Every individual has a unique spirituality, an interior castle waiting to be explored. Within its intricate corridors and chambers resides a spark of the divine, often referred to as “The Kingdom of God Within.” But how exactly does one embark on this spiritual journey?
The “Kingdom of God” is a fundamental concept of Christian faith. One of the biggest misconceptions many Christians have is that the “Kingdom of God” is about a place called “the Kingdom of Heaven”, our “home” after death. But the “Kingdom of God” isn’t just about the future. In fact, it isn’t a place at all. While Jesus spoke of the “Kingdom of God” many times, he didn’t just talk about it. He actually lived it. He healed people, he blessed people, and he comforted people. He brought us “face-to-face” with the Kingdom right now. He meant a certain level of human consciousness, not a place where we are meant to go after death. The “Kingdom of God” can be defined as God's sovereignty and sovereignty over everything. God rules over our universe. The great mystery of the “Kingdom of God” lies in the fact that it is both spoken of as something to be expected and something that we have direct access to in the present. For instance, in Matthew 6:10, we are encouraged to pray for the “Kingdom of God” to come and for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. This is a reminder that things are not as they should be here on earth. However, Luke 17:21 teaches us that God's Kingdom is present in our midst! How can we both expect God's Kingdom to come and also know that the Kingdom is present within us? This is because God's Kingdom is God's reign. He is omnipotent and works in our world to save humanity now. However, it is also that at a later date, his Kingdom will be completed with the return of Christ and the renewal of all creation.
The Kingdom of God within is not a physical place but a state of consciousness. It's that profound peace and unconditional love deep within the heart of every human being. It's a close connection with the divine, a holy sanctuary where one can find solace and wisdom. It symbolizes the ultimate realization that divinity is not outside of us but within.
Does this mean that we are gods? No, not exactly. It signifies that the divine energy, the spiritual realm, is accessible to us. It's a journey within, a journey of self-discovery and transformation. There are many names for this inner treasure of life. Plato called it the Good and Beautiful. Aristotle called it the Being. Plotinus called it the Infinite. St. Bernardo of Clairvaux called it the Word. Ralph Waldo Emerson called it the Oversoul. Taoism calls it the Tao. Judaism calls it Ein Sof. Australian aborigines call it the dreamtime. Southern African tribes call it Hunhu/ Ubuntu. The names vary, but what they all have in common is that the inner reality they refer to is the same. In India traditions, it's called Yoga. In Buddhism, it's called Nirvana. In Islam, it's called Fana. It's a universal doctrine based on a universal truth and a universal experience. The "Kingdom of God” within you and the yoga teachings outlined by Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita are intended to give the Soul, the mirror of God in human. The God-essence at the centre of everything is revealed when human is established in that inner realm of divine consciousness and his soul's intuitive perception has awakened, piercing the veils of matter, life energy, and consciousness.
Exploring your spirituality and unveiling the Kingdom of God within is like setting off on an arduous but rewarding adventure. The first step is cultivating a willingness to venture beyond familiar grounds. Moreover, embrace love and humility. They are the torchlights in this spiritual journey. Shunning ego and nurturing compassion brings us closer to our spiritual essence. Spiritual exploration is not an isolated pursuit. Our relationships also offer insights into our spiritual growth.
Do our connections reflect compassion, understanding, and respect? Practice 10 minutes of silence and look at your inner self just as you look at the mirror and see your face. When you turn within your soul reflect God and all your works, no more yours, it's Gods. This is how you and I become part of establishing the Kingdom of God in this Universe.
The spiritual journey is not always smooth and easy. It is scattered with trials and tribulations. But one must keep vigilant and focus on the Kingdom of God within continuously. To overcome any destruction, one must essentially start practicing patience, consistency, and endurance. Meditation and mindfulness can equip us with the tools to effectively deal with such challenges.
The Kingdom of God is not a heavenly estate in the skies, but an inner realm within our hearts. Opening up to it marks the beginning of a spiritual journey, a quest for self-discovery, love, and divine connection. It is time to embarked on yours by acknowledging the Kingdom of God within. We can embark on a transformative spiritual journey. This journey can fuel self-discovery, enhance relationships, and foster profound wisdom and peace.
UT IN OMNIBUS GLORIFICETUR DEUS
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