On a personal level, the quest for spiritual progress takes many forms. That there are many paths up the mountain of spirit is a common but apt metaphor.
The goal of all spiritual work is to reach spiritual purity. Along with spiritual purity comes the ability to inhabit spiritual space. How is this goal accomplished? As I’ve said, there are many ways to reach the goal, but there are some landmarks that may be used to judge progress towards the goal.
There is an essential link between physical and spiritual (non-physical) existence. Spiritual existence is much finer and subtler, requiring refinement of senses and discipline to inhabit it consciously. Several basic mechanisms and exercises train the beginner to develop these subtle senses. Quieting and controlling thought and emotion, focusing attention and thought, and opening up to sensations are basic first steps.
The first step is the act of taking these exercises up as habit.
The next step concerns gaining further ability in quieting thought, controlling thought and emotion, focusing attention and perceiving spiritual essence. After time spent trying to perceive feelings from other objects with increasing levels of life, from plants to animals to humans, the actual perception of spiritual existence becomes apparent. You perceive your own thoughts, the thoughts of others and non-physical beings in spiritual space. This perceptual ability is the second goal.
With continued work, these perceptions become sharper and more controlled. The next step is to begin to inhabit spiritual space.
My exciting life, this place