Yin-Yang

The Unknown Lands of Oriental Sciences and Philosophy

1- “Here is (bad).”

2- “Here is (good).”

3- “Here is (bad) that is located in (good).”

4- “Here is (good) that is located in (bad).”

5- “Life is here.”

Do these 5 titles need any changes or explanations?

The Yin-Yang symbol represents the balance and harmony between two opposing concepts such as light and dark, male and female, heaven and earth, and so on, and is one of the most recognized concepts and principles in Chinese philosophy.

However, this symbol alone cannot draw parallel universes without the need for scientific and specialized knowledge in modern physics and its theories.

Of course, this symbol can be used as a symbol of harmony and balance to explain concepts such as harmony between parallel universes, but this subject requires more scientific and philosophical knowledge.

There were no telescopes or laws of physics and mathematics: the philosophical and accurate answer to this is that the Yin-Yang symbol is a reflection of our internal and external selves, and there is no secret hidden in it.

In fact, Yin-Yang is a symbol of the inner and outer truth of all of us, which is the basis for many sciences. It is a simple circle of black and white.

But is truth really simple? If there is thought, then yes, it is simple. But if there is no thought, it appears like an unknown star in the depths of the universe, which will take centuries to reveal itself to us.

So think and reach rational conclusions. Yin-Yang is a black and white representation of human personality and evolution. It can have everything that it needs and can also lack it.

It shows human spiritual and personal levels well, but its main concept is unity, oneness, being everything, and being nothing.

The unity and oneness is the same principle of the oneness of the elements of a star and the elements that shape the entire universe and life.

This circle is life: the world has no expectations. Night will follow day and day will follow night, without any expectation.

This shows us that the path of human and life evolution, and the entire universe, is not a dead end but a continuous process that will not stop.

Humans must understand that there is no right to stand still or stop on this evolutionary path and must always keep moving forward: from the darkest point to the brightest.

Perhaps the most prominent and clear message in the Yin-Yang symbol is moving from the darkest point to the brightest.

When we are born, we are at the peak of darkness, and we move along the line between darkness and light, gradually reaching the inner light, which is the birth and evolution of the soul and body.

The final point is the inner light, which is actually the peak of spirituality in a process of thinking, reasoning, experience, and the right to choose in life.

When we reach this high level, we will return to ourselves.

In the path of movement from the black point to its end, which is the point of light, we must move towards evolution without stopping on the current path.

This evolution will not be possible under any circumstances except through thinking, reasoning, experience, and choice, and any kind of path can be taken through this process.

With spiritual and physical exercises, one can also achieve self-knowledge if the evolutionary process I mentioned is followed. The circle drawn around the Yin-Yang symbol represents the true axis of time on all levels of human, life, and the universe.

It represents a 360-degree evolutionary orbit that begins at a starting point, but its end is not conceivable: every time you think you have reached the end of the line, you will see that you have returned to the starting point.

Some people stop, but some continue on their way, and in this 360-degree orbit, they will continue their evolutionary path.

The Psychological Development from the Perspective of Oriental Sciences and Philosophy

Breathing is the essence of life, and without it, there would be no existence. From the largest to the smallest living creatures, all require breathing. Humans can survive without food and water for a while, but without oxygen for breathing, they can only last between 1 to 3 minutes.

Therefore, it is clear that the essence of life is dependent on breathing. However, it is important to note that the correct method of breathing is what shapes our health, power, and the foundation of our existence.

A proper and regulated method of breathing can increase our chances of survival in this world and enhance our vitality, resistance to pressure, and overall well-being. By learning the science of breathing, not only can we acquire natural benefits but also gain mental powers, happiness, self-control, success, and spiritual superiority.

The science of breathing, like many other sciences, has two sides: internal and external.

The external aspect of breathing is known to everyone since it is what the body does from birth to death, and it does not require any interpretation or explanation.

Therefore, we will focus on the internal aspect of breathing, which is the intended purpose.

The “Oriental Sciences and Philosophy” emphasize the importance of breathing as a means to enhance one’s psychological development and spiritual growth. The correct method of breathing can lead to physical and mental benefits, and it is essential to understand the internal aspect of breathing for optimal results.

From ancient times to the present day, all scientists have had and still have a similar theoretical view that there is a substance in the air that is the source of all our bodily functions and activities.

This substance is called “Prana” in Sanskrit, which translates to “life force” or “life energy”.

Prana is found in all life forms, from the smallest bacteria to humans and large and small plants, and all other types of creatures. It exists in the air, but it is not part of the structure of the air.

Without this substance, we would all die. The translation of “life force” demonstrates the function of this substance.

We breathe this substance along with oxygen, but Prana is not oxygen. We need to breathe and take this substance into our bodies.

Prana is the essence and foundation of human life.

It is the source of understanding for scientists, the basis of genius for geniuses, and the foundation of the works of philosophers. Most people are unaware of the existence of this substance in the air they breathe, and although they breathe it, they do not benefit from it. This substance is what nourishes the brain, opens the lungs, and gives meaning to our existence.

Oriental Sciences and Philosophy cannot be found in equations; instead, they are found in the essence of human existence.

To discover and reveal it, we must become aware of our entire being.

We breathe in this substance unconsciously, but because we have no understanding of its nature, we do not benefit from it, even though it is sometimes observed that people have benefited from it. However, the person does not have any level of consciousness or awareness of their surroundings.

This was demonstrated in the 2013 “Cosmic Consciousness” experiment conducted by a group of scientists in California, which proved that a person may have a high level of scientific knowledge but may not be aware and conscious of their surrounding environment. The experiment was conducted between a physics professor and a patient with brain death, and it was found that the patient in a coma was more aware of their surroundings than the professor.

This is because when the brain is in a state of death, it uses all its potential to stay alive, and at that moment, it unconsciously uses all the “Prana” that enters the body.

Prana, in the theory of “Principles of Mechanic Time” is the same as environmental information.

Imagine using “Prana” without any specific illness or problem, and you will definitely experience a new world that has somehow affected the spiritual state of human beings.

A person who has found a way to access Prana displays power and attractiveness in their appearance, movements, behavior, and speech, and everyone notices these qualities in their first encounter. One of their characteristics is the ability to control the nerves.

Just as oxygen in human blood is considered an essential need for blood through its interaction and movement, Prana is also considered an essential need for the nervous system of the body. The science of breathing, which is one of the most practical sciences in Eastern sciences, is much more important than just a superficial view. Therefore, an effort has been made to explain this science in simple language for you.

Observing order and organization is beneficial for every task, whether it is a spiritual exercise, performing religious duties, daily tasks, or in the fields of science and philosophy. Everything in nature is constantly in motion, and there is nothing static in the entire universe.

Even when you are sitting on a couch at home, you are still in motion; because the earth is rotating and you are rotating with it. Even all the electrons of the atoms in the human body are in motion. The structure of matter always exists in a regular, orderly, and permanent state of action and reaction.

From the moment of conception to birth, from infancy to childhood, from childhood to youth, from youth to old age, from old age to death, from death to decomposition and reemergence, everything is in a regular and orderly motion of rotation and movement, and it is impossible for particles that existed in a certain form in the past week or month to be the same in the next week or month.

All particles and all creatures in the world are constantly changing and transforming, and are in a state of constant action and reaction. However, in this constant change and transformation, there is an extraordinary order and organization that commands and ensures the survival of the universe.

It is this order and organization that forms the basis for the establishment and survival of the world.

The rotation of planets around the sun, the rotation of the sun in its orbit, the rotation of galaxies, the ebb and flow of the tides, the beating of the heart, the ups and downs of life, honor, and essence – all are subject to the law of order and organization. Our existence is also subject to this same order and organization, and we cannot step outside of its environment. Just as planets revolving around the sun cannot escape their orbits, human existence cannot go beyond the orbit of order and organization in its movements and appearances.

The human body and existence are like a small basin that takes water from a large ocean. Just as the water in the ocean ebbs and flows, the water in this basin also ebbs and flows with the same tides and becomes subject to the ocean’s water level.

Similarly, all this order and organization are imposed upon us involuntarily, and we cannot escape its environment.

Just as a musical note outside the regular and orderly musical system can ruin the entire system, and just as a soldier’s step, if not synchronized with other soldiers’ steps, can ruin the entire group’s movement, if a natural thing in the human body does not conform to the law of order and organization, it will make all or part of it sick.

Based on the examples given, it can be said that order and organization in the human respiratory system will have another effect that is not present in irregular breathing.

In childhood, we unconsciously breathe correctly and regularly, but as we grow up, we replace the correct method with the wrong one. In the human body, there are actions, reactions, and oscillations that require complete coordination with willpower and decision-making, and this coordination requires a full need for regular lung movement and breathing. Why should we not increase the flow of prana in our body with the help of willpower and decision-making and bring this vital element to our nerves and organs one by one?

If you get used to regular breathing, you will reach a point where you supply a large and extraordinary amount of Prana to your body and increase your willpower and strength by supplying it to your nerves and cells.

In regular breathing, the only thing you need to learn is order and organization in breathing, and although it may seem difficult at first, with a little attention and practice, it will be seen that it is not difficult at all.

Regular Breathing and Heartbeat: Since the heartbeat is not the same in all individuals, we need to be fully familiar with how it works and its condition. The best way to become familiar with it is to take our own pulse for a few days when we are alone and comfortable. We should use our right hand to take our pulse and count our heartbeats without diverting our attention elsewhere: one-two-three-four-five-six, and remember the number of beats and intervals. A unit of heartbeat is counted from one beat to the next. Regular breathing should be counted on these units of heartbeat.

The rule for regular breathing is as follows

The duration of exhaling air from the lungs should be the same as the duration of inhaling air into the lungs, and holding the breath in the lungs should be half the duration of inhaling and exhaling air. Sit on an ordinary chair in a room alone and let all your limbs and muscles relax naturally without contracting.

Wait for a while until the body is completely relaxed, and while holding your left hand with your right hand and feeling the regular and orderly movement of your pulse under your finger, take a deep breath.

While inhaling gently, count 6 pulses and hold your breath, and wait for 3 pulses to beat, then start exhaling air from your lungs and count another 6 pulses of your pulse, and relax for 3 seconds, and repeat the same process again.

Do not perform this exercise more than 2 to 3 times in the first few days because it may tire the lung muscles.

After repeating this exercise for a few days and becoming fully proficient, you can gradually lengthen the duration of your breathing. However, do not forget the aforementioned rule under any circumstances. The important thing is not just the duration of breathing, but the regularity and orderliness of breathing, which results in amazing breathing.

This breathing changes a person’s internal and external appearance.

A special power will govern the entire body, both externally and internally, and you will see these changes significantly during daily exercises. These individuals portray an image of orderliness, neatness, happiness, and nobility in walking, interacting with others, social gatherings, and life.

Magnetic or Dynamic Breathing: Why have I named this breathing method (dynamic) or magnetic?

Have you ever paid attention to how a dynamo machine works?

During its operation, the machine produces and distributes several electrical components. In fact, breathing is also a (dynamo) in the human body. Through breathing, vital matter is taken from space and transferred to the body, and the more accurately and methodically this vital matter is taken and enters the body through the use of reason and consciousness, the better the result will be in the human body. Magnetic breathing, which Hindus call spiritual breathing, is the same breathing method that strengthens spiritual powers and actually enters humans into spiritual dimensions.

This breathing method is accompanied by the (regular breathing) method and requires more focus and concentration.

Here, you will enter the world of visualization, which is one of the spiritual dimensions.

During breathing, it is necessary to visualize with all your mental strength that the (PARANA) taken from the environment enters the lungs and all your energy reaches all parts of your body, muscles, and nervous system from your brain to your feet. This is also called the act of guidance. It means that by using mental power and visualizing the flow of (PARANA) in the body, you guide it to all parts of the body or even to a specific point.

As mentioned, practice, discipline, and order are necessary for these moments, and gradually, exercises show their difficult aspects.

In a room with clear air or in a courtyard or garden, lie on your back and wait for your body to settle in a calm state, then breathe without considering the rhythm of your breathing.

After regulating the breathing rhythm and continuing it comfortably, visualize the following flows:

1. In your mental powers, visualize that your breathing flows in the bones of your feet, entering and exiting just as if your bones were hollow from the inside.

2. After performing this action correctly, direct your visualization to your hands and elbows.

3. Then perform the same action in your arms and legs.

4. Move the air through your skull, forehead, and eyes.

5. Move the air through your entire chest, underbelly, vertebrae, and along the spinal column.

6. Now, introduce the air into your skin, and finally, with one breath, lift the air from the top of your head to the tips of your toes and release it again.

This is called spiritual breathing, and many geniuses in the world have regularly performed these exercises.

The secrets of sexuality and the power of creation: Nature has recognized the female gender as a symbol of love, attraction, and the male gender as a symbol of power and influence. Nature has assigned duties to each gender according to their specific conditions. It must be acknowledged that women are the main center and source of love and affection in human life.

Cosmic evolution has created an attraction and power in women that soothes the aggressive and positive spirit of men and puts them in a natural oscillation. In women, the center of maternal emotions, sorrow, and selflessness has been created, which forces them to be steadfast and sacrificial until their last moments. Although some believe that nature has created a weaker evolution for women and placed them under the protection of men, the reality is very different from this claim.

The same sensitivity and acceptance of strong emotions are the most powerful weapons that cosmic evolution has equipped women with, and with these two weapons, women are always proud of their victory over men. However, unlike women, cosmic evolution has created positive and influential power in men, which is progressing without stopping in the world.

This power is spinning in the pursuit of knowledge, exploration, wisdom, ability, and influence. Cosmic evolution has made men’s power influential and progressive and made women’s power attractive. If we open our eyes and observe the effects and secrets of evolution in the world and look at the sun and planets, we will still see the reminder and the negative polarity.

The sun is the male gender and its influence is attracted by planets, and they receive the fertile seed from it and become fertile, carrying out the duty assigned to them by nature.

In this vast and complex system, from minerals and plants to animals and complete humans, all are somehow dependent on the secrets of sexuality, which the essence of evolution employs, and none of them can have an external appearance without sexual processes.

Defying any of these laws of nature leads to destruction, confusion, and obedience to these laws is the path to health, superiority, and promotion.

Sexual activity between two women or two men is contrary to the order and laws of nature and does not lead to anything but destruction and annihilation, while the union of a man and a woman through marriage creates the center of life and subsequently prepares for the birth of another infant.

(The discussion of women and men with same-sex tendencies is not included in this discussion).

A fetus is formed by the fusion of two sperm and egg cells from a man and a woman, and as soon as this fusion and combination takes place, the body of the human being gains the pleasure and happiness that the complete power has deposited in it. It brings about the power of love, attraction, influence, and acceptance of sensitivity during the evolution cycle, manifesting itself in both men and women and in a moment, a man and a woman who were nothing but ordinary individuals become a father and a mother, and the greatest act of nature is performed, which is the birth of another life. In this interaction, if a woman brings a baby into the world with a pure soul and a newborn nature, it is the same thing that is the positive result of marriage, and the newborn is a manifestation of beauty, freshness, goodness, and purity.

Respect for nature: The essence of “Oriental Sciences and Philosophy” is based on pure spirituality, and in order to practice breathing exercises and even learn medical science, one must pay attention to the core and spiritual powers that both contain elements of failure and victory.

From ancient times to modern times, sexual issues have always been a significant factor in important events, and it can even be boldly stated that they have been the cause of historic events.

In the modern world, and with the decline of ethics, this issue has become particularly sensitive. Both spiritually and psychologically, sexual issues are very important. Therefore, I deemed it necessary to address this issue to better understand it in future topics and discussions. For now, it is enough to say that according to “Eastern medical sciences and philosophy,” sexual matters are a significant factor in many diseases or a therapeutic agent.

You may spend all your time on physical, spiritual, and even spiritual exercises, but ignorance and neglect of sexual matters, excess, or moderation can render all your efforts futile, and as a result, without realizing it, you will not only gain no benefit from these exercises but will also undoubtedly become ill.

Just as in all matters, moderation and balance are the key to achieving results, in sexual matters, the key to achieving results is balance. Understanding and utilizing sexual powers and abilities is the secret to happiness, love, and complete power.

Consuming these powers and abilities out of ignorance results in nothing but losing all the spiritual and complete power and happiness advantages that come with their evolution.

If you use all your power to maintain this ability, it will be exactly contrary to nature, and you will openly lose a part of your body. The slightest blow you will suffer will be a curvature, weakness of the nervous system, and useless burning of body cells, obesity, paralysis of cognitive and reasoning abilities, and subsequently, many other discomforts. If, on the contrary, you choose excess, you will only benefit from this evolution for a while, and then, like a tree that has burned all its energy, it will wither from the root. In both cases, and especially for younger people, there will be serious damage, the most severe of which is the loss of analytical brain power. Perhaps at first, it may not be apparent, but over time, which is not that long, the brain uses all the stored information to prevent further damage due to the loss of analytical power in the received data. Some may argue that shouldn’t the brain use all stored information to be better for humans?

No, it is not like that: Under normal circumstances and based on thousands of years of experience, a person can deal with several different issues without causing harm to their brain cells. However, in situations where the brain itself wants to attack all information for further damage, we can become affected by various and sometimes specific diseases.

Even our brains observe moderation in providing information to our nervous systems.

Today, no matter how logical and reasonable we talk to young people, they still repeat their mistakes under the pretext of personal experience, regardless of the fact that they know they do not need to experience everything because if we put ourselves to the test repeatedly without spiritual and mental training, we will become ill. None of the masters will deny that success comes from testing and experience, but using the experiences of others reduces our need for useless testing and experience, and the path to success will become smoother, safer, and faster.

Some young people may ask if there is a useful solution to this problem. The answer is positive. In “Oriental Sciences and Philosophy” we call this solution “changing the nature of the power”.

Instead of risking the health of our spirit and mind for immediate pleasure and satisfaction, we can use this evolutionary gift to do other things. The sperm, whether in men or women, is the best and strongest factor that can be used for organs, nerves, and spiritual powers.

It is sheer madness to use this natural principle without considering its properties and powers in the body and to lose it for instant pleasure. We can use this power source, which can be used for spiritual and physical powers, by changing the nature of the power and turning it into a means of strengthening the spirit and body. Changing the nature of the power will give you the ultimate power and evolution in all your actions and behaviors.

This power and evolution gradually give you self-control and make you appear powerful and courageous in front of yourself and others. Evolution has created the central nucleus (PARANA) in the sperm of men and women, and just as the largest particles of existence come from the smallest particles in atoms, the greatest power of life has been placed in the smallest nucleus of the sperm.

The reproductive system is the largest and most powerful (Changing the nature of force) of life, and this power can be used for the renewal of physical and spiritual life and its promotion. As soon as the unused sperm accumulates, it opens its way to the brain through the spinal column and reaches the central nervous system and enters the brain.

The method of changing the nature of the power is very simple, and anyone can use this method from the first hour to achieve results. It can be used at any time, but the best time is when the psychological impulse becomes extremely severe because it is at this time that the power of creation uses all its power to consume and renew it, and it is precisely at this time that we can change the nature and use of the aforementioned power.

Dear young man, when you can resist the temptation of attractive bodies, captivating eyes, and movements of one or several girls, and redirect that intense energy that seeks your consent towards your soul and mind, then you can experience the path of complete power and attain it.

Dear young lady, if you can achieve this level of control in your solitude, where you are in control of your nerves, organs, limbs, and thoughts in moments of passing sexual desires, and strengthen your mental power even for those fleeting moments, then you can be sure that you have experienced the peak of happiness in life. It is not claimed that everyone can control this power, but it is recommended that you practice it, even if you reach its minimum level, so that you will not regret those moments in the future.

Snake, who is stinging her own tail: This method is indeed difficult because the person who wants to try it must suppress their sexual desires and not engage in sexual pleasure under any circumstances, and eliminate that feeling within themselves. Of course, In the position of a Professor, I do not recommend this method because it can severely disturb moderation. However, in any case, this is one of the methods for spiritual understanding, and I cannot explain it further.

The Yogis, refer to all sexual matters as “naga shakti,” which translates to “snake power,” or sometimes simply “naga,” which means “snake.” They believe that anyone who can withstand the bite of this snake for three years with their own power and ability, and keep themselves away from all sexual and sensual matters, can elevate themselves to a high level of spiritual power. They can heal any disease by touching the patient and read the thoughts of others with their mental power, essentially becoming another being.

Although this may seem exaggerated, there are documents and evidence of individuals who have reached this high spiritual level, so in general, the idea is confirmed.

Among them, those who possess this power are called “mahatma,” which is formed from two words: “mahat,” which means great, and “atma,” which means soul. It strongly refers to a person who has extraordinary spiritual power.

It is not necessary to do this practice, but as I mentioned, it is one of the ways of spiritual understanding, and some, although their numbers are not small, have chosen this method of “snake bite on their own tail” for three consecutive years without thinking about sexual and sensual matters. If you are interested in doing this exercise, you need to pay attention to a piece of writing by one of the great “mahatmas” of India.

This passage describes the sacred snake that resides within every human being and its role in spiritual purification and elevation. In the early years of human life, this sacred snake is dormant in a deep sleep, but as one grows older, it gradually awakens and becomes more active, eventually fully awakening.

Once the sacred snake is fully awake, the battle for dominance and control within the human begins.

In most cases, this battle is short and easy, and the human willingly submits to the snake’s commands and carries them out. However, in rare cases, the battle becomes difficult and terrifying, as the strongest and most cunning allies with the sacred snake to defeat the human. The human may be thrown to the ground hundreds of times before becoming the victor in this battle. If the human successfully defeats the sacred snake, the reward for their service is the attainment of ownership which is more valuable than all the jewels and gold in the world.

In essence, the passage is describing the process of self-mastery and spiritual purification, wherein the human must overcome their base desires and tendencies to become the master of their own destiny. It is a difficult and sometimes terrifying journey, but the rewards are immeasurable.

This passage describes the glory and magnificence that comes with owning a treasure or wealth, and how it can consume a person’s entire life and vision. The person who possesses such wealth has no horizon, and their gaze penetrates beyond the horizons. They live close to “Siva,” and the guiding light of “D, wasa” shines upon them, placing them among the elite and noble of society.

The eternal happiness and prosperity belong to those who can withstand the bite of the sacred snake on their own tail, for they are the ones who could not defeat this powerful enemy and discover their own true nature.

On the other hand, the passage also warns of the consequences of submitting to the sacred snake and relinquishing control to it. This creature will lead one’s life and become their guide, but it will also blind and dull their senses and willpower. No matter how much power a person may have, in the face of the will of the sacred snake, they become weak and powerless.

In essence, the passage is emphasizing the importance of self-mastery and control over one’s desires and impulses. While wealth and treasures may bring temporary happiness and satisfaction, true fulfillment and prosperity come from the mastery of oneself and the discovery of one’s true nature.

This passage describes the unfortunate state of a person who submits to the sacred snake and allows it to control their life. When the sacred snake begins to rest, the person’s happiness and joy in life also start to fade, and as the snake’s sleep becomes deeper, the darkness of the person’s life becomes thicker. When the sacred snake is completely asleep, the person’s spirit and body are driven out of their inner self, and they are left in a state of exile until their next awakening.

It is also mentioned that these are just words and metaphors, and they should be viewed as such. However, it is important not to forget that many truths have emerged from within the realm of imagination, and this is one of them.

“Siva” is mentioned in the passage as a name that can help one overcome the sacred snake. In Buddhism, Siva refers to something that exists outside of this world and has created all things and creatures. It commands them and is present in every being, without being visible or changeable. Its power is seen in every living being, and without it, no soul would exist in any body, and no creature would be found in the world.

This passage provides additional information on the meanings behind some of the terms mentioned earlier. “Mahadewa” is another name for “Siva,” and it means “great lord” since “maha” means great and “Dewa” means lord or god.

The term “D, wasa,” which was previously mentioned as the guiding light that shines upon a person and weakens the power of the sacred snake, is also known among yogis as the angels and benevolent guides who are often mentioned in divine religions.

The “sacred water” mentioned in the passage refers to the inner power and essence from which all power arises, not just natural phenomena such as water or the flow of bodily fluids.

When “Mahatma” speaks of the flow of sacred water, it is referring to the power that we recognize as human power and procreation, and through which righteous and healthy individuals are guided.

The passage emphasizes the importance of interpreting these terms and ideas symbolically and metaphorically rather than literally. It also highlights the idea that there is a deeper, spiritual power within us that guides us and gives us strength, rather than just physical or natural phenomena.

This passage discusses the concept of the sacred water flow and how it relates to the process of purifying oneself through self-reflection and spiritual growth. If a person feels even the slightest inclination towards goodness and righteousness, they can use self-purification techniques to elevate themselves to higher levels of spiritual attainment. However, if they have completely lost this inclination, it may be impossible for them to return to a path of righteousness without undergoing a significant transformation.

The passage also touches on the importance of purifying oneself by controlling one’s sexual desires and urges.

This can be a challenging process, but it is essential for achieving spiritual growth and reaching a higher state of being.