PROGRESS IN SPIRITUAL LIFE

Progress at anything does not happen in a straight line.  There are many ups and downs. So it is in spiritual life.

Swami Brahmananda gave the example of a calf.  The calf tries to get up on its feet soon after its birth, but quickly falls down again.  For fifteen minutes, half and hour, one hour, the calf attempts to get up, but again it topples over.  But it does not give up the struggle.  Later it not only stands but begins to run.

It is more than sheer will that accounts for the calf’s determination, however.  It is the calf’s nature to get to its feet.  It is built in.

In the same way, it is the nature of humans to know God.  It is built in, as well.  Then, it is the nature of everything to know God, sooner or later, contingent upon being born human.

Vedanta stresses the significance, importance of being born human, for we are the only species with a level of consciousness high enough to connect with God.   And connect we will, and run.