Rocketing to the moon
The Chandrayaan analogy elucidates the demanding rigours essential for spiritual enlightenment. Just as rockets are ignited at discrete phases to achieve 'escape velocity', analogous stages of various spiritual disciplines are prerequisites.
The initial stride involves purifying the mind through prayer, as it is a way of 'connecting with the divine and opening yourself to transcendence', as says Mother Teresa. Attaining peace of mind can also be realised by adhering to the paths of Karma, Bhakti and Jnana Yog, as outlined in the Bhagwad Gita.
The subsequent juncture mirrors the process of entering the lunar orbit, a precursor to the ultimate descent. This signifies a realm of cosmic awareness often denoted as 'turiya: the pinnacle of cosmic consciousness', which constitutes the concluding limb of Patanjali's Yog Sutras.
Patience and persistent effort are the prerequisites for attaining turiya, or samadhi. Just as there are no shortcuts to lunar landing, spiritual enlightenment demands a blend of patience and diligence, for the path to transcendence is not easy but well worth it.
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