We
are discussing here the text from panchadasi. In the topic of Gnana palam, Vidyaranya points out that a Gnani will continue to experience the
world as before (before he became a Gnani). He has a physical body and mind
also. He also has prarabdha. He will have experiences brought by prarabdha
directly. Other experiences are created by the icha of a Gnani. A Gnani will
have bhoga or experiences. Bhoga
is a Sanskrit word that means “indulgence,” “enjoyment,”
“consumption,” “experience” and “sensual pleasure.” In yogic philosophy, bhoga
is a term used in several ways. Some see bhoga as the enjoyment of earthly
pleasure that prevents self-realization. Gnani’s desires are different from an
Agnani. Agnani’s desire is a binding one while Gnani’s desire is not.
In Brigadharanya Upanishad, it is said in
the state of a Gnani’s knowledge, there is no duality or plurality. Pramada, Pramanam and Prameyam
are negated in the state of a Gnani. For triputi, Pramada, Pramanam and
Prameyam have to be there. There is either no observer or the observed. Triputi negating statements are
analyzed in Bramhasutra. The
conclusion is that a Gnani will not have Triputi. It is referring to a Gnani
after he attained “Videga Mukthi”. After
attaining Videga Mukthi there is no Stula sariram, No Sukshma Sariram and No
Karana Sariram as Karana sariram is merged into Brahman. Gnanam Avasta is Nirvikalpa Avasta (no duality). In Samadhi
(total absorption in meditation) Avasta, triputi is absent. Gnana Avasta is
state of Knowledge. A Gnani has an
absent of Duality.
The equation is
Non-perception of
duality + Knowledge of Adwaida Gnanam = Aparoksha Gnanam. This combination is
in Nirvikalpa samadhi, which is a
unique state.
If mind is present
then it is Savikalpa Samadhi.
For attaining Gnanam (scriptural knowledge)
one has to do systematic study of the
scriptures under the guidance of a competent Guru who himself is well
versed in the same and has practised the same for a length of time. Benefit of
gaining knowledge is that a Gnani is free from desires. This should not be
literally taken as a Gnani will have a desire because of prarabdha karma.
Because of Vasanas different Gnani’s do different things after gaining Gnanam. A Gnani is free from binding desires. A Gnani has poornathvam if a desire is
either fulfilled or not fulfilled.
Vedantic meditation is not a thoughtless
state. We never attempt to go through a thoughtless state. We engage our mind
also during meditation. This is a state in which Vedantic thought continues effortlessly
without my will. Mind should be there for thoughts to happen. We have to come
to the thought “Aham Brahma asmi” which is required. During
Shravanam Guru and Shastra (scriptures) generates the thought “That Tvam Asi” (that you are, Atma/Brahman). Guru’s assistance is required. After
the student receives the knowledge, he does not require the assistance of a
Guru or Scriptural teachings. Nidhithyasanam
is recollecting the knowledge, which has been received/collected during
Shravanam. We don’t go to a thoughtless mindless state. Our thoughts are
undistracted by other thoughts during Nidhithyasanam.
For handling the mind,
I should practice Yogabyasa, which
is Chitta, Shutta virthihi. At this point, mind is able to obey me. Doing Astanga yoga is useful to me for mind
obedience. I have to control the mind since mind has involuntary thoughts. Guru
and Shastra upadesa is required for gaining spiritual knowledge. I have to
listen to “that tvam asi” mahavakyam from the Guru. By practicing
yoga, even an undisciplined mind can be disciplined. Capacity to withdraw the
mind at my will is a wonderful thing. Meditation is when the mind is withdrawn
from the external world. In the Sixth
chapter of Bhagavad Gita Lord Krishna talked about Yoga. Yoga is useful for
disciplining the mind and not for gaining Gnanam.
Now and then, I should
learn to withdraw from the world, withdraw from my family and mentally take
Sanyasa and live in my higher nature. I have to donate all my family members to
Bhagavan. I should involve in the world
at my will and withdraw from the world at my will. I should enter the drama at
will and go to the green room at will. A Gnani desires but not like Agnani.
Agnani desires may go along with worry, stress, tension etc. A Gnani’s desire
may not go with any of these disturbances.
If mind accepts a loss,
it is a non-binding raga (desire). Binding Kama (desire) nivirthi is the
benefit of Atma Gnanam. The 4th capsule of Vedanta says, “I am never
affected by any event that happens in the material universe or in the material
body mind sense complex. This is another benefit of Atma Gnanam.
Study of Panchadasi is generally done
after a course on Upanishads. Panchadasi is an analysis of various portions
taken from the Upanishads.
By doing Vedantic meditation
I have to receive knowledge – Should keep a good
mind
I have to retain knowledge – Have a disciplined
mind
I have to assimilate knowledge – Have a prepared
mind.
Enjoying the benefit
of knowledge requires a disciplined mind.
Be blissful.
S.SEKAR
Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com
