The concept of ascending to a higher spiritual plane, ultimately reaching union with the divine, is central to Hindu philosophy. This journey is often conceptualized as a series of progressive steps or stages, much like climbing a ladder. These steps represent practices, disciplines, and states of awareness that facilitate spiritual growth. For example, engaging in selfless service (Seva), practicing meditation (Dhyana), studying sacred texts (Shastra), and cultivating ethical conduct (Dharma) can be seen as rungs on this figurative ladder.
The significance of this spiritual ascent lies in its potential for liberation (Moksha) from the cycle of birth and death (Samsara). Successfully navigating these steps allows individuals to purify their minds, diminish their ego, and realize their true nature as being one with Brahman, the ultimate reality. Historically, various schools of Hindu thought, such as Yoga, Vedanta, and Bhakti, offer different pathways and practices that serve as the means for this spiritual progression.