Experiencing Personal Spiritual Growth by Using the Philosophy of Rene Descartes

Spiritual growth and enlightenment can be achieved in many ways. One person can reach it by conducting a series of holy land tours, while another may simply open a book and gain enlightenment by reading a single sentence. Delving into the self and peeling layers of false beliefs are key elements in experiencing personal spiritual growth. Using the philosophy of Rene Descartes is a great way to ‘awaken’ the dormant spiritual forces within us. Rene Descartes and Christianity Before we begin to discuss how Descartes’ philosophy can help personal spiritual growth, it is vital to understand that Rene Descartes was a devout Christian. Many of his philosophical writings are inner explorations intended to prove the existence of god in rational ways. Much of Descartes’ teachings are about doubt. Doubt is an important element of spiritual growth, as without it one cannot reach truths other than the obvious and the superficial. The Cogito as the First Stage of Personal Growth Most people know only the famous conclusion of Descartes’ long argument in the Discourse on Method “I think, therefore I am”, or the cogito, as it called in Latin. Behind this statement, which is now so cliched it lost most of its power, lies a great opportunity for learning. Descartes poses the question that is the first stage of any thinking individual’s quest for self spiritual advancement: what is real and how can I know that anything is real? Doubt as a Spiritual Tool Descartes assumes that nothing is real. When we are dreaming, our dream seems as real to us as real life. Perhaps we are dreaming right now and everything around us is a lie. Our loved ones, our cities, our achievements may all be a passing illusion. From the depths of doubt Descartes’ comes up with a triumph that is the first building block of spiritual advancement: even if everything else is an illusion, the existence of the doubter cannot be denied. Descartes is not talking about the physical existence of the doubter, but about his spiritual existence. The body may also be an illusion, but not the mind that is asking the questions. rnSimple Truths and Spiritual Advancement It is incredible how such a simple truth, so difficult to be reached, can transform a person’s life. In a single sentence the existence of the spirit is proven. Through doubt the greatest of confidence can be reached. Knowing you are real, spiritually real, can become the first stage of experiencing a wondrous personal spiritual growth process.