Sadhguru says Success comes to those who align their actions with the whispers of their soul. Each act of kindness, each moment of presence, is a step toward true success.
Article | Rishikesh | April 22, 2019
Sadhguru: In the spiritual journey, success transcends the common goals of wealth, fame, or material attainment. True success lies in awakening to our inner divinity and embodying the highest essence of our being. It’s not something to be pursued in the external world, but something to be realized within. When we stop chasing success as an external entity and start becoming it from within, we transform not only our lives but also our very state of consciousness.
Part 1: The Illusion of Chasing Success
The Outer Mirage of Success: From a spiritual perspective, chasing success in the world is like trying to grasp the horizon—it appears to recede the closer we try to reach it. Many pursue success as defined by societal standards, believing it will bring us contentment. Yet, this external pursuit is fleeting. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna teaches that desires are insatiable, creating an endless cycle of wanting more. This constant chase keeps us bound to worldly illusions, forgetting our true selves.
The Hollow Fulfillment of External Pursuits: Outer achievements alone rarely bring inner peace. Many spiritual teachings, from Buddhism to Vedanta, emphasize that attachment to outcomes is the source of suffering. The more we tie our happiness to external success, the more we distance ourselves from the deep, abiding contentment that comes from within. True peace emerges only when we realize that success is not an object to be attained but an inner state to be discovered.
The Ego’s Role in the Pursuit of Success: Chasing success often becomes a quest for validation, driven by the ego’s need for recognition. Yet, the ego’s hunger can never be truly satisfied. The sages of ancient traditions teach that the ego is a false construct, rooted in separateness, while our true self is one with the universe. By continually pursuing success as a means of egoic affirmation, we remain disconnected from the oneness that is our highest spiritual nature.
True success is not an achievement but a state of inner peace that reflects the harmony of one’s soul.
Part 2: The Path to Becoming Success
Turning Inward: The Spiritual Foundation of Success: Success, in its truest form, arises from our spiritual growth and inner alignment. It begins not with outward goals but with an inner awakening, where we cultivate qualities like compassion, humility, and selflessness. By aligning our actions with our soul’s purpose, we shift from striving for worldly accomplishments to embodying our divine potential.
Transforming the Self to Reflect Success: Spiritual traditions teach that as we cultivate awareness, wisdom, and love, we become channels of divine success. This transformation doesn’t depend on external achievements but on our ability to act from a place of purity and intention. Through practices like meditation, self-inquiry, and service, we transform ourselves, radiating the success that comes from embodying the light within.
Living Success as a Divine State: Spiritual success is a state of union, where the individual merges with the universal. When we reach this state, we no longer chase success as something separate from us. Instead, our very being radiates fulfilment, peace, and joy. We experience the divine qualities of contentment and purpose as our natural state, making every action we undertake a manifestation of true success.
When we stop chasing success and start embodying it, we become a mirror of our highest purpose.
Part 3: Self-Realization and Inner Alignment
Discovering Your True Self Beyond Labels: Spiritual success begins with the realization that we are not our achievements our failures, or the roles we play. We are the consciousness that exists beyond all identities. This understanding, often called self-realization, allows us to connect deeply with our core values—love, truth, and compassion—and align our lives accordingly.
Aligning with a Higher Purpose: Every soul has a purpose that transcends worldly ambition. When we connect with this purpose, we align our actions with a divine calling rather than with societal pressures. By serving a higher purpose, we become instruments of the divine, and our actions reflect the beauty of spiritual success, elevating not only our lives but also those around us.
Transcending Fear and Limiting Beliefs: The spiritual journey invites us to move beyond fears and limiting beliefs that cloud our consciousness. As we transcend these barriers, we come closer to our highest self, capable of realizing success as a pure expression of our inner being. By letting go of self-imposed limitations, we allow divine energy to flow freely, empowering us to live with boundless joy and creativity.
Success pursued is fleeting, but success realized within becomes an eternal flame.
Part 4: Cultivating Divine Qualities
Embracing a Mind of Wisdom and Love: The mind is the gateway to spiritual success. As we cultivate wisdom and love, we dissolve judgments, attachments, and resentments. This growth of inner purity brings about a transformation in how we relate to success—not as a goal but as a natural result of our spiritual progress.
The Strength of Inner Discipline: Spiritual success requires inner discipline, which can be cultivated through regular meditation, prayer, and mindfulness. These practices strengthen our connection to the divine within, empowering us to move beyond challenges with grace. In the presence of inner discipline, the self realizes that all is as it should be, freeing us from the burden of unnecessary struggle.
Self-Compassion and Acceptance: Compassion toward oneself and others is central to spiritual success. When we cultivate self-compassion, we nurture the soul and allow ourselves to grow without harsh self-judgment. This gentleness helps us to see success as a journey rather than a destination, allowing us to embrace each step as sacred.
Spiritual success begins the moment we turn inward and align with our divine nature.
Part 5: Practical Steps to Embody Spiritual Success
Setting Intentions Aligned with Higher Truth: Instead of setting goals based on societal measures, we focus on intentions that reflect our spiritual values. These intentions act as a guiding light, helping us make choices that align with our inner truth, and leading us to naturally embody success through actions that reflect our soul’s purpose.
Daily Practices for Inner Growth: True success flourishes in the soil of daily spiritual practices. Meditation, chanting, mindfulness, and reflection ground us in the present moment, expanding our awareness and attuning us to our higher self. These practices enable us to experience success in the now, independent of external achievements.
Gratitude and Mindfulness as Tools of Success: Gratitude and mindfulness teach us to appreciate the divine in every moment. By living fully present, we realize that success is inherent in simply being. Gratitude elevates our state of consciousness, enabling us to see life as an abundant expression of the divine, rich with opportunities to grow and serve.
The ego seeks success for validation; the soul seeks success to fulfill its purpose.
Part 6: Living in a State of Spiritual Success
Radiating Inner Light through Actions and Attitude: Spiritual success is an internal radiance that shines through every aspect of our being. When we embody this light, it reflects in our actions, words, and interactions, creating harmony in our relationships and inspiring others to awaken to their own potential.
Service to Others as the Highest Form of Success: The ultimate mark of spiritual success is service. By serving others selflessly, we express the divine love within us, realizing our connection with all of creation. This service brings about a deep fulfilment that worldly success can never match, as it unites us with the universal consciousness.
Celebrating Each Moment of Awakening: Every step toward inner awareness is a moment of divine celebration. In spiritual terms, each realization, each act of compassion, and each moment of peace is a success, helping us transcend the illusion of separation and align with the oneness of all that is.
Success as a Continuous Spiritual Journey
Spiritual success is a journey without end, a constant unfolding of our higher self. As we shift from chasing success in the world to embodying success from within, we awaken to a life of boundless fulfilment, peace, and unity. True success is a state of divine grace, a reflection of our soul’s purpose. It is a becoming, not a pursuit, a state that brings us closer to our inner light and the eternal wisdom of the universe. Through this journey, we come to realize that we are not separate from success—it is a part of our very being, waiting to be realized, nurtured, and shared.
