Amara was unlike any spiritual figure Guruji had imagined. He appeared as an ordinary man dressed in modern clothes, yet his wisdom and spiritual knowledge were vast. Amara taught Guruji meditation and introduced him to the world of astral travel and the higher dimensions of existence.
One of Guruji’s first lessons from Amara was that physical reality is only a tiny part of the larger cosmic existence.
A central theme of Doorways to Light is the guidance the Rishis provide, ancient sages who exist in higher planes.
Above the material planes are realms where beings of light exist, which work under the guidance of cosmic forces such as Brahma, Vishnu, and Devi.
The Rishis occupy one of the higher planes, and their role is to guide souls through spiritual evolution. Humans, on the other hand, exist in a plane where both spiritual and non-spiritual forces are equally present, and it is through spiritual practices like meditation and self-purification, they can ascend to higher planes.
1. What are the key truths discussed in Doorways to Light?
- Answer: The key truths include the idea that life exists beyond physical death, that there are other dimensions where beings more advanced than humans live, and that Rishis (ancient sages) play a vital role in guiding humanity. The book emphasizes that spiritual growth continues across lifetimes, and it is possible to connect with higher beings through meditation and astral travel(Doorways to Light).
2. How did Guruji Krishnananda come to write Doorways to Light?
- Answer: Guruji Krishnananda had long intended to write about his experiences with his Guru, Amara, and the Rishis. However, it wasn’t until he sensed that his life was nearing its end that he finally decided to pen down his thoughts and experiences. He faced challenges in deciding what to include due to the complexity of the spiritual topics. Still, ultimately, he focused on sharing the knowledge he had gained over the years(Doorways to Light).
3. Who is Amara, and how did Guruji meet him?
- Answer: Guruji met Amara in 1977 in Bangalore. Unlike traditional mystics, Amara appeared as an average, well-dressed man but possessed deep spiritual knowledge and power. Through Amara, Guruji was introduced to meditation, astral travel, and communication with the Rishis. This meeting began Guruji’s spiritual transformation(Doorways to Light).
4. What is the role of the Rishis, and how do they influence the spiritual journey?
- Answer: The Rishis are highly evolved spiritual beings in higher consciousness planes. They guide and assist humanity in its spiritual evolution. According to the book, the Rishis taught humanity meditation thousands of years ago and continue to assist in both physical and heavenly realms. They meditate with individuals and offer spiritual guidance through direct astral contact(Doorways to Light)(Doorways to Light).
5. How does meditation help in spiritual growth?
- Answer: Meditation, according to Guruji, silences the mind, body, and intellect. It allows for inner cleansing and prepares individuals for higher spiritual experiences. Through meditation, one can connect with the source of all knowledge and attain enlightenment. It is a journey of consciousness that eventually leads to spiritual transformation and freedom from the cycle of birth and death(Doorways to Light)(Doorways to Light).
6. What is astral travel, and how did Guruji experience it?
- Answer: Guruji first experienced astral travel after being guided by Amara. His journeys took him beyond Earth to other realms, where he met advanced beings, including the Rishis. He witnessed incredible sights like the cities of light under the ocean and Lord Suryanarayana in the Sun(Doorways to Light)(Doorways to Light).
7. How do the higher beings like the Rishis interact with humans?
- Answer: The Rishis interact with humans primarily through celestial means. They initiate individuals into spiritual practices, guide them in their spiritual journey, and help with humanity’s evolution. Often, these interactions happen during meditation or astral travel when the Rishis bestow spiritual knowledge and energy upon the individuals(Doorways to Light)(Doorways to Light).
8. What are the spiritual planes, and how are they structured?
- Answer: The spiritual planes are different levels of existence that range from the material world to the divine realms. The book describes these planes as being arranged in layers, with the Material Cosmos at the bottom and higher divine planes above it. The highest plane is that of pure Consciousness or God. Each plane contains beings and energies appropriate to that level of spiritual evolution, with humans living on the Earthly plane. In contrast, more advanced beings exist on higher planes(Doorways to Light)(Doorways to Light).
9. What is the significance of the Astral body in spiritual evolution?
- Answer: The astral body is the vehicle for consciousness. Individuals experience other dimensions.
10. How does Guruji explain death and the afterlife?
- Answer: Guruji explains that death is not the end but a transition from the physical to the astral body. After death, souls move to higher planes to continue their spiritual journey. Guides from these planes assist souls in understanding their next steps, whether reincarnation or continuing their evolution in the higher planes.
The Purpose of Human Life
Doorways to Light repeatedly stresses that the purpose of human life is spiritual growth.
This transition, also known as Pralaya, is a time of transformation, where humanity is being prepared for a new age of spiritual enlightenment.
