Immortal Souls

Narrated by Brent W. Truitt, "What is s spiritual awakening?" Brent reads the abridged version of his study on spiritual awakening. You can read the full transcript for Ep 04: What is a Spiritual Awakening? (Causes, Symptoms and Outcomes) here complete with quotes from spiritual leaders. You can read all transcripts and Q & A to learn more about spirituality here.

Table of Contents

Degrees of spiritual awakening: Dramatic vs gradual

The Difference between “Spiritual Awakening” and “Spiritual Enlightenment“

What is a spiritual awakening (according to multiple sources)

Dictionary definitions of a spiritual awakening

Spiritual leaders: Different definitions of spiritual awakening

What can trigger a spiritual awakening?

Great loss

Mindful practices: Meditation/prayer

Deep dissatisfaction/disillusionment

The collapse of the ego and mind due to trauma

The use of mind-altering chemicals

Near-death experience

Signs and symptoms of spiritual awakening

Physical symptoms of a possible spiritual awakening

Inward signs and symptoms of a spiritual awakening

8 examples of people undergoing a spiritual awakening

Possible stages of awakening

How it begins: ego and mind begin dim

The transition point: the complete collapse of ego and mind

The final stage: spiritual ascension

The impacts of a spiritual awakening

Overview of the impact of a spiritual awakening

Change in lifestyle, values, and perceptions

Geographical changes

Effects on existing relationships

Different outcomes for different people

Positive and negative outcomes

Pilgrimages to the scene of spiritual awakening

Possible discontinuation of spiritual practices

Spiritual awakenings: different spiritual traditions

Conclusion

Audiovisual introduction narrated by Brent W. Truitt

Introduction

Spiritual awakenings happen all the time all over the world to all kinds of people.

Some awakenings are dramatic and breathtaking, while others are slow and gradual.

They’re often misrepresented, exaggerated, or misunderstood.

We are going to take a deep dive on a quest to thoroughly understand what a spiritual awakening is, what triggers the awakening, and what happens after.

Narrated by Brent W. Truitt, "Top 20 Spiritual Quotes". Brent reads each quote with a peaceful musical score enhancing the mood. Read the transcript for Ep 03: Top 20 Spiritual Quotes - You can read all transcripts and Q & A to learn more about spirituality.

A very basic question but a big question, "What is spirituality?". Brent tries to answer the question in this podcast episode. Read the article for Ep 02: What is spirituality? Read Brent's entire series of transcripts and Q & A to learn more about spirituality.

Here is the table of contents for the piece:

Table of Contents

I. Introduction

A. A Definition of Spirituality in modern times

1. Definitions of spirituality according to the main English dictionaries

2. Interpretations by modern spiritual leaders

B. The distinction between religious and spiritual

1. Differentiating spiritual beliefs from religious practices

II. The Essence of Spirituality

A. Spirituality as a universal human experience

B. The connection to a higher power

C. Spirituality and the search for the meaning of life

D. The role of personal experiences and life experiences in shaping one’s spiritual path

E. The human spirit and its quest for a sense of purpose

III. Spirituality in the Modern World

A. How spirituality is embodied in human beings and everyday life

B. Spiritual growth and spiritual awakening as ongoing processes

C. The impact of the physical and natural world on spiritual lives

D. The pursuit of inner peace through spiritual practices

IV. Listing Modern-Day Forms of Spiritualism

V. Teachers and Practices: Ancient and Modern

A. Narratives from 10 Leading Spiritual Teachers

B. Spiritual practices that foster a deeper connection to the spiritual realm

C. Spirituality in the contemporary world

The Dual Facets of Spirituality: Personal and Collective

A. The Personal Odyssey: Venturing Towards Inner Discovery and Serenity

B. The Collective Canvas: Crafting Unity, Interconnectedness, and Kindness

The Enriching Impact of Spirituality on Well-being

A. Spirituality: A Beacon for Mental Equilibrium

B. The Spiritual Path to Physical Vitality

VI. Gleaning Insights: The Essence of Spirituality

A. The Indelible Role of Spirituality in Human Existence

B. Crafting Your Spiritual Tapestry

Sources and further study:

Audiovisual introduction narrated by Brent W. Truitt

Article Introduction:

Definition of Spirituality in modern times

In modern times spirituality transcends the boundaries of religious practices and affiliations.

Arguably, up until the 1960s words such as “spirituality”, and terms such as “spiritual beliefs”, and “spiritual practices” were owned by organized religion.

I realize the word “owned” may seem extreme, but it gets across how strongly leaders of organized religions felt about how religious people were allowed to enter the spiritual dimension.

As of this writing, heading into the second quarter of the 21st century, it’s widely accepted that “being spiritual” isn’t just for Christian, Muslim, Jewish, or Buddhist organizations. New generations all over the globe are now accessing their spiritual selves. Through books, videos, podcasts, and good old fashion conversations.

Of course, the major religions aren’t going anywhere soon. Although their numbers have decreased, they have billions of followers still very much entrenched in their traditions, practices, and beliefs.

Interpretations of spirituality are varied and personal, influenced by individual beliefs and life experiences. Different people have different beliefs and do completely different things in their everyday lives, yet they may take part in a common spiritual practice. For some, spirituality signifies a direct bond with a higher power or divine entity (expressed through spiritual practices like meditation or prayer). Others might see spirituality as a quest for inner peace and personal growth.

Luna discovers that there is actually life after death. But nothing like she ever dreamed it would be. It's a story about death and the afterlife. It's a story about spirituality, beauty, and peace.

Narrated by Brent W. Truitt, "How do you define spiritual enlightenment?" Brent reads the introduction to this study. You can read the full article accompanying Ep 05: - How do you define spiritual enlightenment? here and you can read all articles and Q & A to learn more about spirituality here.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Enlightenment According to Buddhism

Bodhi, Kensho, and Satori

Other Buddhist Terms and Concepts

Enlightenment in Other Religions

Enlightenment According to Hinduism (Kaivalya, Moksha, and Liberation)

Enlightenment According to Jainism

Enlightenment According to Zoroastrianism

Enlightenment According to Christianity

Enlightenment According to Perennialists and Universalists

Enlightenment in Western Culture

Romanticism and Transcendentalism

Religious Experience

Western Influence on Eastern Religions

Socrates to Platonism

Notable Teachers of Enlightenment (Modern Times and Ancient Times)

Yoga: The Physical Bridge to Enlightenment

Introduction

The quest for enlightenment has been pursued in many cultures, religions, and countries.

And it’s been searched for by seekers since almost of the dawn of human language.

The term “enlightenment” has held varying connotations, capturing the essence of an individual’s journey toward understanding, awareness, and ultimate liberation.

This article delves deep into the intricacies of enlightenment from a multi-faceted perspective.

We begin this journey exploring:

1) Buddhist concepts such as Bodhi, Kensho, and Satori

2) Religions such as Hinduism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, and Christianity

3) Interpretations by Perennialists and Universalists

The exploration continues into the realm of Neo-Advaita, examining its Western interpretation and the significant teachers who shaped its philosophy.

The narrative will also cover Yoga, with its emphasis on Moksha and the benefits it brings to our modern world.

Will close up by “going West” so we can understand the Western world’s interpretations of enlightenment — from Socrates to modern day.

Join us in this enlightening journey, where we dissect, discuss, and understand “spiritual enlightenment” and its many interpretations across religions, cultures, and philosophies.