Most people say they’re on the path. But can they name the destination?
If your philosophy is clear, then your goal is too—because it’s your philosophy that defines it. Once the goal is set, the next step is simple: outline the path to that goal. Every destination has a path. The top of the mountain, the beach, a waterfall deep in the jungle—all require a way to get there.
So, what path will take you where you want to go?
Over the decades, I’ve heard countless people say, “I’m on the spiritual path.” It’s an easy statement to make. But ask them to clarify the destination—and most can’t. I’m reminded of that well-known quote by Lewis Carroll, author of Alice in Wonderland: “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.” This holds true for many people on the spiritual path. With no clear destination defined, any spiritual path will get them there. If you’d like weekly guidance on defining your spiritual goal and staying on your path, sign up for my Free Weekly Emails.
The path needs to be clearly outlined—steps marked and milestones defined. How else would we know we’re making progress on the right path? If I’m driving from San Francisco to San Diego and I see a sign that says 300 miles to San Diego, then another one two hours later that says 200 miles, I know I’m making progress.
Having a clearly defined path also allows you to know when you’ve gotten off it. Think Google Maps: you enter your destination and current location, and it maps out a step-by-step journey. Take the wrong exit, and it knows exactly where to bring you back to. The same applies to the spiritual path. We will get distracted—but when we realize it, we’ll know exactly where to return. That’s only possible if we’re clear on the path.
Once the goal is defined, the path can be outlined.
Western traditions emphasize salvation and heaven above; Eastern ones, unity and oneness within. Two distinctly different goals—therefore, two distinctly different paths. It’s important to be clear about this. And I’ll emphasize again: not one is better than the other, or right or wrong. But they are distinctly different.
You should know where your path is taking you.
You wouldn’t get on a freeway and start driving aimlessly, taking random exits. You’d be lost. A spiritual path with no clear destination is no different. Wandering souls are often content to keep wandering. If that is your prerogative, then that’s fine. But if you want the ultimate goal—whether salvation and heaven above, or unity and oneness within—then you have to start taking a structured approach. Yes, even in spirituality. Especially in spirituality.
Having been trained in my faith, I can share with you a high-level view of the Hindu perspective on the spiritual path, so you have some idea of what a path can look like. In Hinduism, the spiritual path is a disciplined journey of personal transformation, aiming for the ultimate realization of one’s unity with God within. This journey is structured through the framework of Ashtanga Yoga, as described in numerous Hindu scriptures. It delineates eight progressive steps leading to enlightenment—from lifestyle design, to harnessing energy, learning to focus, meditation, and ultimately, Self-Realization. These sequential steps make it easier for someone on the Hindu spiritual path to make steady progress toward the goal.
This is the Path of Spiritual Practice. It is the path of intense effort, spiritual discipline, and consistent inner transformation through self-effort—as opposed to theoretical or intellectual learning.
Once the path is defined, we can outline the lifestyle needed to keep us on it. That lifestyle is made up of two parts: guidelines and practices. It’s important to highlight that at every section of the path, a different set of guidelines and practices may be required.
