Regular practice of self-cultivation can kindle a variety of inspirations in the practitioner. Inspiration obtained through practice is wonderful and transformative. It is inexplicable and indefinable, yet it creates real results. But is pursuing inspiration a requirement in self-cultivation? What is it like to cultivate spiritual inspiration? Read on to learn about the inspirations of self-cultivators and understand the changes brought about by meditation.
What is self-cultivation inspiration?
Self-cultivation inspiration flows from the sincere heart. When practitioners are filled with genuine sincerity and reverence, it fosters a powerful connection with the Divine. Thus, some of them may receive special inspirations which are far beyond those of the mundane world.
Some practitioners can enter unusual and wonderful states and see all kinds of extraordinary scenes. Some will have enlightening and prophetic dreams and receive strong intuitions which either encourage or warn against taking certain actions. Others will develop a heightened ability of perception, and the power to make psychic predictions. The list of potential inspired abilities goes on. Getting inspiration during self-cultivation practice is an incentive for many spiritual seekers. Not only can they personally feel and receive the blessings of the Buddha, but they also enjoy strong confidence in their practice as a result of their connection with the Divine.
The inspiration manifested through self-cultivation is also based on one’s destiny and various other conditions. It is not guaranteed to occur, nor does it have a fixed form. Whether a practitioner can correctly understand and embrace the inspirations that may arise in self-cultivation has a direct impact on whether they can reach enlightenment. Trusting the guidance of the inspirations they experience can bring them to a state of liberation.
How to respond to self-cultivation inspiration?
Do not deliberately pursue or compare.
Facing self-cultivation inspiration correctly is a mentality that every self-cultivator must master. Deliberate pursuit of inspirations and supernatural powers is the most common error in self-cultivation. Not only does such a pursuit deviate from the purpose of spiritual practice and impede the process, but excessive attachment may also lead to physical and mental obstacles, and even loss of touch with reality. Therefore, when cultivating, regardless of any sensations felt, the practitioner should always look inward and assess whether they are attached and deliberately pursuing, as this could contribute to their arrogance and other mental poisons. Neither pursue nor reject the inspiration you receive; just let it be and continue to cultivate diligently.
There are self-cultivators who have yet to experience any inspirations or sensations, despite practicing over a long period of time. This is also normal because true inspiration arises naturally in a spontaneous way and varies from person to person. Some people may have a deep foundation and a long history of diligent practice, but due to their karmic obstacles, they are unable to receive inspiration. There are also quite a few people who seem to experience no inspiration, but in fact they are in the manifestation of inspiration without realizing it.
There is a story about Wuzhuo Bodhisattva (Asanga), who had been self-cultivating devotedly on Jizu Mountain for 12 years. He wanted to see Maitreya Bodhisattva, but he did not feel a connection or have any intuitive feelings; he did not even have an auspicious dream. Later, on his way down the mountain after saving a sick dog, he saw Maitreya Bodhisattva manifested in front of him. He then understood that although he had not personally seen Maitreya Bodhisattva during those years of self-cultivation, Maitreya Bodhisattva was always around him.
Therefore, it doesn’t matter if you experience inspiration in the course of your self-cultivation or not, and you don’t need to compare yourself with other people. Making comparisons will only bring you unnecessary affliction. Every person has different physical and mental conditions and sensitivities. Each individual has their own fate and karma. Inspiration arises spontaneously and is not an absolute expression of achievement in self-cultivation. Only through diligent cultivation, and not through the pursuit of inspired abilities, can one elevate their state of life and achieve the ultimate liberation of enlightenment.
What are the characteristics of a self-cultivator?
Does one need to possess certain qualities to become a self-cultivator? Not necessarily, just as whether one can realize achievement has nothing to do with having inspiration in self-cultivation. The ability to cultivate is not related to certain characteristics. The purpose of self-cultivation is to purify the body and mind, achieve freedom from suffering and attain lasting happiness. It does not matter if you are clever or dim-witted, or if your social status is high or low. Regardless of your gender, race, age, education level and occupation, you can practice.
There are some traits that seem conducive to self-cultivation such as intelligence, humility, politeness, gentleness, and so forth. Whether these traits are innate or acquired, they are just appearances. If you are obsessed with these so-called good qualities, you will either shut yourself out of your cultivation or increase your arrogance; fixating on these traits will become an obstacle on your path. Achievement in self-cultivation lies in the change of state of mind. Sincerity, concentration, and dedicated time and effort are the real keys to spiritual realization. Everyone can succeed in self-cultivation if they persevere.
Other signs of achievement
How to judge whether you are succeeding in self-cultivation? Receiving inspiration is not the determining factor of achievement. Instead, success is determined by whether one has gained compassion. When a person becomes compassionate, they will manifest changes in both body and mind.
These are the four most common changes:
1: Peace of mind and body
Self-cultivators experience less illness, worry and pressure. They are no longer influenced by challenging emotions such as anxiety, nor are they easily irritated. They are calm, joyful, gentle, and easygoing.
2: A healthy appearance
A compassionate self-cultivator radiates serenity. They have pleasant facial features such as rosy cheeks, bright and clear eyes, glowing skin, and a relaxed body. The palms of their hands may be rosy and plump, signifying fortune and longevity.
3: Increased luck
A boost in overall good fortune may be experienced by the successful self-cultivator. Obstacles can be quickly overcome; at critical moments, dangers turn into trivialities and disasters become auspiciousness.
4: Harmonious relationships
Compassion builds peaceful relationships. It attracts friends. People reach out to help a compassionate person. Animals are soothed by their peaceful presence.
Future reading：Big-Hearted Compassion in Relationships | Learn to communicate
The aforementioned effects are initial results of self-cultivation. There is also the elevation of the state of self-cultivation that cannot be determined by external performance. An enlightened person may have a radiant aura and be found sitting on a stage teaching the public about wisdom, or an enlightened person may seem mediocre and display the same joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness that ordinary people experience. Enlightened people may mingle with celebrities and lead fashion trends, or they may choose to dress in ragged clothing while helping others.
The difference between the states of cultivation lies mainly in the state of mind. Those in a lower state seek self-liberation, while those in a higher state pursue enlightenment for the benefit of others. Those in a lower state might not understand those in a higher state, just as a doctor can treat a patient’s illness but not the other way around. No matter what their external image is, people who have reached a higher state will always have a broader heart that exudes the light of compassion. They know how to utilize everything to advantage for the purpose of helping as many people as possible.
Bodhi Meditation for self-cultivation support
Nowadays, people are embarking on the path of self-cultivation for reasons such as the need to improve health and boost happiness. However, most people lack the right guidance and methods to follow, and as a result they either make no progress or even go astray. With the guidance of a great teacher whom you can rely on, your cultivation will yield twice the effect with half the effort.
Grandmaster JinBodhi is a contemporary great achiever in Buddhist practice. He made the compassionate vow to help all sentient beings and founded Bodhi Meditation to liberate everyone from suffering. Bodhi Meditation Centers can be found in more than 10 countries and regions around the world. In order to benefit the public, Grandmaster JinBodhi has introduced a series of easy-to-learn, simple-to-practice and effective meditation methods tailored to the diverse needs of modern people. Bodhi Meditation offers a variety of basic courses for beginners. These courses allow practitioners to quickly gain physical, mental and spiritual health and happiness, while also guiding people into progressively deeper practice. Through gentle methods, modern spiritual seekers can walk the path to enlightenment.
Bodhi Meditation welcomes everyone who is interested in meditation. You can learn more and contact us through the following:
- Follow Grandmaster JinBodhi’s Facebook page and subscribe to Grandmaster JinBodhi’s YouTube channel to watch relevant teaching videos, get the latest updates, and take online courses.
- Go to the Cibeiyin online store to download or purchase related educational CDs.
- Go to your local Bodhi Meditation Center to participate in group practice sessions or sign up for courses.
