Guest guest Posted May 26, 2007 Report Share Posted May 26, 2007 SAI RAM Dear Brothers and Sisters, (continued from posting no.68) In his Vivekachoodamani, Bagawan Sankaracharya says, " The teachers and the scriptures point out the goal, but the disciple has to cross over his own ignorance and all other obstacles (of mind in the shape of impurities)through intelligence, backed by Lord`s blessings (tatasthita bodhayanti guravah srutayastatha swapragjnayaiva taret vidwan Iswaranugrhitaya). As already stated we have many mental impurities such as likes and dislikes, desire, anger, passion, ambition, pride, greed,jealousy and so on that cause problems. As spiritual seekers, we become frightened by them and want to get rid of them immediately. We ask, " How can we get rid of anger? " In effect, we are asking for a physical solution for a psychological problem. Many solutions are offered for controlling anger such as counting from number 1 to 10 before showing the anger. In truth, there is no quck fix. The moment we think we are free of desire and passion, the temptations return. For example, if I tell my friend, " Nowadays I do not get angry, " he exclaims with surprise, " You? Not angry any more? You are the very incarnation of anger!'. And suddenly I find myself angry with my friend`s remark! Therefore, in the path of enquiry, instead of asking how to get rid of anger, greedand jealousy etc., we should first try to understand what they are, and what disastrous results they may bring about. In this way , we become intensely aware of the mental impurity in its totality. This is the essence of the path of enquiry. Thus, contemplation (vichara) has been considered in Vedanta as a great means of purifying the mind. If we can practise certain simple steps given below, the impurities of our mind will cease to exist altogether: 1. Be constantly conscious of the impurities of mind (anger, greed, passion etc.). 2.Understand the implications and consequences of them in totality. 3. Not to justify or glorify the impurities. In order to know all our mental impurities , we need to study our mind by mediatting in a solitary place. Whether one is living a secular or spiritual life, purity of mind is essential. Impurities of the mind manifets themselves when the mind is functioning. For a wise man who is not disturbed by his mind, the mind itself is not the problem. Ignorance is the cause our problems. What is that ignorance? Ignorance of Truth,Reality,Atma. This has been elaborated in the initial postings on this topic. (to be continued) With Loving SAI RAMs, G.Balasubramanian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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