Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution describes the journey of living beings adapting to external factors. Spirituality, however, views evolution as rising above these influences. Human beings are the only species gifted with the ability to shape the canvas of their lives according to their will and reach the pinnacle of evolution.

The Adhyatma Upanishad, one of the 19 Upanishads from the Shukla Yajurveda, outlines the process of this evolution of consciousness. In this video, Sri Guru explains this journey, relating four well-known stages of Advaita Vedanta – Shravan, Manan, Nididhyasana, and Samadhi – with actions that modern seekers can undertake to rise from the hell of pain to the paradise of joy, love and peace.