What Do Spiritual Masters Say About Intuition And Psychic Abilities
Intuition is highly regarded in spiritual teachings and is often seen as a valuable aspect of one’s spiritual journey.
Enlightened masters like Paramahansa Yogananda, Amma, Ramana Maharshi, and others have shared insights on how to initiate and develop intuition and its significance in the path of spiritual advancement. While their teachings may vary in terminology and approach, many of them convey similar messages about these faculties.
Intuition is often considered a sign of spiritual advancement because it signifies a deep connection with one’s inner self and a heightened awareness of the interconnectedness of all life. It allows individuals to make decisions guided by their inner wisdom, compassion, and love, rather than ego-driven desires.
The Power of Spiritual Gifts
In the realm of spirituality, the exploration of intuitive powers, psychic abilities, and healing capacities offers a fascinating insight into the human potential. Rooted in the teachings of some of the world’s most enlightened masters, these spiritual gifts are seen not as supernatural talents, but as inherent faculties available to each individual, waiting to be unlocked and harnessed for personal growth and the welfare of others.
Exploring the spiritual landscapes of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Advaita Vedanta reveals a wealth of wisdom from masters who have illuminated the path for countless seekers.
Below are spiritual masters from these traditions, sharing insights into intuition, psychic abilities, healing, and the interconnectedness of all beings.
The Essence of Intuition
Intuition, often described as the inner voice or the soul’s guidance, is a common thread in the teachings of enlightened beings. Sri Ramana Maharshi, a revered Indian sage, emphasized the significance of inner silence for the blossoming of intuition. He advised, “Silence is the true teaching. It is the perfect teaching.” This profound silence is not merely the absence of sound but a deep quietude of the mind, where intuition becomes the leading force.
Paramahansa Yogananda, a proponent of Kriya Yoga and author of “Autobiography of a Yogi,” spoke of intuition as the soul’s ability to perceive truth directly. He stated, “Intuition is soul guidance, appearing naturally in man during those instants when his mind is calm.” The calmness Yogananda refers to is a state of inner equilibrium and clarity, from which intuitive knowledge can emerge.
Psychic Abilities: A Universal Gift
The concept of psychic abilities, encompassing phenomena like telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition, often evokes intrigue and skepticism. Yet, for masters like Anandamayi Ma, such abilities are simply extensions of a universal consciousness that we are all part of. She taught that by dissolving the ego and realizing one’s unity with the divine, what we call psychic phenomena become natural expressions of our interconnectedness.
Similarly, Buddha’s teachings on mindfulness and awareness can be seen as foundational practices for developing psychic sensibilities. He encouraged followers to cultivate a profound awareness of their own thoughts, feelings, and sensations, which in turn enhances one’s sensitivity to the subtleties of the external world and the minds of others.
Healing Abilities: The Power of Love and Compassion
Healing, in the spiritual context, extends beyond the physical realm, encompassing emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions. Amma (Mata Amritanandamayi), known as the “hugging saint,” embodies the healing power of unconditional love. Through her simple yet profound act of embracing others, she has touched millions of lives, demonstrating that the pure energy of love can heal wounds of the heart and soul.
Mother Meera, another contemporary spiritual figure, offers darshan, a silent blessing, to all who seek her guidance. She believes in the transformative power of divine light, which, when received, initiates a process of inner healing and purification. “If you are in the light, everything will follow,” she says, highlighting the importance of spiritual illumination in the healing journey.
Swami Vivekananda
A key figure in bringing Vedanta and Yoga to the West, Swami Vivekananda emphasized the power of self-awareness and the potential within every individual to achieve spiritual greatness. He believed in the innate divinity of the soul and its capacity to manifest spiritual gifts through dedication and practice.
On intuition: “The power of intuition is born with man. It is the only real power he has.”
Thich Nhat Hanh
A global spiritual leader, poet, and peace activist, Thich Nhat Hanh is renowned for his teachings on mindfulness, compassion, and peace. His approach to Buddhism emphasizes the practice of mindfulness in everyday life, fostering a deep connection to the present moment and the awakening of latent spiritual abilities.
On healing: “The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green Earth in the present moment, to appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now.”
Swami Sivananda
A spiritual teacher and a proponent of Yoga and Vedanta, Swami Sivananda’s teachings focus on the synthesis of all the yoga paths as a way to attain self-realization. He taught that the development of spiritual powers should not be the goal but a by-product of one’s spiritual practice.
On psychic abilities: “Develop the psychic being within yourself by leading a pure, disciplined life and by meditation. You will have intuition, revelation, and inspiration.”
Adi Shankaracharya
Adi Shankaracharya, an early 8th-century Indian philosopher and theologian who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta, emphasized non-dualism and the realization of one’s own divine nature as the ultimate truth.
On the realization of Self: “Brahman is the only truth, the world is illusion, and there is ultimately no difference between Brahman and individual self.”
Dalai Lama
The 14th Dalai Lama, a spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, is celebrated for his teachings on compassion, happiness, and inner peace. His messages transcend religious boundaries, advocating for human values and universal responsibility.
On compassion and healing: “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. Our own heart is the temple; the doctrine is compassion.”
Ram Dass
Ram Dass, an American spiritual teacher and a proponent of Bhakti Yoga, became a bridge between Eastern and Western spirituality. Through his teachings, he emphasized the importance of love, service, and the recognition of our interconnectedness.
On service as healing: “Helping out is not some special skill. It is not the domain of rare individuals. It is not confined to a single part of our lives. We simply heed the call of that natural impulse within and follow it where it leads.”
These spiritual masters, each from their own unique perspectives, have contributed to a rich tapestry of wisdom on the nature of intuition, psychic phenomena, and the healing capacities inherent in every individual. Their teachings encourage us to explore these dimensions within ourselves, reminding us that such abilities are accessible pathways to deeper understanding and connection with the all-encompassing web of life.
Paramahansa Yogananda
This lovely soul was a renowned spiritual teacher, enlightened master, and author of “Autobiography of a Yogi.” He offered insights and teachings on developing intuition and psychic abilities. He had quite a bit to say on the subject.
Meditation as the Key: Yogananda stressed the significance of meditation as the primary means to develop intuition and psychic abilities. He believed that through deep meditation, individuals can awaken their dormant inner faculties and access higher states of consciousness.
Quote: “Meditation is the process of retraining our minds to focus on the heavenly nectar of the inner, spiritual eye. By concentration and meditation exercises, you can learn to withdraw your attention from the outer world and put it at the point between the eyebrows, your Christ Consciousness center.”
Awakening the Third Eye: Yogananda often spoke about the importance of awakening the “third eye,” which is associated with intuition and higher perception. He considered the point between the eyebrows (the spiritual eye) to be the seat of intuition.
Quote: “Your real nature is divine. You are a child of God. You are a child of Immortality. Manifest your divinity. Do your best, then, and be resigned to God’s will. To be successful, however, you must cultivate intuitive perception.”
Self-Realization: Yogananda’s teachings revolve around the concept of Self-Realization, which is the realization of one’s true nature as divine. He believed that as individuals progress on the spiritual path and attain Self-Realization, psychic abilities naturally unfold.
Quote: “As you think, so you become. Think that you are divine, perfect, and infinite. The more you meditate on these ideas, the more deeply they will be impressed upon your consciousness, and you will gradually become more divine and perfect in every way.”
Ethical Use of Psychic Powers: Yogananda emphasized that any psychic abilities that develop should be used for the highest good and in alignment with ethical principles. He cautioned against using such powers for personal gain or manipulation.
Quote: “Do not misuse your psychic powers; the misuse of these powers will bring evil upon you and a loss of psychic power.”
Love and Compassion: Yogananda stressed the importance of cultivating love and compassion as integral aspects of spiritual growth. He believed that a heart filled with love is more receptive to intuitive insights.
Quote: “Develop the heart. Too much energy in the intellect makes the mind dry. Develop love. The more you develop love, the more you will perceive that God is love.”
Paramahansa Yogananda emphasized the practice of meditation, the awakening of the third eye, and ethical conduct as essential components of developing intuition and psychic abilities. He saw these abilities as natural outcomes of a deep spiritual journey toward Self-Realization, guided by love, compassion, and a strong connection to the Divine.
Amma (Mata Amritanandamayi)
Amma, known as the “Hugging Saint,” often speaks about the importance of love and compassion in developing intuition. She says, “Love is the foundation of the Universe. Everything is centered on love. To live in love is to experience union with everyone and everything.” Along these lines, your love will awaken your intuition and awareness.
She teaches that selfless service (seva) can purify the heart and open the channels of intuition. “By serving others, you are actually serving your own self. The more you give, the more you will receive.”
Sri Ramana Maharshi
Ramana Maharshi emphasizes self-inquiry as a means to access intuition. He says, “The question ‘Who am I?’ will destroy all other questions.”
He teaches that intuition arises when the ego is transcended. “The Self is always shining forth as ‘I-I’. To see it as it is, you have to give up not the sense ‘I’ but the idea of its form.”
Osho (Bhagwan Shri Rajneesh)
The spiritual teacher Osho emphasizes that intuition is our inner wisdom, and it becomes more accessible as we silence the mind. He says, “Intuition is your inner voice; it is your inner guide.”
He suggests that meditation is a key practice to enhance intuition. “Meditation is nothing but withdrawing all the barriers; thoughts, emotions, sentiments – everything that builds a wall between you and existence.” With walls dissolved, there is nothing you cannot witness.
Buddha
Buddha emphasized the development of mental clarity and mindfulness. He believed that a clear and focused mind could access intuitive insights and wisdom.
Quote: “Meditate. Live purely. Be quiet. Do your work with mastery. Like the moon, come out from behind the clouds! Shine.”
Eckhart Tolle
Eckhart Tolle speaks about the importance of presence and stillness in accessing intuitive insights. He encourages individuals to observe their thoughts without attachment.
Quote: “To be still and listen to the stillness within is to allow your true nature to guide you. It is the realm of intuition.”
Thich Nhat Hanh
Thich Nhat Hanh teaches mindfulness and deep breathing as practices that can enhance one’s intuitive and empathic abilities. He emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings.
Quote: “Breathing in, I calm body and mind. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment, I know this is the only moment.”
Sri Aurobindo
Sri Aurobindo believed in the development of higher states of consciousness through yoga and spiritual practices. He saw psychic and intuitive abilities as natural stages of spiritual evolution.
Quote: “The psychic is the inner being in touch with the Divine. It is the guide and the leader in man towards the Divine.”
Paramahansa Ramakrishna
Paramahansa Ramakrishna emphasized the importance of devotion and purity of heart in spiritual growth. He believed that such qualities could lead to intuitive and mystical experiences.
Quote: “The purer the mind, the easier it is to control it.”
Sufi Masters
Sufi mystics often speak of the “heart’s eye” as a source of intuitive wisdom. They emphasize the importance of love and devotion in awakening psychic and intuitive abilities.
Quote: “The heart’s eye sees the truth that the physical eyes cannot.”
Enlightened masters from different traditions emphasize the importance of inner stillness, mindfulness, self-inquiry, and purity of heart in the development of intuitive and psychic abilities. They view these abilities as natural byproducts of a deep spiritual journey and as tools for gaining insights into the true nature of self and reality. Ethical conduct and a focus on the present moment are also commonly emphasized.
To enhance intuition on the spiritual path, one can use various tools and practices:
Meditation: Regular meditation helps quiet the mind and enhances one’s ability to listen to their inner guidance.
Yoga and Breathwork: These practices help align the body and mind, creating a conducive environment for intuition to flourish.
Journaling: Keeping a spiritual journal to record dreams, insights, and intuitive experiences can aid in their development.
Nature Connection: Spending time in nature and observing its rhythms can attune one to intuitive wisdom.
Energy Healing: Practices like Reiki and acupuncture can balance energy centers, promoting intuition.
Oracle Cards and Divination: Some people find that using divination tools like oracle cards can help access intuitive guidance.
Selfless Service: Engaging in acts of kindness and service to others purifies the heart and opens channels for intuition.
Truly, intuition is highly valued on the spiritual path, as it leads to greater self-awareness, compassion, and a deeper understanding of existence. Spiritual teachers emphasize practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and selfless service to nurture and develop intuition, which ultimately aids in spiritual advancement and a more profound connection with the divine.
How Does The Shankara Oracle Fit Into Intuition Development
The Shankara Oracle, with its diverse components including 4 oracle decks, 18 sacred gemstones, a casting cube, and a lavishly designed divination board, offers a powerful and holistic approach to personal growth, healing, and the expansion of intuition and psychic gifts. Here’s how it can help clear blocks, heal old wounds, and facilitate a pure connection to the Self:
Oracle Decks: The four distinct oracle decks within The Shankara Oracle provide a wide range of insights and guidance. Each deck addresses different aspects of life, allowing users to explore various dimensions of their experiences. Through these decks, individuals can gain clarity on past traumas, current challenges, and future paths, leading to a deeper understanding of their blocks and wounds.
Sacred Gemstones: The 18 sacred gemstones included in The Shankara Oracle are not just beautiful but also carry unique energetic properties. These gemstones can be used for healing and balancing the chakras, which in turn can help release emotional and energetic blockages. By working with these gemstones, individuals can tap into their innate healing abilities and facilitate the clearing of old wounds.
Casting Cube: The casting cube serves as a divination tool to interpret the energies and messages present in a particular situation or question. It encourages users to trust their intuition and psychic senses when interpreting the cube’s patterns and symbols. This practice can help individuals develop their intuitive abilities and gain deeper insights into the root causes of their blocks and wounds.
Lavishly Designed Divination Board: The visually appealing divination board serves as a focal point for the divination process. Its intricate design and symbolism create a sacred space for introspection and connection with higher energies. By using the board in conjunction with the oracle decks, gemstones, and cube, individuals can enter a state of deep meditation and contemplation, which can lead to profound healing and clarity.
Overall, The Shankara Oracle offers a comprehensive and immersive experience for those seeking to clear emotional and energetic blocks, heal old wounds, and strengthen their connection to the Self.
Through the guidance of the oracle decks, the healing properties of gemstones, the intuitive practice with the casting cube, and the sacred ambiance of the divination board, individuals can expand their intuition and psychic gifts, ultimately leading to a more profound and authentic connection with themselves and the spiritual realms.
The Path Forward
The teachings of these enlightened masters remind us that intuition, psychic abilities, and healing powers are not reserved for the chosen few but are accessible to anyone willing to embark on the inward journey of self-discovery and spiritual practice. Whether through meditation, self-inquiry, acts of love, or the pursuit of silence and mindfulness, these spiritual gifts can be awakened and cultivated.
In a world often dominated by rationality and empirical knowledge, the wisdom of these masters encourages us to explore the vast, untapped potential that lies within, guiding us toward a life of deeper understanding, compassion, and connectivity. As we uncover and develop these spiritual gifts, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to the healing and upliftment of the collective human spirit.