ATMA IS WHAT?

 ATMA IS WHAT?

ஆத்மா என்பது என்ன?

ATMA is a subject and to know what is Atma, we need God's grace. We see the object only  which is Body, Senses, Mind complex and take it as "I".

Atma cannot be objectified. Atma is a Subject. Atma is behind the body, mind, senses and is a witness of all actions. A movie is projected on the screen. Screen which is the back up is Atma. You remove the screen there's no movie. In the absence of ATMA there's no Life.

We see the Rope and take it to be a snake. We see our body, sense organs, mind and take it to be ourselves.  In Vedanta philosophy ( Atma) is a Subject. To know the subject is to know Vedanta.  Keep Atma Gnanam on one side.  Keep Materialism on one side.  We have to do both of them Parallel, at the same time.

"Aham Atma eva" has to be uttered putting your hand on the Chest as you do during Sandyavandanam time.  Then, you will start living consciously.

For an Agnani, ignorance is Bliss.  For a Gnani ( who knows Atma), knowledge is bliss.

In our Life, there will be situations which are confusing. You will be deluded like Arjuna.  It's a situation like:-

- To be Or not to be

- To do Or not to do will come for all.

Knowing what is 'ATMA' will help us to know that everything happening is MAYA. Then we will keep our head above the water. For getting Gnanam, we should have Chitta Suddhi.  ATMA ஞானத்தை அனுசன்தானம் பன்னனும். Atma gnanam will help us during Crisis situations. It will come as a Flash, Satori.  You will get a paradigm shift and do things with awareness and clarity.

I repeat the often repeated words here:-

- Life is a Blessing for a Sanyasi (Gnani)  - Life is a Curse for a Samsari

- Up's and Down's are a part of Life

- Always keep Smiling is an Art of Life.

Be blissful.

S.Sekar - On a Spiritual path

Cat has nine lives but I have only one Email: sekrajc@yahoo.com

Blogsite: ssekar.blogspot.com

BHAGAVAD GITA SIMPLIFIED

Enjoy Reading!!!

🌟 *Kṣhetra* (the Body) and *Kṣhetrajña* (the Soul) – two powerful concepts from the *Bhagavad Gita* 📜 that remind us of the eternal nature of our soul 🕉️, distinct from the material body. Yet, the soul becomes entangled 🕸️ in the world 🌍 through the influence of the *Three Gunas* — *Sattva* (Goodness) 🌼, *Rajas* (Passion) 🔥, and *Tamas* (Ignorance) 🌑.  Understanding this distinction 🧠 and rising above ⬆️ the Gunas leads us on the path to liberation 🕊️.

Be blissful.

S.Sekar - On a spiritual path

Cat has nine lives but I have only one Email: sekrajc@yahoo.com 

Blogsite: ssekar.blogspot.com

UNDERSTAND THE TRUTH AND FOLLOW

 

In the 10th Chapter of Bhagavad Gita, Krishna spoke to Arjuna in 35 verses. Krishna was talking about the various manifestations of the truth (the reality).In our journey of life, we experience the same truth (God principle) as is explained analytically in the 10th Chapter. 

 

Any spiritual seeker constantly seeks inputs from all sources until he discovers a path to transform himself. Similarly, you will have to explore and identify a path by which you can transform yourself. In this process, it is important to remember that only you can lift yourself. Only you have to step up and take responsibility for your evolution and growth. In this journey of seeking transformation, you will attain knowledge from various sources; however, you should understand that knowledge alone without comprehension would not serve purpose. Therefore, comprehension of the knowledge is necessary to attain complete transformation.

 

Krishna spoke to Arjuna, a spiritual seeker and was available to give him the entire philosophy and knowledge needed for spiritual transformation. However, as previously spelt out, knowledge ‘as is’ is meaningless unless the receiver is able to comprehend and utilize it, even if the receiver is the great Arjuna himself. In undertaking this journey of transformation, a seeker must be self analyze the answer to one important question.

 

What sort of human are you?

 

The very purpose of having sessions on Bhagavad Gita is to help one, help himself. To help yourself ascertain your level of spiritual development, you can draw a graph on spiritual development of a person from 0 to 100 on x axis and the life Span on y axis, where zero denotes that a person is not at all developed and 100 denotes a fully developed person. At zero, the person’s actions can be categorized as self-centered, taking interest only in the activities of his family and himself. He is incapable of thinking beyond his own circle. This is the primary level of development is observed in almost all animals and insects. Unfortunately, most of us fall also in this category.

 

Here, the important difference we need to realize is that we are different from these other living things. It is because we are bestowed with physical and mental faculties much higher them and therefore are created to achieve a higher level development.

 

Keeping in mind that you need to progress from zero to hundred, you must start thinking beyond your circle. Let your home be the centre of your affection but not the boundary of your affection. Albeit your family’s sorrows are your sorrows, and their joy yours, these feelings must gradually but steadily spread from the inner circle (family) to everyone.

 

Do not feel content with the knowledge that you have come across but not understood or utilized. Break free from the shackles of ignorance and try to learn and implement the knowledge gained.. For example, if a businessman is interested only in his business and a homemaker only in her home, both fail to look beyond the circle drawn by them. This indicates that they are at the Zero percent (0%) development level.

 

You should realize that to get 100% development level, you have to look beyond your inner circle by stretching your boundaries. Try to apply the knowledge like Arjuna, which would help you in your spiritual growth. Once you are able to expand your circle size, and are able to treat them similar to your inner circle, your spiritual growth increases.

 

Understand how life is a wonderful opportunity and discover the meaning of life by starting to accept all as your own. Find the purpose of your life and not live through life as is. As life is filled with a lot of ups and downs, enjoy each moment and understand the reason for such fluctuations in your experiences. However, most of you are fatigued and tired by the time you reach middle age. This is because you fail to stand and smell the roses along the way. The ups get overshadowed by the downs we face. You should not let this happen.

 

This brings us to empirical knowledge on a spiritual journey. This journey of spiritual development is explained to us very eloquently in Bhajagovindam by Adi Shankara. He explains the vicious cycle of birth and death and what one needs to do in order to escape this vicious cycle.

 

In the Shloka 21 of Bhaja Govindham, the stanza

“Punarapi jananam punarapi maranam

Punarapi janani jaTarae shayanam Iha samsaarae bahudhusthaarae Krupayaaparae paahi murarae” 

denotes a cycle of birth and death a human has to undergo based on his Purva Janma Vasanas (inherited predispositions) and the law of karma (sum of a person's actions in this and previous states of existence). Till we attain the 100% level of spiritual development we will all undergo this vicious cycle of birth and death. Although, there is no set time when one can decisively tell when one can escape this cycle of rebirths, it is very well elucidated in the following shloka, what steps one needs to take in order to progress fast and forge in that journey towards the 100% level of development.

 

The whole shloka focuses on intellectual bondage. It urges you to pose important questions by ourselves and find the answers to the same by yourself. However, when you fail to pose these questions or find answers, our ignorance in these matters boomerang on you and cause sorrow, you in turn blame the other person or the environment or even God! This shloka calls on you to maintain a dispossess viewpoint towards our possessions even during your ownership over them. It is important to understand that attachments need to go, but not objects of attachment. The problem is with your attitude and not the objects. Detachment is the removal of selfishness, demands and expectations However, maintaining this spirit of detachment in our relationships or over our possessions is what is difficult. Today you put in a lot of effort to acquire things or maintain relationships but your possessiveness towards them makes you agitated, bitter and irritated. To overcome this, you must analyze all the things you feel attached to, then remove the possessiveness but retain the possessions, only then will you enjoy the fruits of your labor.  

 

Conclusion:

 

In this process of spiritual development, it is important to understand that actions based on superstitions and beliefs would not provide solutions your problems. There is no other way to come out of or mitigate your problems except by finding the truth (posing the right questions and finding answers for them). You may feel unhappy, agitated, and devastated in your journey of finding the truth.

 

Understand that the ultimate abode of all you experience in the world is the truth. Everything is happening in the universe as governed by that truth viz., the law of gravity, water boiling at a particular temperature, water freezing at a specific temperature; there is a law governing all this, which is the ‘ultimate truth’. In Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna says to Krishna, "Reality is that truth that I am seeing". Everything is happening because of cause and effect. If you wish to lead a life where you are spiritually developed, start acting now. You are the maker of your fortune. Whatever you do today will have an effect on tomorrow. Even the smallest of steps you take to find the truth would result in giant leaps of your spiritual development.          

 

It is crucial for you to reflect over this truth right here and right now. You have to understand that time is of essence here. Do not waste your precious time on pursuing only material ends. Go find the truth and spread the knowledge about the process.

Be Blissful.

S.Sekar

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com

Self-Knowledge is the beginning of Wisdom

Without Self-Enquiry (atma Vichara) Self-Knowledge is not possible.

Without Self-Knowledge liberation or Moksha will not happen.

If we know how to see with clarity of mind then we will know the Path

If we tread our path sincerely we will continue our spiritual journey

If we continue our journey we can see the door opening for us

If the door opens we can see the truth (tathvam)

If we see and understand the truth of Jiva, Jagat and Eswara we can have peace of mind and enjoy our life’s journey. Our sorrows and pain will disappear.

On the disappearance of our Samsara problem when we are free from stress, we can live peacefully with a balanced mind with equanimity and with a sense of fulfillment.

For all the above to happen, let us read and understand each and every line of BHAGAVAD GITA and follow the principles exactly as outlined by lord Krishna.

Be blissful.

S.SEKAR

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com

 

HINDUISM

 

Freedom is the essence of Hinduism, all inclusive. That is why it has withstood the test of time in spite of repeated onslaught both from within (Bharat) and outside, and assimilated every good aspect from everything.

 

That is why Hinduism is eternal!!!

 

There is a saying in Rig Veda , the first book ever known to mankind which depicts the Hinduism philosophy in a Nutshell – “Aano bhadraha Krathavo Yanthu Vishwathaha” – Let the knowledge come to us from all directions.

 

What is so special about being a Hindu?

“Sarve Jana Sukino Bhavanthu” May all people in the Universe Live Happily.

 

Be blissful.

 

S.Sekar

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com

09-07-2024

Ramana Maharishi

According to Ramana Maharshi, “When one persistently enquires into the nature of the mind, the mind will end leaving the Self. What is referred to as the Self is the Atman. When other thoughts arise, one should not pursue them, but should inquire: ‘To whom do they arise?’ It does not matter how many thoughts arise. As each thought arises, one should inquire with diligence, ‘To whom has this thought arisen?’ The answer that would emerge would be ‘To me. ’ Thereupon if one asks ‘Who am I?’ the mind will go back to its source; and the thought that arose will become quiescent. With repeated practice in this manner, the mind will develop the skill to stay in its source. ”

Be blissful.

S. Sekar 

Contac: sekrajc@yahoo.com

 

METHOD OF ATTAINING GOD!

What are the various steps in journey to God that every single devotee undergoes?

First practise the attitude: “I am Yours.” Let the wave discover and acknowledge that it belongs to the sea. This step is not easy; the wave takes a long time to recognise the vast sea beneath that gives it its existence.

The second step is: 

“I am Yours; You are My Master. I am Your servant.” This mental attitude will tame the ego, and make every activity worthwhile.

The next step is:

“You are mine.” Here the wave demands the support of the sea as its right. The Lord has to take the responsibility of guarding and guiding the individual.

The next stage is:

“You are I; I am but the image, and You are the Reality. I have no separate individuality; there is no duality.”

Offer your virtues as flowers to the Lord; virtues that spread beauty and fragrance.

Be blissful.

S. Sekar - On a spiritual path

Cat has nine lives but I have only one

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com

WHAT IS THE GOAL OF LIFE'S JOURNEY?

What is the goal of this journey of life and what should we do to stay on course ?

Bhagavan lovingly reminds us today!

Our journey is from the individual to the Universal, from 'Swa' (mine) to 'So-ham' (oneness with God). 

The effulgent Sun can be seen only with its own light.

Similarly, only by the grace of the Divine can one obtain a vision of the Divine.

No skill, intellectual effort or scholarship is required to experience the Divine.

Just as clouds may obscure the Sun, the clouds of egoism, attachment and hatred prevent one from seeing the Divine.

Sadhana (spiritual discipline) is the royal road to reach the Divine. Those who have equal-mindedness see the good and bad qualities impartially.

When your heart is filled with good thoughts and feelings, all that comes out of the senses your speech, your vision, your action - will all be pure. 

Be blissful. 

S.Sekar (From Collections)

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com

HELP YOURSELF , IMPROVE YOURSELF

What is the great opportunity we have today and what should we do to leverage it?

Bhagwan lovingly pulls us upward and onward today.

In the Treta age, Vanaras (monkeys) were made to act and talk like naras (humans).

In the Dwapara age, nara (human) was transformed into Narayana (God) by the grace of Narayana.

In the Kali age (the era we are in now), the declaration is made that the nara is Narayana Himself! The space in the pot and the space in the monastery are identical with the vast space in the sky; only the disguises of the pot and monastery keep up the illusion of separateness.

The senses are the villains; they instill the delusion that you are the body. Curb them as the bull is curbed by the nose ring, the horse by the bit in the mouth, and the elephant by the goad. 

First Self, then help. Improve yourself, teach yourself, reconstruct yourself.

Then proceed to solve the problems of others.

This reconstruction is quite easy, provided you inquire calmly into your own personality - “Am I the body or the senses or the mind or the intellect,” and so on.

The spiritual path is the path of detachment, of sense control, and of rigorous mind training.

Know this, Understand this Truth and get enlightened.

Be blissful.

S. Sekar — On a spiritual path

Cat has nine lives but I have only one

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com

UPANISHADS

The term "upa (near) -ni (down) -shada (sit)" means "to sit by the side".

The knowledge that was imparted by the teacher by keeping the student Closely by his side,

is dealt with in the Upanishads. This implies that the subject

that is taught is of the nature of a secret personal advice that could be

imparted only to the "eligible" (adhikaari), who is conditioned to absorb

the teaching! It also means, "that knowledge that makes one reach near Brahman"

similar to the term "upanayana" (leading to the Paramaatman). The upanishads

give the spiritual vision and philosophical arguments and contain the ultimate

message and purpose of the Vedas. They are known as "vedanta". The term

"anta" means "end". Upanishads are the "end" of the Vedas in two senses:

1. Physical location of the Upanishads in the scriptures - first Samhita,

then Braahmana, followed by Aaranyaka, at the concluding portion of which is

the upanishads;

2. The ultimate goal or aim of the Vedas is contained in the Upanishads

beyond which there is nothing more to go further!

 

Upanishads expound the direct method of realization through jnaana maarga

(the path of knowledge), the abhedha (non-duality) of the Supreme Being and

the Jiva. Even though Upanishads contain information about rituals (yajnas),

worship of deities etc., the focus is on the philosophical analysis and deals

with a state of free mind with all its attachments (bondage) removed.

The karma kaanda portion of the scriptures conditions the mind to develop an

internal discipline at the summit of which experience, analysis of the

non-duality of the Jiva (soul) and Brahman becomes clearer! At this stage

(of removal from all physical bondage), one gets initiated to the "mahaa vaakhyas"

(the great sayings)! lf one meditates intensely on these, scholars say, that the

non-duality could be actually experienced.

Four mahaa vaakhyas are considered

most important and are contained in four upanishads. They are:

1. prajnaanam brahma - the actual experience alone is Brahman - Aitereya Upanishad : Rig Veda.

2. aham brhamaasmi - I am Brahman - Brihadaaranyaka Upanishad: Sukla Yajur Veda.

The fourth chapter of Taittiriya Upanishad of Krishna Yajur Veda has a slightly different

mahaa vaakya - ahamasmi brahmaahamasmi

3. tat tvam asi - that you are - Chaandogya Upanishad: Saama Veda.

4. ayamaatmaa brahma - the Atman (soul) is Brahman - Maandukya Upanishad : Atharva Veda.

 

As one would understand, these are instructions which can be given only to 

a spiritual aspirant who is highly qualified (adhikaari ) to receive them,

and so are treated like a rahasya (secret) !

 

There are several upanishads (over two hundreds!) and Sri Adi Sankara chose

to write commentaries (bhaashya) upon ten of them known as dasopanishads.

Sri Ramanuja and Sri Madhva also wrote commentaries on the same ten upanishads.

Whereas Adi Sankara highlighted the non-dual (advaita) philosophy propounded

in them Sri Ramanuja emphasized visishta-advaita (qualified non-dual) and

Sri Madhva, the dvaita (dual) philosophies. 

The ten upanishads are given in the sloka:

Isha Kena KaTha Prashna muNDa mANDUkya taittirI .

aitareyaMcha chhaandogyaM BR^ihadaaraNyaka dashaa ..

 

They are Isha, Kena, Katha, Prashna, Munda, Mandukya, TaittirIya, Aitareya,

Chandogya, Brihadaranyaka Upanishads. Adi Sankara's commentary is written

in the same order as above.

Be Blissful.

S.SEKAR

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com

Date: 04-01-2024