Spirituality in Reality

Spiritual Growth Through Faith and Community in the Work. In this teaching, spirituality and the reality of spiritual growth are seen as inseparable from a communal or "ecological" setting, such as a study group. Within such a supportive environment, individuals can actively engage with spiritual teachings and begin to sense a deeper reality.

This setting functions like a "womb" for spiritual formation, where personal desires, ideas, and intentions are refined, sometimes shattered and reformed, enabling the individual to develop a true human "shape" or spiritual image. Just as life requires the right conditions to thrive, spiritual growth demands a community to foster accountability, encourage progress, and keep individuals anchored in the work. The concept of "faith" here is described as a powerful tool that guides the spiritual journey beyond personal limitations. When challenges arise, such as the overwhelming desire for self-gratification, faith serves as an unseen force, urging perseverance in the face of difficulty. This "small he" or inner self is called upon to accept the struggle without expecting immediate rewards, thus deepening one's spiritual presence in the work.

By choosing not to retreat from these internal battles, individuals gradually build the presence of self, echoing the Creator’s presence. In these moments, one’s effort becomes a participation in the unfolding creation, where both the human and divine intentions align through a shared spiritual purpose. Faith “above reason” then emerges as a constant, guiding tool, allowing individuals to transcend their current understanding and come closer to divine presence. Through this practice, one reveals the unseen, bringing it into the light of awareness, and thereby manifests the divine image within oneself. In this way, the "small he" reflects the divine presence, enabling the growth of the spirit as it adopts qualities of light and presence.

The more this inner face is revealed, the more one embodies a spiritual likeness that resonates with the Creator’s presence, creating a face-to-face relationship with the divine, where faith acts as the bridge between human limitation and spiritual elevation.