Listen! Rama, I am now telling you the secret of accomplishment. Of all the requisites for wisdom, Divine Grace is the most important. He who has entirely surrendered himself to the Goddess (Pure Consciousness by devotion through a true Guru) is sure to gain wisdom readily. Rama! This is the best of all the methods.
This method does not require other aids to reinforce its efficiency, as other methods do for accomplishing the end. This is hard for those whose minds are directed outward; and it is easy, sure and quick for devotees engrossed in the Goddess of the Self to the exclusion of all else.
ADS6 - Different States of the Wise (Jnanis)Pardeep Sehgal
What kind of effort can avail to disclose the eternally self-resplendent consciousness?
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• Being coated with a thick crust of infinite vasanas (dispositions), it is not easily perceived.
• The incrustation must first be soaked in the running stream of mind control and carefully scraped off with the sharp chisel of investigation.
• Then one must turn the closed urn of crystal quartz - namely, the mind cleaned in the aforesaid manner - on the grinding wheel of alertness and finally open the lid with the lever of discrimination.
• Lo! The gem enclosed within is now reached and that is all!
Intellects are the cumulative effects of the predispositions acquired by karma. Effort is necessary so long as the predispositions continue to sway the intellect
An aspirant for wisdom first turns away from the pleasures of life and absorbs himself in the search for knowledge, which he learns from a master. This is hearsay knowledge.
In order to experience it, he ponders over it and clears his doubts. Then he applies the knowledge to himself and tries to feel his immortal being transcending the body, mind, etc., he succeeds in feeling his Self within.
Later he remembers the teaching imparted by his Guru that the Self being unqualified, cannot be differentiated from God and experiences his unity with the Universal Self. This is in short the course of wisdom and liberation.
If you infer its eternal light, then closely investigate whether the light is of itself or not. Everybody fails in this investigation however learned and proficient he may be, because his mind is not bent inward but restlessly moves outward.
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• As long as thoughts crop up, so long has the turning inward of the mind not been accomplished.
• As long as the mind is not inward, so long the Self cannot be realised.
• Turning inward means absence of desire.
• How can the mind be fixed within if desires are not given up?
Therefore become dispassionate and inhere as the Self. Such inherence is spontaneous (no effort is needed to inhere as the Self). It is realised after thoughts are eliminated and investigation ceases.
Diversity is visible only in space, and this space is in the Self, which in turn projects it at the moment when differentiation starts although it is not then clear. Rama! Look within.
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• What you perceive as space within is the expanse wherein all creatures exist, and it forms their ‘Self’ or consciousness.
• What they look upon as space is your ‘Self’.
• Thus, the ‘Self’ in one is space in another, and vice versa.
• The same thing cannot differ in its nature.
• Therefore there is no difference between space and ‘Self’ - which is full and perfect Bliss-Consciousness.
The strongest fetter is the certainty that one is bound. It is as false as the fearful hallucinations of a frightened child. Even the best of men cannot find release by any amount of efforts unless his sense of bondage is destroyed.
ADS1 - The Story of Hemalekha and HemachudaPardeep Sehgal
Investigation is the root-cause of all, and it is the first step to the supreme reward of indescribable bliss. How can anyone gain security without proper investigation? A deliberating man always shines over others. Brahma is great because of deliberation; Vishnu is worshipped because of it.
Association with the Wise Must Precede "Vichara" – Deliberation – Self-Enquiry. A man undoubtedly reaps the fruits of his company. I shall relate to you a story to illustrate this:
"There was once a king of Dasarna by name Muktachuda. He had two sons: Hemachuda and Manichuda. They were comely, well-behaved and well-learned. At one time they led a hunting party, consisting of a great retinue of men and warriors, into a deep forest which was infested with tigers, lions and other wild animals…
Fie on human beings who appraise the foulest part of the body as the most delightful. If one should see beauty in that body-part which is wet with impure excretions, where will not man see beauty? Tell me!
ADS2 - Cosmic Intelligence and Reality of the UniversePardeep Sehgal
All that is seen has an origin and there must therefore be an antecedent cause for it.
If a thing can appear without a cause there is no relation between cause and effect, and there can be no harmony in the world. A potter's work may lead to a weaver's products, and vice versa, which is absurd. Each occurrence must have a cause for it; that is the rule.
The universe must have a Creator, and He must be an intelligent principle, but He cannot be of any known type because of the vastness of the creation. His power is past understanding and is dealt with in the Scriptures, whose authority is incontrovertible.
This whole universe consisting of the mobile and the immobile, arises from, abides in, and resolves into Him. This is the final and well-known conclusion of the Scriptures; and the Scriptures never err. The guide by which one can apprehend the metaphysical and transcendental matters is Scripture alone.
ADS6 - Different States of the Wise (Jnanis)Pardeep Sehgal
What kind of effort can avail to disclose the eternally self-resplendent consciousness?
|
• Being coated with a thick crust of infinite vasanas (dispositions), it is not easily perceived.
• The incrustation must first be soaked in the running stream of mind control and carefully scraped off with the sharp chisel of investigation.
• Then one must turn the closed urn of crystal quartz - namely, the mind cleaned in the aforesaid manner - on the grinding wheel of alertness and finally open the lid with the lever of discrimination.
• Lo! The gem enclosed within is now reached and that is all!
Intellects are the cumulative effects of the predispositions acquired by karma. Effort is necessary so long as the predispositions continue to sway the intellect
An aspirant for wisdom first turns away from the pleasures of life and absorbs himself in the search for knowledge, which he learns from a master. This is hearsay knowledge.
In order to experience it, he ponders over it and clears his doubts. Then he applies the knowledge to himself and tries to feel his immortal being transcending the body, mind, etc., he succeeds in feeling his Self within.
Later he remembers the teaching imparted by his Guru that the Self being unqualified, cannot be differentiated from God and experiences his unity with the Universal Self. This is in short the course of wisdom and liberation.
If you infer its eternal light, then closely investigate whether the light is of itself or not. Everybody fails in this investigation however learned and proficient he may be, because his mind is not bent inward but restlessly moves outward.
|
• As long as thoughts crop up, so long has the turning inward of the mind not been accomplished.
• As long as the mind is not inward, so long the Self cannot be realised.
• Turning inward means absence of desire.
• How can the mind be fixed within if desires are not given up?
Therefore become dispassionate and inhere as the Self. Such inherence is spontaneous (no effort is needed to inhere as the Self). It is realised after thoughts are eliminated and investigation ceases.
Diversity is visible only in space, and this space is in the Self, which in turn projects it at the moment when differentiation starts although it is not then clear. Rama! Look within.
|
• What you perceive as space within is the expanse wherein all creatures exist, and it forms their ‘Self’ or consciousness.
• What they look upon as space is your ‘Self’.
• Thus, the ‘Self’ in one is space in another, and vice versa.
• The same thing cannot differ in its nature.
• Therefore there is no difference between space and ‘Self’ - which is full and perfect Bliss-Consciousness.
The strongest fetter is the certainty that one is bound. It is as false as the fearful hallucinations of a frightened child. Even the best of men cannot find release by any amount of efforts unless his sense of bondage is destroyed.
ADS1 - The Story of Hemalekha and HemachudaPardeep Sehgal
Investigation is the root-cause of all, and it is the first step to the supreme reward of indescribable bliss. How can anyone gain security without proper investigation? A deliberating man always shines over others. Brahma is great because of deliberation; Vishnu is worshipped because of it.
Association with the Wise Must Precede "Vichara" – Deliberation – Self-Enquiry. A man undoubtedly reaps the fruits of his company. I shall relate to you a story to illustrate this:
"There was once a king of Dasarna by name Muktachuda. He had two sons: Hemachuda and Manichuda. They were comely, well-behaved and well-learned. At one time they led a hunting party, consisting of a great retinue of men and warriors, into a deep forest which was infested with tigers, lions and other wild animals…
Fie on human beings who appraise the foulest part of the body as the most delightful. If one should see beauty in that body-part which is wet with impure excretions, where will not man see beauty? Tell me!
ADS2 - Cosmic Intelligence and Reality of the UniversePardeep Sehgal
All that is seen has an origin and there must therefore be an antecedent cause for it.
If a thing can appear without a cause there is no relation between cause and effect, and there can be no harmony in the world. A potter's work may lead to a weaver's products, and vice versa, which is absurd. Each occurrence must have a cause for it; that is the rule.
The universe must have a Creator, and He must be an intelligent principle, but He cannot be of any known type because of the vastness of the creation. His power is past understanding and is dealt with in the Scriptures, whose authority is incontrovertible.
This whole universe consisting of the mobile and the immobile, arises from, abides in, and resolves into Him. This is the final and well-known conclusion of the Scriptures; and the Scriptures never err. The guide by which one can apprehend the metaphysical and transcendental matters is Scripture alone.
Existence is Bliss. It is Bliss Supreme. In this very life we can realize the Supreme Bliss which is our own true nature. One who realizes the Supreme Bliss becomes immortal in this very life. We are indeed fortunate to have the gift of Taittiriya Upanishad from Krishna Yajurveda. It describes the Nature of Supreme Realization in a very lucid way.
Mandukya Upanishad does not talk about trust or belief in God; rather addresses one’s day to day experience of waking, dreaming and deep sleep and explains the truth based on an experience which is common to all. Thanks to its universal nature, anybody anywhere in the world can appreciate the beauty and the essence of this Upanishad. On the lighter side, since it comprises of only twelve shlokas, it is apt for modern day culture of instant gratification and can be called ‘Self-realization in twelve minutes’.
Through the explanation of the Omkara, this Upanishad bridges the gap between the known and the unknown states of consciousness.
It explains Omkara Upasana or the method of contemplating on Omkara.
Upani ads are the highest portion of Veda and upani ads are called as vedanta. It is the compound word of Sanskrit like upa ni sad, which denotes sitting at the feet or presence of a guru. The upani ads are called disclosure of god. There are one hundred and eight upani ads in Indian philosophical tradition. But their numbers exceed two hundred Among of them 11 number of upani ads are treated as major upani ads. The svetasvataropani ad is a major upani ad and there are 113 mantras in this upani ad and which belongs to k ayajurveda. The svetasvataropani ad describes the yoga, its usages and merits vividly. There are seen many more descriptions of the supreme soul and the descriptions about the individual soul in this upani ad very beautifully. Nilachal Mishra ""A Brief Study on ÅšvetÄÅ›vataropaniá¹£ad"" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-3 | Issue-3 , April 2019, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd21743.pdf
Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/humanities-and-the-arts/sanskrit/21743/a-brief-study-on-Å›vetÄÅ›vataropaniá¹£ad/nilachal-mishra
How to bring out the excelence in us ?
The focus of this presentation is:
"Shaping and moulding our human response towards
purposeful and useful objectives in all the spheres
of human activity”
“To ignite the spark of Human Excellence present as latent in everyone, but could not unfortunately be kindled as patent due to some reason or other”
Enjoy !
Raj...
SS of Marriage - Part 6 - Why Saints advocate Marriage as Best Bet for Self-R...Pardeep Sehgal
The Story of Rishyasringa from the Mahabharata precisely brings to light an important insight regarding the interrelationship of the four Purusharthas (Dharma-Artha-Kama-Moksha) and why marriage is the best bet for self-realization.
For every human being, the first task, among the four Purusharthas, must be to determine what is permanent and what is transient and seek the Eternal (Dharma).
The second objective is the acquisition of the Divine Wisdom as the real wealth (Artha). The third is to develop faith in God and yearn for realisation of mergence in God (Kama). The fourth is Moksha, the state of self-realisation in which there is no change and there is no movement.
This is the ultimate aim or goal of human life. A marriage should be on the foundation of Dharma and the other three purposes should be worked towards having Dharma as the base.
Existence is Bliss. It is Bliss Supreme. In this very life we can realize the Supreme Bliss which is our own true nature. One who realizes the Supreme Bliss becomes immortal in this very life. We are indeed fortunate to have the gift of Taittiriya Upanishad from Krishna Yajurveda. It describes the Nature of Supreme Realization in a very lucid way.
Mandukya Upanishad does not talk about trust or belief in God; rather addresses one’s day to day experience of waking, dreaming and deep sleep and explains the truth based on an experience which is common to all. Thanks to its universal nature, anybody anywhere in the world can appreciate the beauty and the essence of this Upanishad. On the lighter side, since it comprises of only twelve shlokas, it is apt for modern day culture of instant gratification and can be called ‘Self-realization in twelve minutes’.
Through the explanation of the Omkara, this Upanishad bridges the gap between the known and the unknown states of consciousness.
It explains Omkara Upasana or the method of contemplating on Omkara.
Upani ads are the highest portion of Veda and upani ads are called as vedanta. It is the compound word of Sanskrit like upa ni sad, which denotes sitting at the feet or presence of a guru. The upani ads are called disclosure of god. There are one hundred and eight upani ads in Indian philosophical tradition. But their numbers exceed two hundred Among of them 11 number of upani ads are treated as major upani ads. The svetasvataropani ad is a major upani ad and there are 113 mantras in this upani ad and which belongs to k ayajurveda. The svetasvataropani ad describes the yoga, its usages and merits vividly. There are seen many more descriptions of the supreme soul and the descriptions about the individual soul in this upani ad very beautifully. Nilachal Mishra ""A Brief Study on ÅšvetÄÅ›vataropaniá¹£ad"" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-3 | Issue-3 , April 2019, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd21743.pdf
Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/humanities-and-the-arts/sanskrit/21743/a-brief-study-on-Å›vetÄÅ›vataropaniá¹£ad/nilachal-mishra
How to bring out the excelence in us ?
The focus of this presentation is:
"Shaping and moulding our human response towards
purposeful and useful objectives in all the spheres
of human activity”
“To ignite the spark of Human Excellence present as latent in everyone, but could not unfortunately be kindled as patent due to some reason or other”
Enjoy !
Raj...
SS of Marriage - Part 6 - Why Saints advocate Marriage as Best Bet for Self-R...Pardeep Sehgal
The Story of Rishyasringa from the Mahabharata precisely brings to light an important insight regarding the interrelationship of the four Purusharthas (Dharma-Artha-Kama-Moksha) and why marriage is the best bet for self-realization.
For every human being, the first task, among the four Purusharthas, must be to determine what is permanent and what is transient and seek the Eternal (Dharma).
The second objective is the acquisition of the Divine Wisdom as the real wealth (Artha). The third is to develop faith in God and yearn for realisation of mergence in God (Kama). The fourth is Moksha, the state of self-realisation in which there is no change and there is no movement.
This is the ultimate aim or goal of human life. A marriage should be on the foundation of Dharma and the other three purposes should be worked towards having Dharma as the base.
Leaves of Absence: Navigating the FMLA & ADA WebinarBeyondPay
From the Leaves of Absence Webinar: Navigating the Family Medical Leave Act & Americans with Disabilities Act: Use these slides with handy notes section when navigating the complexities of administering leaves of absence.
Overview of the Fair Labor Standards Act, including how to differentiate between exempt and non-exempt employees, reporting requirements, overtime and minimum wage, and more.
Delivered at AccountEX in London, this presentation represent my latest thinking on strategy. For a video of the presentation you can visit my person site at http://edkless.com/strategyvideo
Techdays 2009 - Hyper-V en profondeur, bonnes pratiques et quoi de neuf avec ...fabricemeillon
Opération à cœur ouvert d'Hyper-V. Partage de bonnes pratiques sur les performances (I/0, virtualisation de périphériques), la gestion de machines virtuelles sous Linux, la haute disponibilité des environnements virtualisés avec Hyper-V (clustering Windows Server 2008). Venez découvrir comment gérer la transition de VMware ESX(c) ou Virtual Server 2005 vers Hyper-V mais aussi ce que nous verrons arriver avec Windows Server 2008 R2. La session à ne pas manquer !!
From the ACA, upcoming changes to the FLSA, OSHA penalties, and other ongoing compliance issues, HR and compliance managers have a lot on their plate in 2016. Join us as we cover tips, best practices, and how to use technology to better manage these issues and more.
My concrete form is the eternal couple - the Supreme Lord and Energy - always in undivided union and abiding as the eternal consciousness pervading the three phenomenal states of waking, dream and sleep, and reclining on the cot whose four legs are Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Protector), Siva (the Destroyer) and Isvara (Disappearance) and whose surface is Sadasiva (Grace) which is contained in the mansion known as 'fulfilment of purpose' enclosed by the garden of 'Kadamba' trees in the jewel island situated in the wide ocean of nectar surrounding the cosmos and extending beyond.
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Brahma, Vishnu, Siva, Isvara, Sadasiva, Ganesa, Skanda, the gods of the eight quarters, their energies, other gods, celestials, serpents and other superhuman beings are all manifestations of myself. However, people do not know ME because their intellect is shrouded in ignorance.
I grant boons to those who worship ME. There is no one besides ME worthy of worship or capable of fulfilling all desires.
Basic Spiritual Primer 9 (Path of Knowledge)Pardeep Sehgal
Is it possible to know something which can lead to the knowledge of all things at the same time Generally, such a thing is not possible. If you know one thing, you will know only that thing. It appears to be a supernatural question raised by sage Saunaka. But it turned out to be a simple question for sage Angiras, leading to an answer which is the entire Upanishad.
To raise up the physical to the spiritual is Brahmacharya, for by the meeting of the two the energy which starts from one and produces the other is enhanced and fulfills itself. This is the metaphysical theory. The application depends on a right understanding of the physical and psychological conformation of the human receptacle of energy.
Basic Spiritual Primer 8 (Inward Contemplation of Reality)Pardeep Sehgal
We always think in terms of something. That something is what we call life, or at least an aspect of life. We never see at any time our own mind contemplating its own self. The inward contemplation of Universal Reality is the theme of this Primer.
Human body is the battlefield where this perpetual inner war is going on between the gods representing the spiritual or restraining forces and the demons representing the material bound natural inclinations. The seeker of Truth has to win this war if he has to regain his unity with the Universal Reality.
Over the course of life, many people become puzzled by circumstances beyond their control – both their own and those of others. While investigating the principle of karma, one may still be left asking, “Why do bad things happen to good people?”
In the book “The Science of Karma”, Gnani Purush (embodiment of Self knowledge) Dada Bhagwan explains a precise definition of karma, and how exactly it works according to spiritual science.
Dadashri offers in-depth answers to questions such as: “What is the law of karma, and how can I master it?”, “What is destiny, and does destiny relate to karma?”, “Can spiritual enlightenment liberate one from karma?”
Dadashri explains that the knowledge of Self is the beginning of true spiritual development. From then, along with understanding the law of karma, one learns to remain with inner peace in daily problems of life.
For those wondering how to live in peace in the midst of life’s challenges, this book is precious.
Brahmacharya: Celibacy With UnderstandingDada Bhagwan
In the book “Brahmacharya: Celibacy With Right Understanding”, Gnani Purush (embodiment of Self knowledge) Dada Bhagwan offers unique insight into the definition of celibacy and the benefits of brahmacharya.
He clarifies common misunderstandings about celibacy, answering questions such as: “How do you define celibacy?”, “What are the spiritual reasons for abstinence from sex, and what are the benefits of abstinence?”, “Does spiritual power increase from brahmacharya, and how is celibacy related to spirituality and practice?”, “Must one take a vow of celibacy to practice brahmacharya?”
This book offers a clear road map to celibacy meaning and celibacy benefits, and is an invaluable resource for those wanting to learn how to become more spiritual through the practice of brahmacharya.
“Aptavani 1” is the first in a series of spiritual books titled “Aptavani”. In this series, Gnani Purush (embodiment of Self knowledge) Dada Bhagwan addresses age-old unanswered questions of spiritual seekers.
Dadashri offers in-depth answers to questions such as: “Who am I?”, “What is our purpose in life?”, “What is the nature of the journey of souls?”, “Why do bad things happen to good people?”, “What does karma mean?”, “How was the world created?”, “Who is the ‘Doer’ (ego definition)?”
Dadashri also provides spiritual expositions on the topics of: “What is religion?”, “How to find God?”, “What is the difference in religion vs. spirituality?”, “How do you define spirituality?”, “How can I attain knowledge of Self?”, “How can I experience my own pure Soul?”, and “What is liberation?”
Ultimately, Dadashri describes how the knowledge of Self is the final goal of all seeking. Without Self knowledge, one cannot attain ultimate liberation, or moksha.
“Aptavani 1” is the first in a series of spiritual books titled “Aptavani”. In this series, Gnani Purush (embodiment of Self knowledge) Dada Bhagwan addresses age-old unanswered questions of spiritual seekers.
Dadashri offers in-depth answers to questions such as: “Who am I?”, “What is our purpose in life?”, “What is the nature of the journey of souls?”, “Why do bad things happen to good people?”, “What does karma mean?”, “How was the world created?”, “Who is the ‘Doer’ (ego definition)?”
Dadashri also provides spiritual expositions on the topics of: “What is religion?”, “How to find God?”, “What is the difference in religion vs. spirituality?”, “How do you define spirituality?”, “How can I attain knowledge of Self?”, “How can I experience my own pure Soul?”, and “What is liberation?”
Ultimately, Dadashri describes how the knowledge of Self is the final goal of all seeking. Without Self knowledge, one cannot attain ultimate liberation, or moksha.
We cover yoga history, philosophy, anatomy and the relatively unexplored field of yoga psychology.
See our website for more resources on yoga (yoga sets, videos, audio lectures, meditations and music) that you can download for free and to take our teacher training:
www.atmayoga.net
Ignorance is the spring of misery. Through ignorance one suffers afflictions and incurs great danger. Ignorance has its origin in covetousness. As covetousness grows, ignorance also grows. Ignorance exists there where covetousness exists.
Current COVID virus is a direct attack on the vital Link necessary for transfer of Energy to Form. Our willful engagement in the Greed-Deceit group of negative attributes at Shanks has given birth to this virus.
Life is going to be different post Corona. It is a message to the entire world that we must limit performance of our activity which is based on the Greed-Deceit group of negative attributes.
Disclaimer: This is the opinion of the writer. All are welcome to make further studies in this direction.
Brother, there are three evils most formidable of all: lust, anger and greed. The weapons of greed are desire and hypocrisy, of lust naught but woman; while anger’s weapon is harsh speech: so declare the great sages after deep thought. Woman is God's wonderful creation but to lust after her is not desirable.
Ansuya to Sita on Wifely Virtues from the Epic 'Ramayana' by Tulsi Das Ji. • The woman who deceives her husband and loves a paramour is cast for a hundred cycles into the worst hell known as Raurava. Who is as depraved as the woman who for the sake of a moment’s pleasure reckons not the torment that shall endure for a thousand million births?
Lord Mahadev - Uma discourse on Women's Duties from the Epic 'Mahabharata'. Uma concludes: 'Maheshwara, I do not desire Heaven itself if thou art not satisfied with me'.
No man even in anger, should do anything that is disagreeable to his wife, seeing that happiness, joy and virtue, - everything depends on the wife. A wonderful discourse from the Epic 'Mahabharata'.
Due to their natural disposition women cannot be regarded as offenders. It is the men who should be stained with guilt of any wrongdoing to women. A wonderful discourse from the Epic 'Mahabharata'.
Celibacy 4 - Right Company and Firm DecisionPardeep Sehgal
The sexual impulse has been there for countless lives, and you never know when it will rise again. Therefore, it is important to remain in the right company. If you go out of right company, because of the existing impulse, sexuality will start to sprout all over again.
What is nischaya (determined decision)? Nischaya means, no matter how powerful an army of worldly difficulties arises with attacks, you would not back off.
What is nischaya? It is to stop all other thoughts and come onto only one thought. If you make a firm decision, all the evidences will come together and make it happen. If your decision is not firm then the evidences will not come together and your goal will not be accomplished.
True understanding is one that produces results. All other understanding is unfruitful.
Mind, intellect, chit and ego should remain in brahmacharya. And if mind, intellect, chit and ego turn towards brahmacharya, then the external sexuality will shed off automatically.
The illusion of sex is such that it will sink all, even the one who thinks that he has no attachment to anything in the world. This illusion of sex has sunk great sages and masters from tremendous spiritual heights.
Celibacy 2 - Means of Attaining BrahamacharyaPardeep Sehgal
In sexuality, the more a person enjoys it, the more he has a burning desire for it. By not getting involved in the sexual act, one may become uneasy and unsettled for a month or two. But it is not possible for a person enjoying sex to get rid of the desire for it.
In case of excessive intake of ice cream the vomiting is the inhibitor and the act was from outside. But in case of sex the motivation for act is from within. Sex is in the mind and it derives its power from Ignorance (Illusion, Maya) whose charge does not diminish. Repeated indulgence in sex does not appease one’s hunger for its enjoyment.
The research of the scriptures done by people in our country, has led to the discovery that the path of brahmacharya is the best inhibitor to control the desire of sex pleasure.
Celibacy 1 - The Detailed Analysis of SexualityPardeep Sehgal
Brahmacharya means control of the Veerya. The vital force or Veerya is preserved only by one who is established in the practice of Brahmacharya. The vital fluid or semen is lost and wasted during sexual indulgence.
From food comes juice or chyle; from chyle comes blood and flesh; from flesh comes fat; from fat comes bones; from bones come marrow. Lastly, from marrow comes semen.
The Veerya comes out of the very marrow concealed in the bones. It is found in a subtle state in all the cells of the body. Mark here how precious the semen is! It is the last essence of food. It is the essence of essences.
In Yoga Shastra it is stated: "The falling of semen brings death; the preservation of it gives life." 'The nemesis of reproduction is death. The sexual act is essentially katabolic (or a movement towards death) in the male, and in parturition of the offspring it is katabolic for the female.'
"The future is for the nations who are chaste". Tom Mann
The Doctrine of Filial Duty - Teachings of ConfuciusPardeep Sehgal
Then said Confucius: "The duty of children to their parents is the fountain whence all other virtues spring and also the starting-point from which we ought to begin our education:
• Our body and hair and skin are all derived from our parents, and therefore we have no right to injure any of them in the least. This is the first duty of a child.
• To live an upright life and to spread the great doctrines of humanity must win good reputation after death, and reflect great honour upon our parents. This is the last duty of a son.
Hence the first duty of a son is to pay a careful attention to every want of his parents. The next is to serve his government loyally; and the last to establish a good name for himself.”
Forgetful of our Promises to the Lord While in our Mother's Womb (GP-CH6)Pardeep Sehgal
"I am bewildered by Thy magic, as regards body and son and wife; misled by my egoism I am transmigrating, O Lord. I did good and evil actions for the sake of my dependents, and as a result I am tormented, while they who enjoy the fruits escape.
"If I am released from this womb I will lay myself at Thy feet, and I will take the means by which I may obtain liberation. Fallen into a well of faeces and urine, I am burnt by the fire of the belly, and anxious to escape from it. When shall I get out?
"In Him alone, who has given me this experience, and is compassionate to the afflicted, will I seek refuge. Let not this transmigration occur to me again.
"Because remaining even here in great misery, bearing the fatigue, resorting to Thy feet I will keep myself aloof from the worlds of change."
If the state of mind which arises in the womb, during illness, on the cremation ground, or upon hearing the Puranas were permanent - who would not be liberated from bondage!
Signs of Sins and Classes of Rebirth (GP-CH5)Pardeep Sehgal
The murderer of a Brahman becomes consumptive, the killer of a cow becomes hump-backed and imbecile, the murderer of a virgin becomes leprous, all three born as outcastes.
A poisoner becomes insane; an incendiary becomes bald; who sells flesh becomes unlucky; who eats flesh of other beings becomes diseased.
Who hates mother, father and teacher, who quarrels with sister and brother, is destroyed when an embryo in the womb, even for a thousand births.
The woman who abuses her mother-in-law and father-in-law, and causes constant quarrels; becomes a leech; and she who scolds her husband becomes a louse. Who, abandoning her own husband, runs after another man, becomes a flying-fox, a house-lizard, or a kind of female serpent.
YV BKII CH15 On Contentment (The Third Guard at the Door of Liberation)Pardeep Sehgal
Contentment (the third gate-keeper) is the chief good. Contentment is called (true) enjoyment, and the contented man, O destroyer of enemies, gets the best repose.
Whoever retains a contented mind amidst all the affairs of the world is never disturbed or dejected in adverse circumstances, O Rama.
An ungoverned mind, subject to desires and devoid of contentment, does not receive the light of knowledge, like a soiled mirror takes no reflection of the face.
He is called contented who does not long after what he does not possess, who enjoys what he has in its right manner, and who is always graceful in his manners.
YV BKII CH13 On Equanimity (The First Guard at the Door of Liberation) Pardeep Sehgal
By being unmindful of worldly affairs and regardless of all its excitements, the soul is filled with a joy resembling the ambrosial waters in the moon.
He who ceases to act his magical parts (in this playground of the earth) and desists from following his inclinations and childish pranks, shines forth in his spiritual light. Such are the powers gained from spiritual knowledge, and by no other means whatever.
Therefore a man should employ his reasoning powers during life to try to seek and know and adore the Supreme Soul. Lack of dignity, inextricable difficulties, and baseness and degeneracy are all the offspring of ignorance.
To liberate oneself from the miseries of the world, one must know the true nature of the soul, both from his teacher and the evidence of the scriptures, and also from friends like ourselves.
YV BKII CH12 The Greatness of True KnowledgePardeep Sehgal
Rama, I honour you as one of a perfect mind. You know what to ask and you understand what is spoken to you. Therefore I will continue speaking to you respectfully.
Be still, keep your mind fixed in yourself, and attend to knowledge. Be free of pride and passions and incline yourself to pure truth. Whatever business or investigation someone undertakes, it must be brought to a happy conclusion that tends towards his peace and tranquillity.
One obtains the capacity for yoga by discussing the scriptures in the company of good people, which alone can provide us with the great charm of spiritual knowledge.
The journey of this world is delightful to one who, after the removal of his errors and dispersion of the cloud of his ignorance, has come to the knowledge of truth.
YV BKII CH11 On the Qualifications of Student and TeacherPardeep Sehgal
They are reckoned as great and wise men whose detachment springs without cause (of detestation to the world) and whose minds are clear. They are esteemed as the best of men who, after judicious consideration of worldly troubles, apply themselves to detachment.
Without the remedy of right reason, the unceasing excitement of the senses and the fears and miseries of the world will continually disturb the mind. But the troubles of this world cannot afflict a wise man who knows the knowable and discerns all things; just as it is impossible for the flame of fire to burn wood drenched by rain.
O best of the eloquent, you must not receive instruction from one unacquainted with truth. Whoever asks such a person anything is the greatest of fools. He is the basest of men who does not carefully attend to the words of the truth-telling teacher who is asked about anything.
YV BKII CH10 Brahma Propounds the Knowledge of Liberation to VashishthaPardeep Sehgal
Let those who have great minds forsake their worldly desires in order to avoid future births and attend to these lectures with calm contentment.
In our Objective World no one gives us B.A.; M.A. or Ph.D. degrees without going to schools, colleges and universities and seeking help of our teachers.
How can someone guarantee us liberation which is the most difficult task and for which we have made no effort to even know the subject throughout our lifetime, leave aside the company of realized persons?
How the avatars or the Masters of the past can be of any use to us now? Only a living being can guide a living being. Liberation is only possible by following a liberated and not otherwise.
Exploring the Mindfulness Understanding Its Benefits.pptxMartaLoveguard
Slide 1: Title: Exploring the Mindfulness: Understanding Its Benefits
Slide 2: Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness, defined as the conscious, non-judgmental observation of the present moment, has deep roots in Buddhist meditation practice but has gained significant popularity in the Western world in recent years. In today's society, filled with distractions and constant stimuli, mindfulness offers a valuable tool for regaining inner peace and reconnecting with our true selves. By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop a heightened awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, leading to a greater sense of clarity and presence in our daily lives.
Slide 3: Benefits of Mindfulness for Mental Well-being
Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, improving overall quality of life.
Mindfulness increases awareness of our emotions and teaches us to manage them better, leading to improved mood.
Regular mindfulness practice can improve our ability to concentrate and focus our attention on the present moment.
Slide 4: Benefits of Mindfulness for Physical Health
Research has shown that practicing mindfulness can contribute to lowering blood pressure, which is beneficial for heart health.
Regular meditation and mindfulness practice can strengthen the immune system, aiding the body in fighting infections.
Mindfulness may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity by reducing stress and improving overall lifestyle habits.
Slide 5: Impact of Mindfulness on Relationships
Mindfulness can help us better understand others and improve communication, leading to healthier relationships.
By focusing on the present moment and being fully attentive, mindfulness helps build stronger and more authentic connections with others.
Mindfulness teaches us how to be present for others in difficult times, leading to increased compassion and understanding.
Slide 6: Mindfulness Techniques and Practices
Focusing on the breath and mindful breathing can be a simple way to enter a state of mindfulness.
Body scan meditation involves focusing on different parts of the body, paying attention to any sensations and feelings.
Practicing mindful walking and eating involves consciously focusing on each step or bite, with full attention to sensory experiences.
Slide 7: Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Life
You can practice mindfulness in everyday activities such as washing dishes or taking a walk in the park.
Adding mindfulness practice to daily routines can help increase awareness and presence.
Mindfulness helps us become more aware of our needs and better manage our time, leading to balance and harmony in life.
Slide 8: Summary: Embracing Mindfulness for Full Living
Mindfulness can bring numerous benefits for physical and mental health.
Regular mindfulness practice can help achieve a fuller and more satisfying life.
Mindfulness has the power to change our perspective and way of perceiving the world, leading to deeper se
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way.pptxCelso Napoleon
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way
SBs – Sunday Bible School
Adult Bible Lessons 2nd quarter 2024 CPAD
MAGAZINE: THE CAREER THAT IS PROPOSED TO US: The Path of Salvation, Holiness and Perseverance to Reach Heaven
Commentator: Pastor Osiel Gomes
Presentation: Missionary Celso Napoleon
Renewed in Grace
The Good News, newsletter for June 2024 is hereNoHo FUMC
Our monthly newsletter is available to read online. We hope you will join us each Sunday in person for our worship service. Make sure to subscribe and follow us on YouTube and social media.
The Book of Joshua is the sixth book in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, and is the first book of the Deuteronomistic history, the story of Israel from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian exile.
The Chakra System in our body - A Portal to Interdimensional Consciousness.pptxBharat Technology
each chakra is studied in greater detail, several steps have been included to
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What Should be the Christian View of Anime?Joe Muraguri
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The PBHP DYC ~ Reflections on The Dhamma (English).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma Reflections for the PBHP DYC for the years 1993 – 2012. To motivate and inspire DYC members to keep on practicing the Dhamma and to do the meritorious deed of Dhammaduta work.
The texts are in English.
For the Video with audio narration, comments and texts in English, please check out the Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF2g_43NEa0
HANUMAN STORIES: TIMELESS TEACHINGS FOR TODAY’S WORLDLearnyoga
Hanuman Stories: Timeless Teachings for Today’s World" delves into the inspiring tales of Hanuman, highlighting lessons of devotion, strength, and selfless service that resonate in modern life. These stories illustrate how Hanuman's unwavering faith and courage can guide us through challenges and foster resilience. Through these timeless narratives, readers can find profound wisdom to apply in their daily lives.
In Jude 17-23 Jude shifts from piling up examples of false teachers from the Old Testament to a series of practical exhortations that flow from apostolic instruction. He preserves for us what may well have been part of the apostolic catechism for the first generation of Christ-followers. In these instructions Jude exhorts the believer to deal with 3 different groups of people: scoffers who are "devoid of the Spirit", believers who have come under the influence of scoffers and believers who are so entrenched in false teaching that they need rescue and pose some real spiritual risk for the rescuer. In all of this Jude emphasizes Jesus' call to rescue straying sheep, leaving the 99 safely behind and pursuing the 1.
Evangelization in the footsteps of Saint Vincent de Paul
ADS8 - On the Accomplishment of Wisdom
1. 1
Tripura Rahasaya: ADS8 – On the Accomplishment of Wisdom
And Episode of the Ghoul
As Narrated by Sri Dattatreya to Sage Parashuraama
ADVAITAC STORIES – PART EIGHT
Introduction
Tripura Rahasaya and Yogavaashishta are two of the best Advaitic texts gifted by the
Sages of the yore to the sincere seekers of Self-realization. The charm of these two
books lies in the fact that the abstract Truths of the Advaita are presented here through
intriguing narratives. Without the hardships of Yoga, penance and asceticism, any
one of any age or gender can reach the state of Self-realization just by
comprehending the hidden truths in the narratives.
Unfortunately these two scriptures are not very popular. Their unpopularity might be
due to the fact that most of the narratives present ordinary women playing the role
of wives as realized souls teaching their husbands the truths of Advaita. However,
these unique narratives contain highly abstract topics like space/time paradox,
parallel universes etc. Each narrative is indeed a ladder to Self-realization and
highly beneficial to any sincere seeker of Self-State.
It is sincerely hoped that spiritual students will attain the state of Self-realization
sooner than ever like Sri Rama and Sage Parashuraama who listened to these stories
with sincerity and realized the Self.
Om Tat Sat!
2. 2
Tripura Rahasaya: ADS8 – On the Accomplishment of Wisdom
And Episode of the Ghoul
As Narrated by Sri Dattatreya to Sage Parashuraama
TRIPURA RAHASAYA
Or The Mystery beyond Trinity
Sri Tripura Rahasaya is an ancient work in Sanskrit. Mahadev originally taught the
Highest Truth to Vishnu who in turn taught Brahma in the Celestial regions. Later
Vishnu incarnated on Earth as Sri Dattatreya, the Lord of the Avadhuutas (the
naked sages), and taught it to Parashuraama with the added injunction that it
should be communicated to Haritaayana who would later seek the Truth from him.
Parashuraama thus realized the Self by the guidance of Sri Dattatreya who is the
foremost in the line of divine teachers incarnate on earth.
Haritaayana sought Parashuraama to learn the highest good from him, who in turn
imparted to him the knowledge which he had gained from Dattatreya.
Parashuraama told him also that his master had predicted the compilation of the
knowledge of the Highest Truth by Haritaayana for the benefit of mankind.
The work was thus written by Haritaayana and is also called after his name
Haritaayana Samhita. It is said to consist of 12,000 shlokas in three sections - The
Mahatmya Khanda (Section on the Greatness of Sri Devi), Jnana Khanda (Section
on Supreme Wisdom), and Charya Khanda (Section on Conduct). Of these the first
consists of 6,687 shlokas; the second of 2,163 shlokas; and the third is not traceable.
Sri Tripura Rahasaya, otherwise Haritaayana Samhita, begins with "OM Namaha"
("Salutations to Aum") and ends with "Shri Tripuraiva Hrim" ("Tripura is only
Hrim"). Aum is well known as the sacred syllable signifying the Highest Being in
the abstract; so also "Hrim" is the sacred symbol of the same as the Goddess. The
contents of the book are thus enclosed by these two symbols - the most sacred in
the Vedas and the work is equally sanctified.
Tripura literally means the three states – Jagrat (wakeful), Svapna (dream) and
Shushupti (deep sleep). The undercurrent of consciousness in all of them,
remaining unaffected, is metaphorically called the Resident Mistress by name Sri
Tripura. The procreative faculty generating new beings and the link of altruistic
love connecting the offspring to the parent are personified in the Mother. Hence
the feminine termination of Tripura.
Sri Tripura is the Mother Goddess of the Trinity – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. She
represents Space or Maya and is the consort of Time or Kal and has the charge of
looking after the affairs of Triloki – the Causal, Astral and the Physical Realms.
(The Gospel) of Sri Tripura, teaches the way to Transcendence. "The way to
transcendence" signifies that interest in Tripura purifies the mind and creates the
zeal for enquiry into the Truth. The listener is now fit for the ensuing discourse on
wisdom.
3. 3
Tripura Rahasaya: ADS8 – On the Accomplishment of Wisdom
And Episode of the Ghoul
As Narrated by Sri Dattatreya to Sage Parashuraama
On the Accomplishment of Wisdom
1After Parashuraama heard this (Vidya Gita) from Sri Dattatreya he felt
as if released from the meshes of ignorance.
2He again saluted Sri Dattatreya and asked him with great devotion:
"Lord! Please tell me exactly how wisdom can be accomplished. I want to
hear the essence of it in brief. The method should also be easy and at the
same time efficient. Please also tell me the characteristics of the sages,
so that I may readily recognise them. What is their state with or without
the body? How can they be unattached though active? Kindly tell me all
this."
3Thus requested, the son of Atri spoke to him with pleasure:
"Listen! Rama, I am now telling you the secret of accomplishment. Of all
the requisites for wisdom, Divine Grace is the most important. He who
has entirely surrendered himself to the Goddess is sure to gain wisdom
readily. Rama! This is the best of all the methods.”
4This method does not require other aids to reinforce its efficiency, as
other methods do for accomplishing the end. There is a reason for it.
|
• Pure Intelligence illumining all has cast a veil of ignorance of ‘Her’
own over all. Her true nature is evident only after removing this veil
by discrimination.
• This is hard for those whose minds are directed outward; and it is
easy, sure and quick for devotees engrossed in the Goddess of the
Self to the exclusion of all else.
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• An intense devotee, though endowed with only a little discipline of
other kinds (e.g., dispassion), can readily understand the truth though
only theoretically, and expound it to others.
|
• Such exposition helps him to imbue those ideas and so he absorbs the
truth. This ultimately leads him to identify all individuals with Pure
Intelligence and he is no longer affected by pleasure or pain. All-
round identification with Pure Intelligence makes him the best of
Jnanis and a Jivanmukta (emancipated here and now). Therefore
bhakti yoga (way of devotion) is the best of all and excels all else.
4. 4
Tripura Rahasaya: ADS8 – On the Accomplishment of Wisdom
And Episode of the Ghoul
As Narrated by Sri Dattatreya to Sage Parashuraama
Characteristics of the Sages
5The characteristics of a Jnani are hard to understand, because they are
inscrutable and inexpressible.
|
• For instance, a pandit cannot be adequately described except by his
appearance, gait and dress because his feelings, depth of
knowledge, etc., are known to himself alone; while the flavour of a
particular dish cannot be exactly conveyed by word to one who has
not tasted it; but a pandit can be understood only by another pandit
by his method of expression. A bird alone can follow the track of
another bird.
|
• There are of course some traits which are obvious, and others which
are subtle and inscrutable. Those which are obvious are their speech,
language, postures of meditation, signs of worship, dispassion, etc.,
which can however be imitated by non-sages.
6What are accomplishments to others to the accompaniment of
dispassion, meditation, prayer, etc. remain natural to the sage whose
mind is pure and unsophisticated.
7He whom honour and insult, loss or gain, cannot affect, is a sage of the
best class.
8The best among sages can, without hesitation give complete answers
on matters relating to Realisation and the sublime truths.
9He seems to be spontaneously animated when discussing matters
pertaining to jnana (realisation) and is never tired of their exposition.
10His nature is to remain without efforts. Contentment and purity abide
in him. Even the most critical situations do not disturb his peace of mind.
11These are qualities which must be tried for oneself and verified; they are
of no value as tests applied to others, for they may be genuine or spurious.
12An aspirant must first apply the tests to himself and always prove his
own worth; he can then judge others. How can the repeated testing of
oneself fail to improve one? Let one not spend one's time judging others;
but let one judge oneself. Thus one becomes perfect.
5. 5
Tripura Rahasaya: ADS8 – On the Accomplishment of Wisdom
And Episode of the Ghoul
As Narrated by Sri Dattatreya to Sage Parashuraama
13What have here been called the traits of a Jnani are meant for one's
own use and not for testing others, because they admit of many
modifications according to circumstances.
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• For instance, a Jnani who has realised the Self with the least effort may
continue in his old ways although his mind is unassailable. He looks
like a man of the world for all practical purposes. How then can he be
judged by others?
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• Nevertheless, one Jnani will know another at sight just as an expert can
appraise precious stones at a glance.
14The middle class of Jnanis are never deluded by their bodies.
Delusion is the false identification of 'I' with the body; this never arises
with the more advanced Jnanis, namely the middle class among them.
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• Identification of the Self with the body is attachment to the body.
The middle class of Jnanis are never attached to the body.
• Their minds are mostly dead because of their long practice and
continued austerities. They are not engaged in work because they are
entirely self-possessed.
|
• Just as a man moves or speaks in sleep without being aware of his
actions, so also this class of yogi does enough work for his minimum
requirements without being aware of it.
|
• Having transcended the world, he behaves like a drunken man. But
he is aware of his actions. His body continues on account of his
vasanas (predispositions) and destiny.
|
• Jnanis of the highest class do not identify the Self with the body but
remain completely detached from their bodies. Their work is like that
of a charioteer driving the chariot, who never identifies himself with
the chariot.
|
• Similarly the Jnani is not the body nor the actor; he is pure
intelligence.
|
• Though entirely detached from action within, to the spectator he
seems to be active. He performs his part like an actor in a drama; and
plays with the world as a parent does with a child.
6. 6
Tripura Rahasaya: ADS8 – On the Accomplishment of Wisdom
And Episode of the Ghoul
As Narrated by Sri Dattatreya to Sage Parashuraama
15The Jnanis of the lowest order behave like ignorant men in their care
for their bodies.
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• They have not attained Sahaja Samadhi (unbroken samadhi even while
engaged in work). They are in the state of perfection only when they
are calm or composed.
• They have as much of the body-sense and enjoy pleasure and pain
with as much zest as any animal when they are not engaged in the
investigation of the Self.
|
• Though they are not always inquiring into the Self, yet there are
periods of the perfect state owing to their previous practice and
experience.
• All the same, they are emancipated because the animal-sense is only
an aberration during interludes of imperfection and does not always
leave any mark of them.
• Their aberration is similar to the ashy skeleton of a piece of burnt cloth
which, though retaining the old shape, is useless.
|
• Again, the intervals of Realisation have an abiding effect on their lives,
so that the world does not continue to enthral them as heretofore. A
dye applied to the border of a cloth 'creeps' and shades the body of the
cloth also.
16Of the two higher orders of Jnanis, the one remains steadfast through
his sustained practice and control of mind, whereas the other is so on
account of the force of his discrimination and investigation.
|
• The difference lies in the merits of their intellect, I shall now relate
to you a story in this connection.
Episode of the Ghoul
17There was formerly a king by name Ratnangada ruling in the City of
Amrita on the banks of the Vipasa. He had two sons Rukmangada and
Hemangada - both wise and good and dearly loved of their father.
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• Of them Rukmangada was well versed in the Sastras and Hemangada
was a Jnani of the highest order. On one occasion both of them went
out on a hunting expedition into a dense forest, followed by their
7. 7
Tripura Rahasaya: ADS8 – On the Accomplishment of Wisdom
And Episode of the Ghoul
As Narrated by Sri Dattatreya to Sage Parashuraama
retinue. They accounted for many a deer, tigers, hares, bison’s, etc.,
and being thoroughly exhausted, they rested beside a spring.
|
• Rukmangada was informed by some persons that there was a
Brahmarakshas (a species of ghoulish spirit of a learned but
degenerate Brahmin) close by, who was very learned, accustomed to
challenge pandits for discussion, vanquish them and then eat them.
|
• Since Rukmangada loved learned disputations, he went with his
brother to the ghoul and engaged him in argument. He was however
defeated in the debate and so the ghoul caught hold of him to devour
him.
18Seeing it, Hemangada said to the ghoul, 'O Brahmarakshas, do not eat
him yet! I am his younger brother. Defeat me also in argument so that you
may eat us both together.'
19The ghoul answered, I have long been without food. Let me first finish
this long-wished for prey, and then I shall defeat you in debate and
complete my meal with you. I hope to make a hearty meal of you both.
|
• The ghoul continues, ‘Earlier, I used to catch any passer-by and eat
him.’ A disciple of Vashishtha, by name Devarata, once came this way
and he cursed me, saying, 'May your mouth be burnt if you indulge
in human prey anymore.'
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• I prayed to him with great humility and he condescended to modify
his curse thus: 'You may eat such as are defeated by you in debate.'
|
• Since then I have been adhering to his words. I have now waited so
long for prey that this is very dear to me. I shall deal with you after
finishing this.'
20Saying so, he was about to eat the brother; but Hemangada again
interceded, saying, 'O Brahmarakshas, I pray you kindly accede to my
request. Tell me if you would relinquish my brother if other food were
found for you. I will redeem my brother in that way if you will allow it.'
21But the ghoul replied, saying: 'Listen, King! There is no such price for
redemption. I will not give him up. Does a man let his long wished for
food slip away from his hold? However I shall tell you now a vow which
8. 8
Tripura Rahasaya: ADS8 – On the Accomplishment of Wisdom
And Episode of the Ghoul
As Narrated by Sri Dattatreya to Sage Parashuraama
I have taken. There are many questions deeply afflicting my mind. If you
can answer them satisfactorily, I shall release your brother.'
22Then Hemangada asked the ghoul to mention the questions so that he
might answer them. The ghoul then put him the following very subtle
questions which I shall repeat to you, Parashuraama! They are:
Q1: What is more extensive than space and more subtle than the
subtlest? What is its nature? Where does it abide? Tell me, Prince.
A1: Listen, Spirit! Abstract Intelligence is wider than space and subtler
than the subtlest. Its nature is to glow and it abides as the Self.
Q2: How can it be wider than space, being single? Or how is it subtler
than the subtlest? What is that glow? And what is that Self? Tell
me, Prince.
A2: Listen, Spirit! Being the material cause of all, intelligence is
extensive though single; being impalpable, it is subtle. Glowing
obviously implies consciousness and that is the Self.
[Impalpable: Imperceptible to the senses or the mind.]
Q3: Where and how is Chit (Abstract Intelligence) to be realised and
what is the effect?
A3: The intellectual sheath must be probed for its realisation. One-
pointed search for it reveals its existence. Rebirth is overcome by
such realisation.
Q4: What is that sheath and what is concentration of mind? Again
what is birth?
A4: The intellectual sheath is the veil drawn over Pure Intelligence; it is
inert by itself. One-pointedness is abiding as the Self. Birth is the
false identification of the Self with the body.
Q5: Why is that Abstract Intelligence which is ever shining not
realised? What is the means by which it can be realised? Why did
birth take place at all?
9. 9
Tripura Rahasaya: ADS8 – On the Accomplishment of Wisdom
And Episode of the Ghoul
As Narrated by Sri Dattatreya to Sage Parashuraama
A5: Ignorance is the cause of non-realisation. ‘Self’ realises the Self; there
is no external aid possible. Birth originated through the sense of
doer-ship.
Q6: What is that ignorance of which you speak? What is again the
Self? Whose is the sense of doer-ship?
A6: Ignorance is the sense of separateness from consciousness and false
identification with the non-self. As for the Self, the question must be
referred to the Self in you. The ego or the 'I-thought' is the root of
action.
Q7: By what means is ignorance to be destroyed? How is the means
acquired? What leads to such means?
A7: Investigation cuts at the root of ignorance. Dispassion develops
investigation. Disgust of the pleasures of life generates dispassion
towards them.
Q8: What is investigation, dispassion or disgust in pleasures?
A8: Investigation is analysis conducted within oneself, discriminating
the non-self from the Self, stimulated by a stern, strong and sincere
desire to realise the Self. Dispassion is non-attachment to
surroundings. This results if the misery consequent on attachment
is kept in mind.
Q9: What is the root cause of the whole series of these requirements?
A9: Divine Grace is the root cause of all that is good. Devotion to God
alone can bring down His Grace. This devotion is produced and
developed by association with the wise. That is the prime cause of
all.
Q10: Who is that God? What is devotion to Him? Who are the wise?
A10: God is the master of the Cosmos. Devotion is unwavering love for
Him. The wise are those who abide in Supreme Peace and melt with
love for all.
Q11: Who is always in the grip of fear, who of misery, who of poverty?
10. 10
Tripura Rahasaya: ADS8 – On the Accomplishment of Wisdom
And Episode of the Ghoul
As Narrated by Sri Dattatreya to Sage Parashuraama
A11: Fear holds a man possessed of enormous wealth; misery, of large
family; and poverty, of insatiable desires.
Q12: Who is fearless? Who is free from misery? Who is never needy?
A12: The man with no attachments is free from fear; the one with
controlled mind is free from misery; the Self-realised man is never
needy.
Q13: Who is he that passes men's understanding and is visible though
without a body? What is the action of the inactive?
A13: The man emancipated here and now passes men's understanding;
he is seen though he does not identify himself with the body; his
actions are those of the inactive.
Q14: What is real? What is unreal? What is inappropriate? Answer
these questions and redeem your brother.
A14: The subject (i.e., the Self) is real; the object (i.e., the non-self) is
unreal; worldly transactions are inappropriate.
23I have now answered your questions. Please release my brother at
once.
24When the Prince had finished, the ghoul released Rukmangada with
pleasure and himself appeared metamorphosed as a Brahmin.
25Seeing the figure of the Brahmin full of courage and tapas (penance), the
two princes asked him who he was.
26I was formerly a Brahmin of Magadha. My name is Vasuman. I was
famous for my learning and known as an invincible debater. I was proud
of myself and sought the assembly of those learned pandits who collected
in my country under royal patronage.
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• There was among them a great saint, perfect in wisdom and entirely
Self-possessed. He was known as Ashtaka. I went there for love of
debate.
• Though I was a mere logician, I argued against his statement on Self-
Realisation, by sheer force of logic.
11. 11
Tripura Rahasaya: ADS8 – On the Accomplishment of Wisdom
And Episode of the Ghoul
As Narrated by Sri Dattatreya to Sage Parashuraama
• He backed his arguments by profuse quotations from the Holy
Scriptures. Since I was out to win laurels, I continued to refute him.
Finding me incorrigible, he kept silent.
27However, one of his disciples, descendant of Kasyapa lineage, was
enraged at my audacity and cursed me before the king, saying:
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'You chip of a Brahmin! How dare you refute my Master without first
understanding his statements? May you at once become a ghoul and
remain so for a long time.’
28I shook with fear at the imprecation and took refuge at the feet of the
sage Ashtaka.
29Being always Self-possessed, he took pity on me though I had figured
as his opponent just before; and he modified his disciple's curse by
pronouncing an end to it as follows:
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'May you resume your old shape as soon as a wise man furnishes
appropriate answers to all the questions which were raised here by you,
answered by me but refuted by your polemics.’
30O Prince! You have now released me from that curse. I therefore
consider you as the best among men, knowing all that pertains to life here
and beyond. The princes were astonished at that story of his life.
31The Brahmin asked Hemangada further questions and became further
enlightened. Then the princes returned to their city after saluting the
Brahmin.
32I have now told you everything, O Bhargava!
[Now you know the difference between the learned (one who is well
versed in Sastras) and a Self-realized Jnani of the highest order.]
*******