Purification: The Spiritual Journey of Rediscovery

At its core, the spiritual journey is about purification—a word that may have developed a negative connotation in some religious circles but is truly about uncovering who we already are. The process is not about adding something new to ourselves. Rather, it is about removing the mental and emotional layers that obscure our awareness. We rediscover the truth that has always been within us.

What Is Purification in Spiritual Practice?

The concept of purification can seem confusing. It’s easy to think it means pushing away emotions, thoughts, or experiences. However, purification is not suppression—it’s about clarity. You don’t deny what you’re experiencing; instead, you detach from the idea that you are those experiences.

We often carry emotional triggers, societal labels, and personal narratives that cloud our awareness. When we separate ourselves from these false identities, we experience life with greater transparency. Imagine it as wiping the lens of a camera—the picture remains the same, but it becomes clearer.

Spiritual purification encourages us to observe our emotions and thoughts without identifying with them. We say, “I have this emotion, but it is not what I am.” This distinction allows us to remain fully present with life’s ups and downs without being consumed by them.


Unity Through Separation

It may sound paradoxical, but separating yourself from what you are not can lead you to discover unity. This process involves discerning between the ego-driven identity and your true self. In doing so, you find that unity isn’t something you create; it’s the underlying reality that always exists. No matter how disconnected we feel from it, unity is the natural state of being.

As the text explains, “You can have a million separation thoughts and feelings every single minute for the rest of your life, and it would not put a single change or dent in absolute infinite unified reality.” In other words, our illusions of separation do not affect the deeper unity that underlies everything.

By letting go of attachments, we become less caught up in conventional ideas of reality. This isn’t about avoiding or denying life. Rather, it’s about seeing through the filters we place on it. When you no longer identify with every thought or emotion that arises, you become more spacious and free to experience life as it is.


How to Begin Purification Practices

  1. Meditate Regularly: Begin with short sessions of silent meditation. Allow your thoughts to arise without judgment. Notice them, but don’t attach yourself to them.
  2. Practice Self-Inquiry: Ask yourself, “Who am I?” Go beyond superficial answers like job titles or roles. Gently peel away the layers to uncover the essence beneath them.
  3. Observe Without Reacting: If a strong emotion arises, allow it to be present without resisting it. Know that the emotion is real, but it is not you.
  4. Let Go Gradually: Don’t rush the process. Each moment of clarity builds on the last, bringing you closer to your true self. Take your time to explore the subtle nuances of your awareness.

Quotes

“You do not become good by trying to be good, but by finding the goodness that is already within you.”
Eckhart Tolle

“The kingdom of God is within you.”Luke 17:21
This verse reminds us that everything we seek—peace, love, unity—is already present within us. We simply need to unveil it through the process of purification.


A Holistic Path Toward Spiritual Freedom

The spiritual practice of purification is a subtle and personal journey. It teaches us that we don’t need to push anything away to find peace—we just need to stop identifying with what we are not. As our awareness purifies itself, our perception of life becomes more transparent, and we see things as they truly are: unified, interconnected, and inherently whole.

This journey of purification isn’t about becoming someone new. It’s about realizing that everything you need—peace, joy, and unity—has been with you all along, waiting to be rediscovered.


Summary Points:

  • Purification is about rediscovering your true self: It’s not about becoming something new, but uncovering the completeness that already exists within you.
  • Separation is a key practice: This involves discerning between what you are and what you are not, detaching from thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
  • Purification is not about denial: It’s about allowing all experiences while recognizing that you are not defined by them.
  • The path is personal: Proceed at your own pace and trust the process.
  • The goal is freedom: Purification leads to a profound sense of peace and freedom that transcends the limitations of the ego.

Actions:

  • Start with self-inquiry: Ask yourself, “Who am I?” and explore your inner world through meditation or contemplation.
  • Practice mindfulness: Pay attention to your thoughts and emotions without judgment, observing them as they arise and pass away.
  • Engage in activities that nurture your spirit: This could include spending time in nature, listening to uplifting music, or engaging in creative expression.
  • Let go of attachments: Notice where you are clinging to things, beliefs, or outcomes, and practice releasing your grip.
  • Cultivate gratitude: Appreciate the good in your life and focus on the abundance that surrounds you.
  • Be patient and compassionate with yourself: The journey of purification is ongoing, so remember to be kind to yourself along the way.