Aspiration

Aspiration is a quality that Sri Chinmoy gives a lot of importance to. He often refers to it in his writings, poetry and songs. Although is it is a simple concept it can take a little while to grasp. I have heard people say that they don't really know what is means and I can relate to that. I myself took a while to fully understand the meaning of aspiration.

Put simply aspiration is our inner cry for something more or as Sri Chinmoy says "The hunger for God".

Aspiration is the voice that inspires you to meditate, to be a better person. It is an inner hunger for satisfaction and happiness. You don't really even know what you are hungry for... just something more. It was your aspiration - your inner cry that compelled you to learn how to meditate, then your aspiration told you to get up early and meditate each day. Aspiration is your friend, it is a very strong force or power that propels you forward in life. Sri Chinmoy says "Aspiration, in its simplest definition, is a lovely flame climbing Heavenward".

Aspiration is a gift. Have you heard of Grace? God's hour? They act independently of you and at the same time totally for you. When God's hour strikes your aspiration flame will be awakened within you and will start leading you on your journey of self-discovery.

Aspiration can be developed. I have found that you feed your aspiration by listening to it and obeying it. Meditation feeds aspiration most powerfully. The more and deeper you meditate the stronger your aspiration becomes, in turn it is your aspiration that compels you to meditate and do the right thing. You can also develop your aspiration by embracing challenges and going beyond yourself, reading inspired and inspiring writings, spending time with aspiring people, Being grateful - for what you have and what you do not have. Being physically fit and healthy. Singing and listening to spiritual music.

What separates you from remaining ordinary, content in remaining the same? It is your level of aspiration, you want to become a better person. You have goals, you want to transform your nature. This ordinary life is lacking in something. You feel that there has to be something more.

When you are inwardly hungry your hunger will lead you to meditation. Not only does meditation satisfy your hunger it takes you by the hand and leads you on an amazing adventure of joy, progress, strength, self-discovery, perfection, and closeness to God.