill. The path is a choice to look at "who is looking" or "what is it that wants" (the motivation factor). This leads one to gradually dismantle the core of egoity/unhappiness rather than continually seeking outside oneself for fulfillment. When thorough deconstruction of egoity occurs, the Natural State of Happiness arises and remains. At this stage there is no longer a need or dependeny for experiencing objects that were previously required for the ego's temporary pleasure and happiness.

When is it time to begin the spiritual path?
Interest must first spring from one's own heart and mind to start the path, and faith is required to actually complete it. One should decide on the degree and intensity of path-involvement desired and proceed accordingly. Look deep within and examine the willingness to start, maintain, and complete the journey. Depending on the response, either begin now or later when ready. Keep in mind that there is no "right or wrong" time to start the path, as it is simply a matter of personal preference. When one feels ready, that is the right time. If the path is not chosen now or in this lifetime, that is not wrong.

Specific time is set aside for spiritual practices daily. These practices are gradually increased until they become a normal part of one's life and not only as "restricted practice time." Spirituality is an attitude of living, and not only a few hours here and there of dedicated practice; although, this is how it will begin for the undisciplined mind.

Spiritual practices are most effective when recieved as an Initiation or blessing from a Teacher of Enlightenment. Iinstruction from such a Teacher also Empowers and assists the seeker in completing the path. This Initiation "formally begins" and accelerates the seeker's path. Further applications of Initiated practices and instructions continue to evermore deeply assist the seeker until Liberation.

Initiated Practices May Include:
- Breathing Practices
- Mantra
- Meditation
- Contemplation
- Reading and Study
- Mindfulness Practices
- Inquiry and Introspection
- Visualization
- Connecting to Blessed Objects, pictures, nature
- Yogic Practices
- Surrender Practice
- Prayer
- Being Present
- Retreats or Intensive Practices
- Methods of Concentration

Some Teachers give the same Initiation to all students, while others give personalized Initiation and Instruction. Personal Initiations provide the most useful and effective combination of practices that coincides with the aspirants personality, needs, and level of develoment. A general Initiation given in many lineages connects the seeker to that line of Teachers, but may not be the most helpful or appropriate for the person at that time. Each seeker needs their own medicine for True and Complete Healing.

The seeker's journey will consist of looking from and through the lower levels of consciousness towards the higher. The lower levels of consciousness include the most painful and limiting experiences, emotions, and thoughts. Higher states of consciousness are experienced as pleasing, relaxing, blissful, peaceful, and loving spiritual states of being. Mental content may be associated with higher spiritual states of being, however the more advanced seeker abides as the principle of awareness itself, and is beyond just pleasant thoughts and emotions.

The majority of those who identify themselves as spiritually advanced are at best in some type of higher psychological experiences, with no actual level of spiritual awakening. True spiritual development implies stability and continuity of the natural state of awareness itself. Psychic and healing abilities may also occur, yet still without a genuine state of spiritual realization. A few have some initial awakening into their spiritual state of being, though this awareness remains fairly limited. Unfortunately, this initial awakening may result in the delusion of some higher state of God-or Self-recognition, which is not true. There are even fewer beings who reside in some genuine high state of spiritual consciousness, but do not truly possess the Real Knowledge of Being the Universal Whole.

All of the lower stages of consciousness previously discussed can have some insight and small degree of experience that everything is the Whole, but this awareness is still only a limited perspective instead of the Real Truth. The Rare and Genuine Teachers Live in and as the constant Bliss of the Truth and are aware of Self/God, but this is still only a reflection of Truth in mind; albeit a very clear and still mind. There are many claims of Liberation, but this is an extremely rare state that nearly all gurus have not attained.

As long as a sincere and honest teacher can provide some insight and energetic assistance, most seekers will be benefitted. For Liberation or Full Enlightenment, one will likely need to find a fully Self-Realized Teacher.

The most essential quality of a genuine Spiritual Teacher is an unvarying and stable recognition/experience of the Truth of Existence. Without this realization, there is no true Spiritual Teacher. An individual who takes on the role of “spiritual teacher” may be capable of helpfully sharing concepts about spirituality as well as lower-level mind/psychic experiences that may feel angelic, god-like, or of a higher order, but this is not necessarily indicating higher realization of the Truth.

A genuine Spiritual Teacher will naturally and spontaneously express genuine Humility. The Teacher’s life essence and all expressions reflect this non-seeing of difference in all aspects of existence. They do not treat others based on emotional identification (judgment) of being at a higher or lower level stage of evolution. By skillful, non-emotional, and objective observation, students are automatically taught according to their individual karmic needs. Teachings are stated in a common sense and matter-of-fact way that truly communicates to the student without implying the Teacher’s possession of something that the student lacks.

Other aspects of a true Spiritual Teacher’s natural expression include:
-Not taking a stance of being right, or having any fear of being wrong.
-No feeling or expression of ownership of the teaching or even the life-expression itself, nor concerns for success or failure. This does not imply withdrawal or non-participation in life.
-Positive qualities express, but without the need for mental considerations of what is appropriate. There is pure spontaneous action arising from Goodness.
-There is no identification with the qualities of expression that arise.
-The Teacher is not judging anyone’s actions as good or bad, though they may point out the likely choices and consequences a student may make regarding a particular aspect of life.
-This holistic perspective is stated practically and in a non-pushy way, leaving the students free to make their own decisions.
-The Teachers is there to assist in positive life choices, and has no wish to control the student.
-A student is never made to feel wrong, mistaken, or guilty when the student makes choices which are contrary to the advice or beliefs of the Teacher.
-Appropriate boundaries are always maintained at all levels of relationship.
-The Teacher does not compare him/herself to other teachers or students, and does not want the student to always remain as a student or a member of their group or wish that a student feel beholden to them.

The constant and dependable behavior of a true Teacher expresses sincerity, honesty, respect, and psychological balance. While financial exchange may occur within a teacher/student relationship, a true Teacher is without the capacity for using or manipulating a student for the Teacher’s gain or pleasure.

As with other roles such as teacher, therapist, counselor, guardian, and parent, a sexual relationship with a spiritual teacher is destructive and unacceptable. On the teacher’s side, it is reflective of psychological and emotional imbalance, and is neither an expression of higher awareness nor a useful method of energetically “blessing” a student. If a romantic relationship develops between a teacher of enlightenment and a student, then the teacher should be open to dealing with their own imbalances or consider quitting their profession as a spiritual teacher.

Adequate purification and the fully opened heart of a true Teacher make the expression of sexual interest impossible, since these feelings arise from the limitations of egoity, however the individual may attempt to justify such feelings and actions.

The very nature of a genuine Teacher is the choiceless and undying efforts to assist a student in his or her life and path, both personally and energetically. Particular expressions of personal connection are not to be necessarily expected. Once a connection with a genuine Teacher has been established, one can simply bring the Teacher to mind and effectively ask for help and guidance, whether the Teacher is physically present or not. The energetic connection itself burns off karma of a student or even of a non-student who is mentally asking for assistance. The response to this request or help may or may not be consciously clear to the seeker, but is nonetheless present and significant.

The less of “you” that exists, the more of Reality that remains; Reality is that healing energy that IS love and peace. So your family will be impacted in a great way. This does not usually show up in the beginning stages of evolution, but rather the later stages when one enters Sahaja Samadhi (constant, perpetual, unbroken awareness of the nondual Self). During the initial stages, one can pray or set intent for their family and it can help, though probably not on a noticeable enough level. When one has matured in the State of the Higher Self, the power increases to such a degree and can eventually consume oneself and their entire family. When one nears the pre-liberated stage, one's family can change immensely on all levels of their being.
During the earlier stages of Self-realization, or initial transcendence into the realm of the Higher Self, one can be a bit different and alienate themselves from their family if unable to incorporate their awareness into everyday life. But when that is mastered, the awakened being can be more integrated than ever before and always ready and willing to serve their family with love, gratefulness, and compassion. When progressing in the earlier portion of the Path, there can be more of an imbalance. Though, after one matures and integrates, one will probably be perceived to be “more normal” and loving than one has ever been. And when one's family starts to see that, that is a miracle beyond any measure.

When choosing a Spiritual Teacher, Teaching, or Path, first decide on the type of being you are; for instance, "do I prefer love (Heart/devotional/bhakti) over knowledge (mind/wisdom/jnani), vice versa, or both?" Or, to put it another way, would you prefer to know God by loving God or by looking into your thoughts and beliefs eradicating all that is in contradiction with God? Knowing this can help you decide which path you should take, and what types of books to read and teachers to connect to.

Don't be too fixed on the path chosen, as this may change many times throughout. So be open to change, and enjoy the journey. Also, just being exposed to various books, paths, and teachings will help you understand the knowledge and information the Teachers has to offer, which is not to be considered as separate from their Inner Knowing or Self-Realization.

People often believe that I (brian) teach one type of path over another at one retreat, and then at a future retreat have the opposite view. The truth is that I teach all paths, and feel, see, and understand how they all work together. I embrace and love all religions and paths. They can all work for us; as well as, at times, they can become our very own prison. Balancing our attitude, view, beliefs, and approach are necessary to see it through to the end (liberation).