Soul comes to God through ever-expanding consciousness of its true being. Sacrifice, the “making sacred” of life, is the most natural offering of the beauty, love, goodness and wisdom of heart and soul, body and mind. The greater the consciousness of sacrifice, the greater the realization of freedom, oneness and selflessness. Spiritual sacrifice is a positive power, because it is in accordance with all spiritual progress everywhere.
With ascending consciousness soul offers itself in sacrifice throughout its human pilgrimage to God, and sacrifice can be perceived and understood in the manifestation of the human personality at four levels:
At the first level, consciousness is limited to selfish and worldly identification. One behaves in ignorance of the beneficent oneness enfolding and sustaining all life. Hence, he perceives his existence as temporal, separate and finite. He is subject to the discomfort of unhappiness as his desires and pleasures are limited to that which comes and goes. Imprisoned within his own limitations he is not capable of deep concern for others and often acts harshly.
At the second stage, consciousness recognizes that one must compromise and adjust to relative circumstances to achieve happiness on earth. One may reciprocate kindness and offer deeds of obligation, yet, if still dominated by personal awareness, he will rebel if his own way is not followed or if his own well-being is not secured first. He sees the necessity for good as motivated by personal gain.
A truly good and noble human being is one who possesses the third consciousness—that of sacrifice. At this level the heart rules. One is fulfilled in happiness through the serving of the joy and contentment of others. The bond of oneness of life in its mutual unfoldment is felt and served through harmony, balance, joy and beauty.
A person of the fourth level of consciousness is humanly divine in the attainment of sacrifice, adoring and realizing the love of God everywhere and in all beings. Without relying on human knowledge or judgment, confirmation or approval, he willingly and constantly lives and works in harmony with cosmic good. His human kindness, love and service are offered in adoration of God with no ulterior motive of personal gain. His gentleness, compassion, inner contentment and charity inspire and guide other hearts. He is a blessing to himself and to the world.
Frontiers of the Spirit
Swami Kamalananda