________________
(i)
Reading includes studying the scriptures individually or in a group, with a view to enhance the horizon of our spiritual learning.
Questioning is meant for clearing concepts as well as to reinforce our faith in the knowledge acquired.
(iii)
Reflection includes contemplation regarding the nature of basic elements of universe with a view to enhance dispassion.
(iv)
Recitation includes clearly pronouncing the scriptural texts with a view to enhance our devotion for the Divinity.
Preaching is a practice to narrate the acquired knowledge before the audience for the benefits of all concerned.
With the systematic, well guided and patient practice of the above forms of scriptural studies under an enlightened preceptor, the right knowledge grows profusely, faith increases in divine sermons, and one becomes firmly established on the path to spiritual progress.
III. Virtuosity (Spiritual Growth)
A sound footing of a truly spiritual life is not possible without a fair degree of virtuosity. Just as a tall building requires a firm foundation and admission to the medical school requires a high ranking, so also optimum virtuosity bestows upon us the required worthiness for advanced spiritual growth.
Even though we know that certain virtues like selflessness and humility do develop in the life of aspirant with the above practices, acquisition of a still higher degree of virtuosity is required for the dawning of true spiritual wisdom. With a view to achieve this, a dual synergistic combination of negation as well as affirmation with appropriate "Don'ts" and "Do's" is implemented as described below.
One has to make a firm resolve to eradicate anger, greed, arrogance, deceit, passion, envy, slander, and so forth with a concurrent effort to develop such virtues as forgiveness, contentment, straightforwardness, dispassion, patience etc. One of the easier ways to develop such affirmative virtues is to undertake an intensive practice of each virtue in turn for a specific period of time and to maintain a regular record of one's day to day activities in the form of a spiritual diary. Such record will reflect immediately any flaws which may creep in the aspirant's life and are remedied accordingly.
ecific pintures is on, patien
Depending upon the age, stage, inclination and enthusiasm of the aspirant, an exhaustive, scientific and subtle program of advanced virtue promotion and
