Swedish Bhairavi Says “Eligibility is a..”
Eligibility is a word that we use quite a bit. We say certain eligibility is needed for a certain practice or certain thing to happen. I feel it would be beneficial for people interested, that we describe what we mean and how one can increase one's eligibility.
Essentially, we are talking about resonance, being in tune, on par, vibing, being in harmony, fitting or aligning. Perhaps even becoming or being "suitable".
Many of these words evoke the idea of vibrations, sounds, or coherence; Sambhava...Sam. And rightly so, as it is indeed about vibrations. All things and no-things in our existence resound, vibrate and exist in some way. Why are some things existing more closely together while others remain apart? Why is the ocean not the same as a mountain peak, or why does oil float on top of water?
Of course, when duality is no longer there, all sounds and things merge; all colors in the spectra of colors blend into one motion. But when we are alive, in the vessels we call our bodies, with egos and identities, perceiving the world as separate entities, then dissonance and resonance matter greatly.
Naturally, some things attract while others repel. There is an inherent order to nature, society and the constitution of our bodies and minds.
There exists a state, place, pattern and vibrational match for everything in this world. We can only recognize and understand what we have at least some association with. To be eligible for spiritual development, one must “come closer” to the people, beings and nature that one wants to learn from. This requires coming closer to their world of associations and sometimes ways of living.
It starts with a want, a conscious desire to change and grow. When you actively take steps toward something, you set the stage for transformation. Nature and life will continue whether we act or not. Not deciding is also a decision, as it allows inertia and the dominant flow of one’s surroundings to dictate the course. If you are fortunate, this flow might help you develop. However, if your environment lacks supportive elements, it might drag you further down, making it more difficult to rise. Recognizing what inspires, intrigues or moves you is the first step toward making conscious choices to invite more of it into your life.
Eligibility and the more all-encompassing sanskrit word Patrata is what we are talking about. In short Patrata refers to the capacity to hold or receive something. Building eligibility involves starting where you are, understanding your current constitution, and shaping yourself according to what is needed for the specific purpose so that you increase Patrata.
Eligibility for spiritual growth is cultivated through conscious effort and an open heart. It is not something bestowed upon a select few but rather a state one prepares oneself to receive. To make oneself eligible is to create space within for wisdom to flow, to align one’s actions with one’s aspirations and to foster an attitude of receptivity and gratitude.
Its about sincerity, a heartfelt desire to learn and grow… This desire is reflected in the consistency of one’s practices, dedication to understanding and humility to recognize the need for guidance.
Spiritual growth flourishes in those who approach it with earnestness, as this sincerity opens doors to deeper insights.
Building inner strength or capacity forms the foundation of eligibility. This includes increasing physical vitality, emotional resilience and mental clarity. Practices such as meditation, yoga and increasing your awareness in all states fortify inner stability, enabling one to navigate challenges with grace. This stability becomes the foundation and grounds upon which higher spiritual knowledge can “rest” or more appropriately grow.
Receptivity. A receptive heart and mind can absorb teachings more profoundly and apply them effectively. Often, individuals who come without preconceived notions or complex ideas about traditions evolve faster, as their openness allows them to embrace teachings fully without too many conflicting ideas or paths. However sometimes the earlier paths have been necessary for the individual to get to the current state..and no matter the past, you work with what you have and are currently.
Seva, selfless service, plays a crucial role in enhancing eligibility. Acts of seva can be directed toward society, the people and the beings you seek to connect with. Guru seva, however, operates on another level entirely. Offering service to a guru aligns one with the flow of teachings and nurtures qualities such as humility, patience and devotion. The best seva is offered without being asked and allowing the guru to decide what seva will be accepted. Seva is not merely an act of giving but a way of aligning with higher energies and alleviating accumulated karma. It is essential, however, to offer with the right intention, as forced or ego-driven offerings can have the opposite effect.
In many parts of the world, offering food to people or animals is a natural way of practicing seva and increasing auspiciousness in one’s life. As is doing various ritual offerings. It is part of the culture, inherited by Rishis and Siddhas discoveries of Dharma and how the web of existence and liberation works. In other societies, if you begin putting food out for birds or start a fire ritual in your apartment or neighborhood…it creates problems where even practical constraints like fire alarms or building regulations might make offerings impractical and impossible. Even the eye and drishti of societies conflicting ideas can have negative effect on the acts you try to do. Tantra teaches how to navigate these realities, whether through subtle “ninja” acts of devotion in big city environments or bold expressions of faith in an ancient cave temples.
Some places and cultures are more conducive for spiritual development, as mentioned in earlier articles about Siddhas and Himalaya holding high vibrations. Knowing the ins and outs of Tantra helps to clear off karma, which in turn lets the inner light emerge and shine. How far or close one is to that happening is highly individual.
We all come from different worlds and realities and have experienced life in countless ways, both in this current life and throughout all our past lives. Our bodies and current genes carry their own evolution and story, but that doesn’t necessarily mean your soul has always incarnated within this species. The evolution of a species and the evolution of consciousness are not always the same. A Jeev, a life form, takes on the most suitable body or incarnation that provides the best opportunity to resolve specific karma.
Take a moment to reflect on that. “This time around” yet again taking on a suitable body, meaning being born with a specific genetic setup from a specific womb, in a certain geographic location and in a specific social and environmental setting which gives you the best opportunity to resolve specific karma that you need to resolve.
Remember this...you are not your body, although you are currently using a body. It is crucial not to get lost in the appearances of narratives, appearances of what is currently being emphasized as important in mainstream media.
For your being has been here many times over, in so many constellations trying to resolve its karma. Try not to get stuck at the level of societal conflicts. If you do, you might end up looping on that level having exhausted your resources being part of a wheel, a never ending churning.
First Rise. Clear of that karma, that soot through Siddha Tantra Arts. Then, once you have risen you can choose, with full power what to do and how to impact the world. Your grace will create new realities. Your Aatma will shine using your current vessel in the most graceful way.
To make it a bit more in tune with current cheeky list driven times, here is a "Spiritual-to-do-list" with some practices that can increase eligibility and deepen spiritual alignment:
Prepare your body and mind through yoga, pranayama, tratak and mudras.
Chant mantras
Cultivate gratitude, patience and self-compassion.
Practice purifications, fasting and consuming appropriate, healthy food for specific purposes.
Spend time in solitude.
Spend time in nature, connect with the elements.
Explore the arts, including singing, dancing, painting, poetry and so on. Try to understand the distinction between devotional and "ordinary" arts.
Fulfill your duties toward family, dependents and society as best you can until you need not. This will decrease ruffles while on the spiritual path.
Give donations or distribute food to good causes. Care for people, animals and the environment in different ways.
Ideally, but not completely strictly, try to not receive alms, donations or charity unless you are ready to handle the karmic costs of it. Nothing is “for free”. If you in deed are in need, accept gifts with grace and see if you can find ways to “repay” eventually in some way. Know that if Gurus accept your gifts, they are doing you a compassionate favor and have to pay the costs of receiving it.
Spend time engaging with what you wish to resonate with. For example if you are interested in Siddha Tantra Arts, start listening to Satsang online or live. Engage with music and texts offered on various media platforms. Increase knowledge of Siddha Dharma, karma and tantra etiquettes.
Participate and take part in available offerings like courses, books or guided practices. If there is a chance to interact, take it. Your sincere participation will also affect what will be prioritized to offer.
Learn how to give offerings to elements, ancestors, gurus or deities at the right time and place.
When seeking advice, being honest, listening and trying to incorporate the guidance as soon as possible will take you a long way. This builds alignment. Neglected advice in turn makes it nearly impossible to take further responsibility, give more guidance or increase connection.
Needless to say, don’t be rude *Facepalm* You cannot demand teachings as if you are buying groceries at the supermarket.
Be willing to introspect, accept mistakes, stay humble and seek ways to improve through practices, penance and tapa.
The stories of realized beings remind us that eligibility is not a fixed trait but an evolving state. Many who began as ordinary seekers transformed their lives through consistent effort, devotion and the grace of their gurus. Their journeys can inspire us to embrace our unique paths and trust in the transformative power of sincerity and dedication.
By focusing on actions and behaviors within your reach, you not only increase your eligibility but also become a vessel for greater transformation. Unfold your potential, step by step, with each sincere effort contributing to the greater whole.
With Love
