A spiritual calling is a profound, often unexplainable feeling that draws an individual to a specific place or journey.
It transcends mere curiosity or planning, carrying a sense of necessity for personal growth or satisfaction.
Such a calling should never be forced; it must arise naturally. When the moment feels right, the individual should embark on the tour, even if unprepared, trusting that the experience will guide them.
People often ask me how they will know when it’s the right time to go on a pilgrimage or the appropriate moment.
As a spiritual tourist, I undertake numerous sacred trips annually, visiting holy sites across various faiths because of the heightened divine presence found in these places.
Each passage feels like a powerful calling, driven by the need to satisfy my spiritual longing.
I am penning this column from Amritsar, India, home to the magnificent Golden Temple – a revered location renowned as the only place of worship in the world that remains open 24 hours a day, never resting.
This is my second visit to the holiest site in Sikhism this year, and once again, I find myself deeply moved by its indescribable celestial energy.
While a pilgrimage will involve some form of expenditure, it should be seen as a spiritual investment rather than an expense.
The intangible rewards from such journeys often multiply, bringing intense abundance to one’s life.
Here are some tips on what it is and how spiritual calling works.
- Natural pull: A spiritual calling often manifests as an intuition or “inner knowing” that a specific place or journey is vital for your divine growth.
- Emotional connection: It might stem from a deep feeling, dream, or recurring thoughts about a site, making the experience feel destined.
- Purposeful desire: The calling can be rooted in a desire for healing, answers to life’s questions, forgiveness, or a deeper connection to the blissful or the universe.
For some, it builds over time, sparked by reading about a holy site, hearing stories, or observing a practice.
Others experience an intense and sudden urge, almost as if they’ve been “summoned.” This may come during meditation, prayer, or a significant life event.
Some interpret it as a message from a higher power, aligning them with a specific path or place for reasons they may not fully understand at that time.
Sometimes, a calling can feel fleeting, like a spark. If ignored, it might fade or return in different ways or later.
In other cases, the feeling lingers, intensifying until acted upon, as if the individual is persistently nudged toward action.
To receive a spiritual calling, one should prepare for it with discipline because it does not fall from the sky.
Spend time in quiet reflection to understand why this journey feels significant.
You must learn about the site’s history, rituals, and cultural importance to align your expectations with the purpose of your visit.
Clearly define what you seek – healing, peace, answers, or a deeper connection. Writing it down can help clarify.
If no one wishes to join you on the pilgrimage, it doesn’t matter. You don’t need to travel in a group because it is your journey with the divine.
Do not fear the challenges you may encounter on the journey; it is your true calling. The divine will pave a smooth path for you.
Engage in prayer, meditation, or journaling to attune your mind and spirit to the experience.
Prepare for the physical aspects, such as travel logistics, dress codes, local customs, and the dos and don’ts, to ensure you can focus on the spiritual aspects.
When it is time for you to go, embrace the journey, even if the reasons for the calling aren’t immediately clear.
Often, the true purpose becomes evident during or after the visit.
Keep an open mind, let go of rigid expectations and allow the experience to unfold naturally.
Participate in rituals, observe sacred practices, and immerse yourself in the godly environment.
A spiritual calling can feel mysterious and reflective, urging you to leave your routine and go on a transformative journey.
It’s personal and universal – a reminder of the connection between your soul and the greater whole.
Remember, when embarking on a pious journey, it is crucial to approach it with sincerity and respect rather than treating it lightly.
These expeditions possess transformative powers that can subtly yet profoundly impact an individual.
While the effects may not be immediately apparent, they often bring about meaningful changes in one’s well-being over time.
Award-winning writer Dr T. Selva is the author of the bestsellers Vasthu Sastra Guide and Secrets of Happy Living books. To get a copy, WhatsApp 019-2728464. He can be reached at drtselvas@gmail.com. Facebook: Vasthu Sastra