Guest guest Posted June 5, 2007 Report Share Posted June 5, 2007 Dear Brothers and Sisters, Loving SAI RAMs. Upto posting No. 57 on the topic mentioned above,we were trying to understand the concept of Atma based on scriptural texts and declarations. Those postings were made at the specific request of a member. Subsequently, in deference to the wishes of another member who wanted to know the practical tips for Self-realization we were looking at the prequalifications of a true seeker and the preparations which a seeker has to embark on if he were to strive for Self-realization in postings nos. 58 to 74. We may now pick up the thread from there. The path to reach the Truth can be walked by all those who have the divine accomplishments (Daivi-sampatti) as described by Lord Krishna in the opening 3 verses of Chapter 16 of the Bagavad Gita. In these slokas twenty six noble positive virtues are specified----fearlessness(Abhaya), purity of heart (satva samsuddhih), consistency in knowledge and yoga (gyana yoga vyavastithih), charity(danam), self-restraint(damah), sacrifice(yagjah), independent study (svadhyayah), austerity(tapah), uprightness(arjavam),non-injury (ahimsa), truthfulness (satyah), abscence of anger(akrodhah),renunciation(tyagah), tranquility(santih), unmalicious tongue(apaisunam), compassion ( bhteshu daya), uncovetousness(alolutvam), gentleness(ardavam), modesty(hreeh), abscence of fickleness (achaapalam), heroism (tejah), forgiveness(kshama), fortitude (dhritih), purity(saucham), abscence of hatred (adhrohah) and abscence of pride(na atimanita). All these constitute the Divine values of life or spiritual accomplishments(Daivi-sampatti). We know that qualities of emotions enteratined and the texture of the values-of-life respected by an individual, will determine his cultural progress and spiritual evolution. The pilgrimage to Truth can be comfortable and easy only to those who have this Divine inner-wealth. In the abscence of this wealth, any amount of external show of orthodoxy and formal obedience to the rules of conduct prescribed for different castes (varna), for members of different stages-in-life(Ashramas) can not by themselves help a seeker. An individual who has this secret reserve-strength discovered in himself, alone can walk the path of Truth, safely with confidence, and have the assurance of success. Spiritual path can be walked by all the " castes " living in any " station of life " without distinction of Varna or Ashrama, if the individual is sufficiently rich in the inner wealth described above. Man(including woman, of course) has the right to walk the spiritual path. It is not the monopoly of any one caste,creed or community. No doubt the fourth stage of life, Sannyas or Turyashrama, is the highest and noblest and is best suited for those who have acquired the art of contemplating upon the declarations of the Scriptures and have come to experience the flashes of an infinite peace, This does not preclude members of the other stages-in-life (Ashrama) from getting direct experiences of Truth. The common factor that rules the Self-Realisation is one and the same viz., constant contemplation upon the Universal Reality that takes us to Self-realization. (to be continued) G.Balasubramanian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.