The Inner Pilgrimage: Traveling Without Moving

JKYog Team -
Samarpan December 2025 - The Inner Pilgrimage: Traveling Without Moving

From the Editor’s Desk

As another year comes to an end, life gently invites us to pause — not to look outward at the miles we have traveled, but inward at the distance yet to be crossed within. The path of true progress is not marked by the airline miles accrued, but by the quiet transformation of the heart.

In this issue of JKYog’s E-Journal, Samarpan, we discuss the inner pilgrimage, where souls travel without moving – the spiritual journey. Utilizing the Vedic knowledge (i.e., tattva jnana) taught by Swami Mukundananda ji, we turn our gaze from external achievements to the sacred landscape of the soul — to refine our aspiration, purify our intent, and walk steadily toward the divine center within.

May this reflection inspire us to make 2026 a year of deeper sadhana, unwavering faith, and service filled with love, guided always by the light of Swamiji’s teachings.

Vedic Wisdom & Application

Theme of the Month

The Inner Pilgrimage: Traveling Without Moving

 

Reflection Questions 

  • What Is the Difference Between the External and the Internal Pilgrimage?
  • What Does It Mean to Journey Within?
  • Why is the Inner Pilgrimage so Difficult?
  • How can We Make the Inner Pilgrimage Meaningful?

Pilgrimage is an archetype that has shaped religious life across cultures: Walking to a holy place, undertaking physical austerities, seeking the grace of God, and returning as a changed person. Yet every outward pilgrimage points to an inward movement — a pilgrimage of the heart that requires no passport, no sandals, and no map but one’s own inner compass.

This “inner pilgrimage” is not lesser; it is the primary journey for those who aspire to deepen devotion, purify the mind, and live in the presence of the Divine. It is a quest to master the mind and awaken to the Self, which is itself sacred travel — a crossing from restlessness to abiding witness. As Jagadguru Shree Kripalu ji Maharaj says in the Radha Govind Geet:

चारों धाम काहे करे, गोविंद राधे, तेरा हरि तेरे उर बैठा है बता दे?

Chaaron dhaam kaahe kare, Govind Radhe, tera Hari tere ur baitha hai bata de?

Why do you visit the four pilgrimage places when your Hari (God) resides within your own heart?

The central message of this bhajan is that there is no need for external pilgrimages or rituals to find God; the divine resides within every individual, in their own heart. True devotion and peace are found by searching within oneself.

What Is the Difference Between the External and the Internal Pilgrimage?

Outer pilgrimages orient us toward sacred geography — temples, shrines, rivers. Their images and rituals awaken devotion and give the pilgrim a shared vocabulary of faith. But without internal transformation, an external pilgrimage is just tourism.

The inner pilgrimage reverses the priority: the sacred geography is not on the map but in the heart, mind, and awareness. Our Vedic scriptures and the bhakti philosophy repeatedly insist that the inner shrine — the steady mind, pure intention, and remembrance of God — is what makes any outward ritual fruitful.

Swamiji emphasizes that spiritual practices are meant to cultivate interior states, i.e., steady faith, right understanding, and a will aligned with the Divine. This is so that seva or service and celebration are not merely external acts but vehicles of inner change.

An inner pilgrimage is a metaphor for a personal, internal spiritual journey of self-discovery, transformation, and a search for deeper meaning or connection with the Divine. Unlike a physical pilgrimage to a sacred site, which involves external travel, the inner pilgrimage is a movement within one's own consciousness. 

“The unlimited bliss we are looking for is in God. And He is seated within us. Hence, we do not need to physically go to any place to reach happiness. We only need to go within ourselves.”

~ Swami Mukundananda

An Inner Pilgrimage Leads to the Transformation of the Soul

What Does It Mean to Journey Within?

An inner pilgrimage represents a spiritual and emotional journey of self-discovery, transformation, and growth that can happen without physically traveling to a sacred place. It involves practices like prayer, meditation, and self-reflection, and is often undertaken at a life crossroads to seek deeper meaning, find answers to profound questions, or achieve spiritual renewal. It represents:

  • Spiritual transformation: It focuses on the journey of the soul, seeking purification, enlightenment, and a closer connection to a higher power and one's inner self.
  • Letting go of the past: The journey involves discarding "extra baggage" and old, detrimental habits to make way for new insights and enlightening experiences.
  • Facing internal obstacles: During this process, individuals confront personal challenges like anger, fear, and other emotional or psychological barriers. By recognizing these as toxic and harmful, souls strive to break free of these afflictions.
  • Seeking meaning: It is a quest for a deeper understanding and a response to the feeling that something is missing in life. It is a call to understand the three critical foundational questions for an inner quest: Who is God (i.e., Mahatmaya jnana)? What is my relationship with Him (i.e., Sambandh jnana)? And how do I serve God (i.e., Seva jnana)?  
  • Internalizing external rituals: Even physical pilgrimages involve an inner journey of self-reflection, repentance, and gratitude that goes beyond the physical act. Pilgrims often vow to lead a simple life, forgo luxuries, or conquer a mental affliction.
The Sacred Inner Pilgrimage

Key elements that represent an inner pilgrimage include:

  • Intention and Purpose. The inner journey is a deliberate, intentional commitment to personal growth, not just a casual experience. It often begins when a person is at a crossroads in life, seeking a new direction, clarity, or answers to profound questions (noted above).
  • A Shift in Attention. It involves an abiding shift of attention from the external world and everyday distractions to one's inner self or the deep heart. This can be achieved through practices like prayer, meditation, contemplation, or mindfulness.
  • Self-Knowledge and Awareness. A central goal is gaining self-knowledge and a deeper understanding of one's true nature or the true self. It is a process of peeling back layers of conditioning and false identities to reveal the core of our true identity.
  • Transformation and Growth. It is the process of personal conversion and transformation, often involving facing challenges and difficulties that serve as sacred teachers to reveal inner strength. The pilgrim returns, or lives daily, as a changed person, integrating insights into one’s life.
  • Encounter with the Sacred. It represents a quest for an encounter with the divine, God/Guru, or the Absolute Truth, which is perceived as being within, rather than just in external holy places.
  • The Journey as the Goal. The value lies in the process of walking the path itself with self-awareness and an open heart, rather than solely in reaching a final destination or a specific outcome. The paradox is that the destination is the direct experience of being in the present and knowing the purpose of life. 

In essence, the inner pilgrimage is a recognition that our body is the temple of God and we are the seekers. The path, the destination, and true fulfillment come from a deep, continuous connection with one’s inner self.

Why is the Inner Pilgrimage so Difficult?

The inner pilgrimage is difficult primarily because it requires directly confronting the ego, ingrained conditioning, unresolved emotional issues, and a general human tendency to seek comfort in the external world rather than face inner discomfort. 

  • Resistance from the Ego: The ego resists change and the process of self-annihilation, which is central to the inner pilgrimage. The ego creates a comfort zone, whereas the inner pilgrimage is unknown, making it difficult to let go of old identities and beliefs.
  • Facing Unresolved Trauma and Emotions: The journey brings to the surface repressed feelings, past traumas, and difficult emotions like anger, anxiety, and grief. Experiencing and processing this emotional turmoil is painful and draining.
  • Illusion of Self-Knowledge: Most people believe they are self-aware when they are not. Introspection is challenging because the mind can construct explanations based on biases and existing beliefs, leading to a distorted self-image rather than genuine self-knowledge.
  • The Power of External Distractions: We live in a world filled with constant external stimuli and a focus on material desires, making it very difficult to shift attention inward and maintain the necessary discipline for spiritual practice.
  • Loss of the "Old Self" and Identity Crisis: As old patterns and beliefs are shed, an individual can experience a significant identity crisis, feeling lost and disconnected from their former “comfortable” life, friends, and values. This "dark night of the soul" can be a very lonely and disorienting period if not associating with fellow travelers on the inner pilgrimage.
  • Lack of Guidance and Support: The path is deeply personal and can be isolating. Friends and family may not understand the internal shifts, and it can be difficult to find a supportive community or an experienced mentor to help navigate the subtle and complex inner terrain. Thus, associating with a true Guru is essential for success on this path.
  • Lack of Patience and Perseverance: The inner pilgrimage is a long process of continuous effort, not a quick fix. Impatience and the desire for instant gratification can lead to frustration. People give up when immediate results are not apparent.
  • Subtlety of the Path: Some traditions describe the inner path as more subtle than even the point of a needle, requiring profound concentration and a fine-tuned awareness to perceive the divine reality within, which is far removed from ordinary, sensory experience.
Obstacles to the Inner Pilgrimage

How can We Make the Inner Pilgrimage Meaningful?

We can make the spiritual journey meaningful by incorporating mindful contemplation, compassion, and consistent devotional practice into our daily lives. The key is to shift one’s attention from the external world to the inner self and align our actions with our core values and the purpose of life. 

Here are practical steps to cultivate a meaningful spiritual journey:

  • Practice Self-Reflection and Mindful Contemplation: Regularly make time for quiet reflection, meditation, or prayer to connect with the inner self and gain clarity on the path. Use a journal to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, which helps reveal thought patterns and track your personal growth over time.
  • Cultivate Gratitude and Awe: An essential practice is to regularly acknowledge and appreciate the blessings in life. Cultivate a sense of awe by observing nature, listening to music, or viewing art for a deeper connection to the wonder of life and a higher power, making daily experiences more profound.
  • Develop Compassion and Serve God/Guru: Engage in acts of kindness and service, such as volunteering at a temple or seva as assigned by one’s Guru. Focusing on things outside oneself can provide a strong sense of purpose and a deeper connection to the world around us, beyond ourselves.
  • Build Strong Relationships and Community: Find a supportive community of like-minded individuals, whether in a spiritual group, a meditation circle, or a book club. Sharing our journey with others helps us feel a sense of belonging and provides valuable support and different perspectives.
  • Live Authentically and Intentionally: Embrace your true self and align your actions with your inner truth and values, rather than societal expectations. Set daily intentions to guide one’s behavior and make conscious choices that support our spiritual goals, which helps us take control of our life's direction.
  • Embrace Challenges as Opportunities for Growth: View difficulties and challenges as sacred teachers that can reveal inner strength and facilitate growth. The spiritual path is not without problems; how we respond to these hurdles and learn from them is part of the process of transformation.
  • Incorporate Mind-Body Practices: Engage in physical activities like yoga and pranayam, and Roop Dhyan meditation, which combine physical movement with mindful breathing and deep visualization to attach the mind to the divine realm.
  • Study and Learn Continuously: Read sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita or spiritual books (see inspirational books by Swamiji) or listen to insightful videos or podcasts to gain knowledge and a broader perspective on spiritual questions. This intellectual exploration can complement your practical experiences.
Make the Inner Pilgrimage Meaningful and Successful

Call to Action — Begin 2026 with Inner Resolve

As the year draws to a close, the invitation of this inner pilgrimage is to set new goals not just for external success, but for inner progress. Let the coming year be one of conscious practice — daily remembrance, regular reflection, and joyful service, under the able guidance of our Guru, Shree Swami Mukundananda ji.

Join hands with the JKYog community in 2026 to deepen your sadhana through structured programs, Bhagavad Gita study via online classes, and Satsang with Swamiji. Let each month be a step in your inner journey — traveling without moving, yet arriving ever closer to the Divine within.

Tools for Your Personal Growth

Here is a practical tool you can use to navigate the inner pilgrimage. Part 1 offers a simple yet powerful self-guidance framework called the PILGRIM Compass, whereas Part 2 provides a practical strategy to make this inner journey work. A downloadable tracking sheet is available for you to use.

Tool_The Inner Pilgrimage
Tool_The Inner Pilgrimage.pdf
4 MB
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If you wish to speak with anyone about this topic or your practice, please contact us at samarpanteam1119@gmail.com, and give us time to respond. Thank you.

Gems of Wisdom from Swamiji

Here are a few YouTube video titles with related links and books where Swamiji has described the inner pilgrimage to self-discovery.

Hold Your Breath! Check out Upcoming Events

We are very excited to share an inspirational event with you!   

JKYog’s Bhagavad Gita Jayanti

The Bhagavad Gita’s timeless teachings inspire millions around the world to lead a life of action rooted in devotion and surrender to God. The Bhagavad Gita Jayanti marks the day when Shree Krishna imparted this divine knowledge to Arjun on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. This day glorifies the divine wisdom that Shree Krishna so generously shared with seekers of the Truth. It is a special time to realign our lives with the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and to share this gift of knowledge with our loved ones and the community.

We warmly invite you to participate in Bhagavad Gita Jayanti celebrations at one of our Temples in the United States. 

Bhagavad Gita Jayanti at the Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas (November 30th to December 7th)

The week-long celebration will include a variety of activities for all ages:

  • Bhagavad Gita Kids Workshop: Sunday, November 30, 5:00 to 7:00 PM 
  • Bhagavad Gita Recitation and Kirtan: Monday, December 1, 7:00 to 8:00 PM (Live Broadcast)
  • Satyanarayan Katha (BG Jayanti Special): Thursday, December 4, 6:00 to 8:00 PM 
  • Bhagavad Gita Kids Chanting: Friday, December 5, 6:30 PM 
  • Online Interactive Session: Saturday, December 6, 10:00 AM (Live Broadcast)
  • Bhagavad Gita Kids Show: Saturday, December 6, 5:00 to 6:00 PM 
  • Pothi Yatra and Pothi Pooja: Saturday, December 6, 6:00 to 7:30 PM 
  • Bhagavad Gita Parayan & Poornahuti: Sunday, December 7, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM (Live Broadcast)

For registration and details, please visit: https://www.radhakrishnatemple.net/gita-jayanti/

Bhagavad Gita Jayanti at the Radha Krishna Temple, North Carolina (December 1st to 7th)

Join the special week-long Bhagavad Gita Mahotsavam with daily chanting, discourses, and reflections on the teachings. Other highlights include:

  • Bhagavad Gita Poojan and Aarti
  • Recitation and translation of all 700 verses
  • Special workshops based on the practical wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita
  • Kirtans, Abhishek
  • Complimentary prasadam every day after the program

For more details, visit: https://rktnc.com/ or contact 919-757-1902