Upside Down Spirituality

From whatever understanding I have:

I think most people have an upside down understanding of spirituality. They believe 90% of the journey is Sadhana or Spiritual Practices and 10% Character Development.

I feel its exactly the opposite: 90% of the work to be done is Character Development. Constant awareness of the mind and one's intentions behind one's words and actions. Are you speaking and acting with an intention of wanting the best for everyone? Or are you exploiting and manipulating others? Whatever you are saying or doing to others : would you be OK if others acted the same way with you? Is your conscience clear at all times? Or are you living with knots within? You have to be absolutely crystal clear and innocent within to make any progress whatsoever on the spiritual path. And this requires a constant awareness of the mind and one's intentions behind one's words and actions. The remaining 10% of the work is Sadhana. Meditate. Go deep within. [Also see note at end of post.]

But unless you work on the first 90%, even this won't happen. Your innermost essence is innocence, and unless you commit to being innocent and guile free first, there is just no way your meditations will go deep. No matter how many books you read, how many spiritual practices you learn and practice. A commitment to develop and perfect one's character comes first. Then anything else :).

Likewise for going to temples and praying to God. If you believe in God, you have to accept first and foremost that God is neither here to play favourites nor interested in your gifts. This entire creation belongs to God. All are equal in God's eyes. The only and only way anyone is ever going to merit God's grace is by committing to align with divine values first. Which are what? Love, sincerity, compassion, innocence...

It's the same point no matter from which direction you look at it : A commitment to develop and perfect one's character comes first. Then anything else :).

[Note: Innocence is of course different from being naive and gullible and letting others take advantage of you :). That's not what I mean. Keep your guard up by all means and don't let anyone exploit or take advantage of you. But at the same time, you have to have the same commitment from your side at all times.]