SCRIPTURAL STUDY IS FOR WHAT REASON

All the puranas contain a message, which is fundamentally given in Vedas. Vedas are the original scriptures called Sruthi. All other scriptures are called Smrithi and derived from Vedas. Smriti is “that which has been remembered” supplementary and may change over time.

The aim for Veda Vyasa is to promote Vedic teaching through purana. Uddhava Gita is a part of Bhagavatha purana. Veda purva focuses on Dharma sastra. Veda anta focuses on Brahma sastra.

The equation is

Sat Gunani (noble thinking) + Sat Karmani (noble action) + Sat Bhavana (noble attitude) = Dharma sastra.

Being a Vaidiga, we have to follow dharma sastra. Omission of duty called Dharma will attract papam and one will forfeit being born a human. Dharma if followed will give all kinds of benefits. It is an all round well being for you. Spiritual growth is an invisible internal transformation. Desire for spiritual growth should be there within you. The very desire for gaining spiritual knowledge is due to Dharmic way of life in your previous janma. The opportunity for gaining spiritual knowledge will come to that person who follows Dharmic way of life. If you have the interest within you and the opportunity comes for you then spiritual knowledge is not far away from you. Dharma sastra gives Gnana yogyada. Brahma sastra will give Gnanam. Uddhava Gita contains both Dharma sastra and Brahma Sastra. Avadhuda Gita is inside Uddhava Gita.

Scriptural study is not for information. Scriptural study is for transformation in my thought, word and deed (action).

Quality of life depends upon what I am and not what I have. Possession does not give quality but depends up on my way of living. Our tradition considers our internal transformation as the most important.

Our janma is to exhaust our punya papam. Let us learn to endure and move on, gain self-knowledge, and transform ourselves.

Be blissful.

S.Sekar

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com

SPIRITUAL JOURNEY – THINGS TO KNOW

While travelling through our spiritual journey we should learn one important point. Scriptures talk about various disciplines for those who are entering or starting their spiritual journey. They are:

Those who have only spirituality and no other worldly things and possessions. Those who lead the life of a Sanyasi even while living in Grihasthasramam.

A spiritual beginner can pursue Artha and Kama but follow Dharmic way of life. He should do Pancha Maha Yagna; Contribution to various segments. He can earn well and contribute well. Greater the contribution greater the internal growth and greater the pleasure for him. He should continue to be exposed to scriptural teaching and attend spiritual discourse. Finally, renunciation and detachment to things and beings including family members is required. He should not be over attached to his spouse also. Detachment should gradually grow. Detachment should give ananda. It should not be suppression of attachment. Scriptures say that one should gradually go out of attachment. Our mind should grow out of attachment. It is called Vairagyam. Vairagyam is talked about in Bhagavad Gita and Uddhava Gita.

We should have the endurance to go through choiceless difficulties that we are faced with. Old age is a choiceless problem. When there are choiceless difficulties in life, we should allow them to go through because of our endurance. We should avoid impulsive solutions. Before arriving at aggressive solution, always try a peaceful solution first. Use aggressive remedy as a last resort only. If I follow these principles then I have “Kshama”.

All difficulties in life are because of our own past Karma. Our past karma work through our own family members. Even during extreme pain or difficulty, we should follow Dharma. We can follow Dharma when everything is favourable. Even in poverty, we should not violate dharma. Earth (pritivi) sustains all living beings because of endurance.

In Uddhava Gita Chapter II Avadutha in a dialogue with Yadhu Maharaja tells about the lesson learnt by him from 24 Gurus. The lessons are performing noble actions, noble values and noble attitude. Every follower of Veda or he who is a Hindu requires Dharma as a way of life. Dharma gives many benefits to humanity. The next higher level Dharma can give internal peace and happiness, which is unique, compared to gross happiness coming from the external world. Dharma can give you material well being, inner peace and joy. The 3^rd and the most important benefit is the spiritual benefit, which a spiritual seeker will enjoy. It will also give the greater benefit of Moksha. Dharma will produce a desire for scriptural study. Brigadharanyaka says Dharma will take one to a Guru and make him read Sastras. Dharma will help in deriving the benefit of spiritual knowledge. Dharma is a versatile way of life. In the 16^th Chapter of BG Dharma is called by the name ‘Deivi Sampat’ that will convert a human being into a divine being. Manushya will be converted into a Deva. The whole world will revere him, admire him and worship him. Dharma will lead a person to attain liberation. Incurable difficulties will be there in life. We should learn to endure them without losing our internal peace and joy. We should have the capacity to live in a moral way in spite of difficulties in life. It requires internal guts for a person. In and through all these difficulties the capacity to endure and contribute to the world is required for my own survival. We should pay back to the world, family, scriptures and Acharya. Taking should be compensated by giving also (paropakaraya palanthi virusha). Even if we do not have the resources to contribute Veda says still you can contribute by praying sincerely. Sarve Bhavanthu Sukinaga should be the prayer. Para upakara is required. If we offer help sincerely, it will benefit the universe.

Be blissful.

S.SEKAR

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com 

OUR LIFE - Part II

Learning can stop when breathing stops; not even a breath before.

Life is something of what happens to us and everything else of how we respond to it. Every event that we encounter in life offers infinite learning possibilities and it is up to us to discover from it, its intrinsic wisdom. If we learn from the event, it becomes an experience and our maturity expands; else, the event simply passes by meaninglessly. Even insignificant events when translated into a learning opportunity can create experiences that are very significant to our life.

Robert Bruce after six consecutive defeats learnt about resilience of seeing a spider not giving up its pursuit to spin its web. He went ahead and won the battle while fighting it for the seventh time. Einstein, Archimedes and Newton gave the world great discoveries that changed the course of human lifestyle by merely experiencing the experience of insignificant events’ yet unfolded significant discoveries.

Our maturity level is always one leg below the new events we encounter in life. If we learn and mature from them, only then we move higher to take the next challenge of life. If we just go through them by being upset, worried, tensed, scared and disturbed, then we have learned nothing from them and similar events will keep recurring until we learn the lessons they had to offer. The very purpose of any event that we encounter is to provide us with the maturity that is needed for us to take up the higher challenges of life.

Be blissful.

S.Sekar
Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com

OUR LIFE

Our life will be either an example or a warning to others. So is the life of others; either an example or a warning to us. Essentially, every human life, yours and mine and that of others, is either a lesson on how to live (example) or a lesson on how not to (Warning).

It is true that a lot can be learnt from reading books, but nothing compares to how much we can learn out of studying people. Every human life is living encyclopedia. A human life and the associated experiences are a living testimony to the otherwise theoretical understanding of life.

• Observe your father to learn discipline. 
• Observe your granny to imbibe Willpower. 
• Observe your mom to situational leadership. 
• Observe your granddad to learn delegation. 
• Observe your sibling to learn to Forgive and Forget. 
• Observe your child and learn to live in the present. 
• Observe your Guru to inherit selflessness. 
• Observe your servant to understand contentment. 
• Observe your employee and learn to go the extra mile. 
• Observe your boss to understand the power of vision.

We can learn that the “Messenger is the Message” from the life of Christ. We know “Holistic Abundance” is possible from life of Krishna. We realize “Compassion to every form of life is the way “from the life of Mahavira. We learn Faith from the life of Prophet. We learn selfless love from Radha, Bhakti from Meera, Surrender from Hanuman, Resoluteness from Mahatma Gandhi, Resilience from Lincoln, The power of dreams from Martin Luther King , Impossible is possible from Steve Jobs, the Power of ne from Mother Teresa, Humility from Dalai Lama, Altruism from Bill Gates, Persistence from Edison and so on… every human life is learning opportunity.

The key is to keep the student within us alive. The key is to be like blotting paper’ ever ready to observe and absorb. The seeker within you should keep seeking. From anybody, from anything, from any situation we can learn. For most people learning stops when schooling stops. Then, they just stagnate and vegetate. If you wish to actualize and maximize our potential, then learning is a lifelong quest.

Learning can stop when breathing stops; not even a breath before.

Wishing you most and more

Have a great day

S.Sekar

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com

GURU SHISYA PARAMPARA

Parampara (Sanskrit: paramparā) denotes a succession of teachers and disciples in traditional Vedic culture and Indian religions such as Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism. It is also known as guru–shishya tradition ("teaching from guru to disciple").

The teaching is given in the form of a dialogue (Samvadey) between a Guru and a sishya. Spiritual knowledge requires our effort and the guidance of an acharya and cannot be gained independently. Spiritual knowledge is a systematic education programme where doubts are cleared by way of dialogue. 

Vedanta is the essence of the scriptures. Vedanta enunciates the eternal principles of life and living. In Upanishads, we see these principles by way of a dialogue between the Guru and the student where the Guru talks about the unknown god to the student. Upanishads contain the philosophy of Vedanta. Veda means knowledge and anta means end. Thus, Vedanta means end of knowledge. It will take you to the ultimate of self-realization or god realization. Upanishads talk about your life and the very purpose of your life.

The first chapter of Uddhava Gita is preparing the ground for the Udhhava Gita teaching to take place, which will start from the second chapter of the text. In the 1^st chapter, the developments are presented in which Uddhava a relative and devotee of lord Krishna is going to Krishna and surrenders to him. Uddhva the lord becomes Uddhava the disciple. Krishna becomes Guru the teacher. Always the teaching is between a Guru and a Sishya. In no other relationship teaching can take place. It will not be an education otherwise. 

In Guru – Sishya relationship, one should become a disciple, show the reverential attitude in the form of Bhakti and Shravanam, and imbibe the teaching in a consistent and a systematic manner. In Bhagavad Gita, teaching takes place between Krishna and Arjuna in 18 Chapters. In Uddhava Gita, the systematic teaching takes place between Krishna and Uddhva in 24 chapters. Therefore, consistent and systematic teaching is required by way of involvement on the part of Guru and learning is required on the part of the disciple. Guru has to accept to play the role of Guru and Sishya also likewise. This kind of involvement alone opens up the communication channel between Guru and Shisya.

Brahma and other devatas have come to Dwaraka and requests Krishna to come to Vaikunta. Krishna says that he has one task, which is incomplete, and it is the destruction of Yadava kula. Brahma and Rishi Sabham is the cause for Yadava kula’s destruction. Ultimately, yadavas have to quarrel among themselves and kill each other. Krishna says until this happens successfully he cannot quit the world. He says, “I will arrange for the destruction of yadava kula to happen”. Krishna addresses all elderly people “let us go to Prabhasa thirtha (holy place) and remove our papam for our next janma. Krishna gets ready for this action during which time Uddhava comes to Krishna for help. Uddhava approaches lord Krishna when he along with elderly gets ready to leave for Prabhasa thirtha. Uddhava at this juncture is associated with Krishna. Krishna also belongs to Uddhava family. 

Uddhava talks about the glories of Bhagavan, which is the reason for Uddhava not able to quit Bhagavan. 

Thus, Lord Krishna starts teaching Uddhava from 2^nd chapter of Uddhava Gita in the 11^th Skanda of Bhagavatham. 

Be blissful.

S.SEKAR

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com

28-02-2018

       

PREPARING THE MIND FOR SELF KNOWLEDGE IS THE ONLY WAY

In the Uddhava Gita in the beginning of the teaching itself lord Krishna summarizes the Vedanta from the 6^th Verse to the 12^th verse in the second chapter. The essence of Vedanta is given here. One has to go through initial spiritual sadana Viz., karma yoga and Upasana yoga and through this, a person has to prepare his mind for Self-knowledge, which is called Gnana yoga. It is a systematic spiritual education program consisting of Shravanam, Mananam and Nidhithyasanam and through this Gnana yoga, one has to gain Self-knowledge. Our idea about our Self is a total misconception. It is a false Self or a pseudo Self which is Jivatma which is a misconception. I have to gain the knowledge of my higher real Self, which is Paramatma, through Gnanam.

It is very similar to waking up from my dream. When I wake up from my dream, I claim myself to be the waker, from which alone the dream came, which I identified with my dream body and which is not real. As a dreamer, I support my entire dream universe. When we are in dream, we never understand dream as a dream. Similarly, Vedanta says you are in a dream world, which you are refusing to understand. Gnana yoga is a method of Self-awakening, as your Self, as a super waker. Then I will understand that from me alone the dream came, from me alone the universe came and from me alone the universe is resolved. This alone is the knowledge for attaining liberation. Vedanta says “Uthista Jagradha” which means that you have to wake up (spiritual awakening) to your higher nature. Uthista means waking up and Jagradha means being aware of your Self. Vedanta says may you expose yourself to spiritual education program; may you wake up to your higher nature. This is the ultimate spiritual sadana. All the three yoga Viz., Karma yoga, Upasana yoga and Gnana yoga are required for gaining Self Knowledge. All the three types of yoga put together is Bhakti Yoga. Thus, lord Krishna concluded in the twelfth verse of the 2^nd chapter of Uddhava Gita. Similarly, in the 2^nd Chapter of Bhagavad Gita from 12^th verse up to 26^th verse, Lord Krishna summarized Gnana yoga.

Self-knowledge is not possible if you have a strong attachment to your body, family and near and dear ones. Attachment is the biggest obstacle, which you have to overcome in life. As long as I am attached, I will be interested in Artha (creating wealth) and Kama (desires). I think about earning and settling my family. Attachment to family and possession will keep me busy. Waking up to your super higher nature is the only way, which will make you confident and successful in life. A Gnani after spiritual awakening will say the world is not outside of me. The world is inside me and resolved in me.

For handling the mind, I should practice Yogabyasa, which is Chitta, Shutta virthihi. Mind should be able to obey your commands. Astanga yoga is useful for mind obedience. Enjoying the benefit of knowledge requires a disciplined mind.

Receiving Knowledge requires a Good Mind

Retaining Knowledge requires a Disciplined Mind

Assimilation of Knowledge requires a prepared mind.

By practicing yoga, an undisciplined mind can be disciplined.

Mind should be there for thoughts to happen. We never attempt to go to a thoughtless state. We engage our mind also during meditation; a state in which Vedantic thought continues effortlessly without my will. During Shravanam, Guru and Shastra generates the thought “that tvam asi” (you are that Brahman). After the student receives the knowledge, he does not require the assistance of Guru or Shastra. Nidhithyasanam is recollecting the knowledge, which has been collected during Shravanam. We don’t go to a thoughtless state. Our thoughts are undistracted by other thoughts during Nidhithyasanam. A prepared mind receives the knowledge easily without any effort.

Let us prepare our mind by the process explained above and attain Self-knowledge in the days to come.

Be blissful.

S.SEKAR

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com

02042018

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

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com