SOME THOUGHTS ON ATMA--96

[Guest guest]

Loving Sai Rams,

It was stated in the earlier postings that the constant contemplation in oneself: " I am Brahman--I am not a Samsari " has to be practised by one who walks the spiritual path with the goal of Self-Realization (Atma anubhuti or Atma sakshatkar). Such a constant thought current, maintained unbroken within one`s inner instruments (Anthahkarana) is called Akhanda Atma-vritti. This is to be maintained and practised for a long period of time. Generally, in their early periods of seeking, the sadhaks(seekers) get only waves of spiritual enthusiasm ,which fade away and then again ,perhaps,reappear in fits and starts. Perfection is not gained by such irregular attempts, however sincere and ardent the attempts may be. The seeker must have the patience to practise for an indeterminate period of time and that too, without break in the routine. As a result of such regular, unbroken discipline of thought maintained continously for a long period of time, the meditation becomes a systematic and regular practice (Krama-Abhyas). Progress is certain for one who is following this path strictly and deligently. Such a seeker`s mind will get merged into the silence of the thoughtless state (Nirvikalpa). In the Nirvikalpa State the mind gets merged to become one with It, just as the rivers merge in the ocean. Where the mind has thus become one with That which lies beyond the mind, it becomes the Infinite Consciousness. The experience to which a seeker awakes himself when he transcends his mind, is the realm of God-consciousness. Until he reaches there a seeker must maintain reverential devotion unto the Supreme.

 

The state of Nirvikalapa mentioned above is a state of thought-transcendence. It is a positive realm of the highest fulfilment and gain or achievement in life It is beyond all doubts, Vikalpa. It is a fountain of immortality, a wall against miseries and the dawn of freedom. It is also the end of self-effort. This is the State of Perfection which is the goal of human existence. The stae of thoughtlessness is the State of Liberation(Moksha). In this condition, the sense-organs are not perceiving the world outside, and consequently no stimuli can reach to disturb the mental arena. Since there are no perceptions, no stimuli are received by the mind and, therefore the intellect has no function of judging or discriminating. This state is the " State of Doubtlessness "

(A-Vikalpata). Where the mid has ended , the individuality(Jiva) also ends, and since the perceiver-feeler-thinker is the entity (jiva)--- that suffers from the joys and sorrows of life, this " Nirvikalpa State " is a perpetual foundation of bliss.

 

(to be continued)

G.Balasubramanian