Devotion to the Practice

By Amaraj Ishaya

What is it that we most want from this life? Most people would say the same things: Love, Peace and Happiness. Ishaya teacher, MSI, said, “A life not lived in peace, love and joy is completely missing the point of being human.”

Having the tools of  The Ishayas’ Ascension puts us well on the way to achieving these aims, but how do we maximise the chances? It all depends on how much we want this, and that is where the list of wishes and desires comes in.

For me, it became a priority early in my practice. I knew I wanted those things; love, peace and happiness. I have been very blessed throughout my life, with my emotional and material needs met, yet I always had a sense that, beyond a happy and fulfilled life, there was something deeper still. Fortunately, Ascension meditation chanced along and opened new vistas of what it means to live life. But Ascension only works if we do it, and if we don’t, it won’t work.

So how can we be consistent in our Ascension practice? In my experience, it has to become the number one priority. It has to be the most important focus of our lives, because we know that when we do it regularly and consistently, the benefits cannot fail to come to us. When I was able to make Ascension more important than anything else, this is where I found devotion to be born.

Devotion Flows Naturally

What does devotion mean? For me, it means giving all my attention to something. In the case of Ascension, this means all my energy; heart, mind, body and soul. The word devotion is to do with taking a vow – a promise to myself to stick to the practice, to put aside time to close my eyes and practice.

Fortunately, this is not difficult, as the gains I am given in terms of peace, relaxation and contentment far outweigh any effort I put in. In fact, it often seems that I am impelled to take time out and close my eyes in order to maintain my sense of wellbeing.

What do I get out of it? Everything, it seems.

Life seems more complete, and I feel I am constantly learning about my reasons for having the life I am leading. There is purpose, whereas before there was only the idea of having a life that was better somehow.

What is the point of life? To live a good life; to live a useful life; to lead a happy life. Is there more than that? Yes. Absolutely Yes!

A Divine Inner Life

I was brought up to have a belief in God. My family went to church on Sundays. I was taught to pray. But the view of God I was given did not satisfy me. So I gave up on God. What Ascension has given me is an experience that I can only describe as an experience of God. A God that is not separate from me, that has always been deep inside me, and is in everything and everybody everywhere. This has now become an ongoing, permanent knowing. A recognition of reality and who I am. And it has given the purpose and meaning that I had always been looking for.

That is a little of my story. If you want everything from life, I offer the invitation to try it yourself. Recognise your desire, then devote yourself to it. Only 100% works!