VEDANTIC MEDITATION

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 4^th 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

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