The study of spiritual superiority in relation to righteousness, ego power, and self-realization

INTRODUCTION sa evāyaḿ mayā te 'dya yogaḥ proktaḥ purātanaḥ bhakto 'si me sakhā ceti rahasyaḿ hy etad uttamam That very ancient science of the relationship with the Supreme is today told by Me to you because you are My devotee as well as My friend and can therefore understand the transcendental mystery of this science (Lord Krishna to Arjuna). (Bhagavad-gītā 4.3) Spiritual transcendence represents a motivational construct that reflects an individual's efforts to create a broad sense of personal meaning for one's life. Those high on transcendence are able to find a larger sense of meaning and purpose to life that goes beyond their immediate sense of time and place. Transcendent individuals have developed a transpersonal sense, and feel an attachment to nature and communities. This transcendental element that is fundamental is the feeling that there is a spiritual reality that appears to be beyond the conscious self with whom the individual can have communication in one way or another. This transcendent perspective is one in which a person sees a fundamental unity underlying the diverse striving of nature, and finds a bonding with others that cannot be severed, not even by death. On this broader, more holistic and inter-connected perspective, an individual recognizes a synchronicity to life, and develops a sense of commitment to others (Piedmont, 1997). Although religion and spirituality are venues that certainly attract those with a strong sense of transcendence, there are other ways this motivation can find expression. Transcendence is a fundamental,