Spiritual Awakening is a common term used these days however it can be a very confusing term and mean different things to different people. In this blog I will clarify the meaning according to Self-Inquiry, Advaita Vedanta and Jnana Yoga. This understanding has grown in me over 40 years and continues to direct my life and expression, offering deep peace.
Awakening to what?
Awakening is often thought of as some spectacular experience, but this is generally not the case. In the nondual traditions, a spiritual awakening refers to recognising that we are not limited to the body-mind and the stream of sensory experiences that shape our perception of the world. Through sight, sound, smell, taste and touch, we experience ourselves as a person living in an ever-changing world. Yet there is also an underlying awareness that is always present. And as we tune into this life is gently transformed and suffering lessens or ends.
Advaita Vedanta or Nonduality
Advaita Vedanta points to this ever-present consciousness or awareness…the simple sense of ‘I Am’ that exists prior to thought, identity and personal story. When attention rests in this awareness, a natural peace and stillness can be recognised as already here.
One of the central teachings of nonduality is that the same consciousness that knows our experience is not separate from the essence of all that appears. Awakening, then, is not becoming something new, but recognising the underlying oneness that has always been present.
Our Essential Nature of Consciousness
“It points to the understanding that our essential nature is consciousness itself, and that the body, mind and world are appearances arising within consciousness.”
Thus, we are not separate consciousnesses, but one consciousness appearing as many, expressing itself uniquely through the phenomenal world. Or clearly, beneath the appearance of individuality, there is one consciousness expressing itself through countless forms, including you and I, in the phenomenal world. And so we come back to Oneness, yet expressing uniquely as individuation.
This understanding also points to the fact that we all have equal access to the peaceful presence of consciousness that is ever available, regardless of our circumstances or personal history.
In Flow with Life
In awakening, as I use the term, we begin to recognise this directly. Rather than remaining absorbed in the body-mind and the ongoing story of “me,” “my life,” and “my problems,” we spend more time resting in open aware presence with what is, meeting life with a deeper sense of acceptance.
We turn the gaze away from looking for happiness outside ourselves in acquisition and worldly pursuit to an inner journey of discovery… to uncover the ever present presence of peace that exists prior to the outward facing world. And we spend more time here, life continues however the quality of experience transforms
Awakening Is Just the Beginning
Awakening is a realisation, a shift in consciousness. It may be profound, yet it is not necessarily permanent. Moments of clarity can arise, only for us to find ourselves once again caught in old patterns of thinking and suffering.
The deeper work lies in the clearing: seeing through and releasing the conditioned patterns of the ego, false beliefs, resentments, fears and judgemental attitudes that perpetuate suffering. In yogic traditions, these tendencies are often referred to as samskaras and vasanas: the deeply ingrained impressions and conditioning that shape our perceptions, reactions and behaviours.
Integration after Awakening
The path of integration involves recognising these patterns as they arise and becoming aware of the moments when we fall back into a sense of separation and identification with the personal self. Rather than judging ourselves for this, we learn to meet these patterns with awareness, curiosity and compassion.
As the light of awareness shines into the unconscious habits and automatisms that keep us stuck, transformation gradually unfolds. Over time, reactivity softens, old wounds begin to heal, and acceptance and forgiveness arise more naturally. Love deepens, compassion grows, and an inner peace becomes less dependent on external circumstances.
Awakening may open the door, but it is through this ongoing process of awareness, healing and embodiment of this wisdom that it becomes lived reality.
Meditation and Silent Contemplation
Meditation and self-inquiry support this shift from habitual thinking, rigidity, reactivity, and suffering to a natural state of being. One in which life no longer has to be experienced as something to struggle against, but becomes a flow to be met with openness, wisdom and peace.
Life continues to unfold through family, work, relationships and creative expression, yet there is an inner surrender that brings us closer to our true nature, deepens our connection to intuition, and opens the heart to a growing sense of contentment, happiness and quiet joy.
If this speaks to you then I invite you to join a satsang or meditation Group at Mangalam or online.
