Brian D. Stephens
According to many enlightened teachers there are three planes of reality: mental, energetic, and physical. The vast majority of people on the planet perceive only the physical plane of reality. The true spiritual journey begins when a person learns to perceive the energetic plane of reality. You can feel energetic forms through your energetic body. And you might even see energetic forms with your physical eyes… Read more
Spiritual development is the weakening of the ego. It is formed by past conditioning (or karma) and sustained by thoughts. A spiritual practice enables you to still the mind so you can perceive and connect with the deeper reality. While connected your karma dissolves, weakening the ego. When all of your karma is gone the ego is destroyed and you attain liberation… Read more
Perhaps the biggest impediment to spiritual progress is your ideas about God. You may hold your spiritual beliefs to be true. Yet they are nothing more than ideas in the mind. They are only mental representations of reality, not reality itself. There is a deeper truth that cannot be accessed through the mind. It is experienced directly beyond the limitations of thought. Ideas can at best lead you to the experience. And at worst they keep you from the experience… Read more
While living in Los Angeles, I became interested in spirituality and unknowingly chose the worst kind of spiritual teacher. Although I didn’t know it at the time, he is a charlatan and a sociopath. In spite of everything I am doing well. I am surrounded by God’s mercy and grace. Yet you should let my story be a cautionary tale. And be careful in whom you choose to guide you along the spiritual path… Read more
Choosing a spiritual teacher to guide you along the path is an important decision. The teachers who have reached an advanced spiritual state can show you how to still the mind and directly experience the deeper reality. Many spiritual teachers falsely claim to have attained liberation in order to attract seekers looking for spiritual guidance… Read more
There are some advanced spiritual teachers that help others to progress along the path. Unfortunately, the vast majority of people who play the role of a “spiritual teacher” are not spiritually advanced. If you make the mistake of relying upon such a person for guidance they will become an obstacle to your spiritual progress. You can be aware of how these unqualified teachers market themselves… Read more