Another trap can evolve naturally out of your practice. That is the trap of "powers". This would include the ability to see, hear, talk, etc. on other levels to other people; to manifest something within ones daily life; to channel energy; to read minds; give readings; to use various occult practices which can lead to a variety of effects; and much more. The giving of "readings", "channeling", seeing lights, hearing voices, etc. is especially tempting as is it "so out of the ordinary".
These are all rather low level abilities, can be learned easily by many different methods, have little meaning, no lasting power, and are no indication of and have no relation to true spiritual development. Be aware that it is an easy path on which to get side-tracked. That it is a dis-ease of mind, might, will, and character; and that it is not always easy to correct - even after diagnosis. In reality it is an example of egotism caught with its pants down; and is generally a case of "the blind leading the blind". Unfortunately it is practiced by many. Realize that these abilities, and far more, may come naturally as a result of spiritual growth and are neither desirable nor undesirable, but are simply abilities and have no value beyond that. (Yet there really is such a thing as spiritual prophesy. It is the heart of God speaking through the mind of Man.)
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"Seek God for His own sake. The highest perception is to feel Him as bliss, welling up from your infinite depths. Don't yearn for visions, spiritual phenomena, or thrilling experiences. The path to the Divine is not a circus." - Yogananda
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"To learn the lesson of how to live is more important than any psychic or occult learning." - Inayat Khan
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| Allow the Source of Being to maintain contact with you: ignore the impressions and opinions of your customary self. If this self were of value in your search, it would have found
realization for you. But all it can do is to depend upon others." - Amin Suhrawardi
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"When through concentration the mind becomes still, you are no longer controlled by your lower nature that held you under its sway, but you become a vehicle of the Divine Power, making manifest your higher nature. Your actions cannot but be beneficial to humanity, as you are the servant of the Universal Power. You are here to give others joy. You may give to a person in distress riches and meet his physical needs, but that will be relief and happiness only for a short time. If you awaken his heart and enable him to realize eternal bliss and peace, which is within him, you make him the highest gift that is imperishable."
- Swami Ramdas
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