Question: I am a married man with 2 children and I am 37 years of age. My queries are with reference to the 7 planes of the mind, discussed at several places in “The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna”. (For example, it is described in Chapter 6, The Master with the Brahmo devotees (I), October 28, 1882). Here, Sri Ramakrishna says that the 4th plane is located at the heart and when the mind dwells there, one has the first glimpse of spiritual consciousness. One sees light all around. Such a man, perceiving the divine light, becomes speechless with wonder and says: ‘Ah! What is this? What is this?’ His mind does not go downward to the objects of the world. How to make the mind go to the 4th plane? Is an intiation by one whose mind has already reached the 4th (or higher) plane necessary to reach the 4th plane of the mind? I do practice of Suryanamaskaar, Pranayama and prayer in the morning. When I pray, I ask God that I may remember Him all the time. I also do Japa of Sri Rama mentally or chanting softly (whenever He makes me remember), while at work or home or going from home to work and back. Is this the way to get a glimpse of spiritual consciousness?
Answer: I am happy to note your interest in spiritual matters. I wish that you continue the spiritual practice which you are already practising. The path of Raja Yoga mentioned in the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, is a different path and you need a Guru to guide you and also that will be a full time job, which means you have to dedicate your whole life for that purpose. But, the same result can be attained by constantly praying to the Lord and leading a pure life