REAL EDUCATION AND ITS BENEFITS
Real Education
Our present day schools and colleges give secular education. There is neither ethical discipline nor spiritual instruction. The students have no spiritual, high ideas of life. They learn something in order to eke out their livelihood. They study only to get high salaries. This is very sad indeed. That is the reason why they turn out to be spiritual bankrupts in the end.
Owing to the influence of dark, antagonistic, materialistic forces, most of the students of the present day become irreligious. There is no moral culture in them. They have no understanding of the principles of Brahmacharya and right living. Hence they suffer much when they come out to face the battle of life.
Students are pure generally before marriage. As soon as they marry and beget a child, the whole Maya envelops them. They become selfish, greed and lustful. They lose all their virtuous qualities. Egoism becomes very stiff. There is hankering for money.
This can be obviated if they take to the study of some good religious books on Yoga, Bhakti, Philosophy and Vedanta. The students are the hope and glory of India and of the world at large. They are the bulwarks of the state. They should be moulded properly when they are young. The teachers and professors should take up this noble work in right earnest.
Spiritual culture is a sine qua non and a great desideratum for national regeneration. The goal of life is Self realisation. Spiritual culture alone can develop the will force (Atmabala) and make people unselfish, fearless, courageous, strong, and remove Moha from the body. Those who are unselfish alone can really serve the country, can work in terms of unity and can have real cosmic love for all (Visva Prem).
Education should teach the pupils to love God and man. Education should instruct the students to be truthful, moral, fearless, humble and merciful. Education should teach the students to practise right conduct, right thinking, right living, right action and self sacrifice and to attain knowledge of the Self.
Education aims at cultivating good ideas and expressing them in a beautiful, intelligible manner after clarifying them, with scientific or mathematical accuracy.
Sattvic Ahara or wholesome good food rich in vitamins, or a well balanced diet, systematic practice of Asanas and Pranayama, right living and simple living are the important requisites for the preservation of health and attainment of high standard of vigour and vitality. These are the basic essentials on which the Rishis and Yogins of yore lived a long peaceful life. These are the very fundamentals on which they based the system of Yoga to achieve perfection in health of body and mind. These are the indispensable requisites on which a sinking nation must fall back if it wishes to regain her lost glory and divinity.
The real work of all Universities must be to unite man with man. The main purpose of education must be to make man a real man with all divine attributes.
Education must be best calculated to promote plain living and high thinking. Each student must be taught that his first and foremost duty is to attain Self realisation and to cultivate universal brotherhood.
Educate your eyes to see God in all faces, to behold unity of Self in all beings. Educate your ears to hear the Upanishadic teachings and the sweet melodious Kirtans of Lord Hari. Educate your tongue to sing the praise of the Lord and to utter pleasant, loving and truthful words. Educate your hands to do charity and to serve the poor. Educate your mind to be always cheerful and calm and to think of the Immortal Atman. This is real education.
The Gita, the Upanishads, the Ramayana, the Bhagavata, the Mahabharata, Patanjali Yoga Sutras, Brahma Sutras, comparative religion and philosophy must be taught in schools and colleges. Their study must be made compulsory. Practical instructions on ethics, Yoga and meditation, control of mind should be imparted to the students.Study of Sanskrit must be made compulsory. Without the knowledge of Sanskrit, the depths of philosophy cannot be comprehended.
One may be a very able judge, another may be a world renowned surgeon or physician or eye specialist, a third may be a reputed scientist and a fourth may be a world figure in the art of poetry. All these persons may lack in spiritual behaviour. Behaviour in spiritual field is different from behaviour in worldly parlance. Worldly behaviour is artificial and composed of etiquette and worldly manners. What is called etiquette or manners in worldly parlance is mere show. It is something of a physical drill. It consists of movement of certain parts of the body or some artificial gestures or artificial smiles and laughter without any real mental or ethical discipline or moral culture on spiritual basis, without any understanding of the existence of one supreme soul in all beings. It is best calculated to gain some material ends by pleasing another for the time being. It is a sort of mind cunningness with a tinge of diplomacy to attain one's selfish ends. It changes very often. When he fails to realise his material gain, his behaviour changes at once. He becomes quite a different man. He separates and divides. He sees differences everywhere, whereas the behaviour of a real aspirant or spiritual man is unchanging and is marked by nobility, pure love, humility, forbearance, patience, forgiveness, mercy, spirit of service, self sacrifice and disinterestedness. He understands and knows that one Immortal Self abides in all creatures.
The spiritual or divine behaviour can hardly be learnt in Universities or colleges. It is a rare moral discipline that can only be learnt by the thirsting or hungry aspirant by serving the real spiritual preceptor wet with Bhakti or devotion for some years.Dear Prem, study diligently.
Apply tenaciously. Behave politely. Obey implicitly. Pray whole heartedly. Sing melodiously. Speak sweetly. Eat slowly. Walk gently. Stick resolutely. Think usefully. Act righteously. Endure courageously. Persevere patiently. March boldly.Concentrate attentively. Meditate seriously. Realise quickly. God be with you. Peace be with you.
The Devas, the Asuras and the men received education under Prajapati. They learnt the triad of self restraint, liberality and mercy. This is real education.
Indra remained as a student under Prajapati and learnt that the soul is immortal, self luminous and distinct from the waking, dreaming and deep sleep states that the individual soul is identical with the supreme Soul. This is real education.
Saunaka approached his teacher Rishi Angiras and learnt that this Atman or the Self is to be verily obtained by the continual practice of truth, penance, perfect knowledge and abstinence. This is real education.
Narada was a student under Sanatkumara and learnt that the Infinite is bliss, that there is no bliss in anything finite and that one should wish to understand the Infinite. This is real education.Uddalaka taught Svetaketu: "That which is the subtle essence. The root of all that exists has its Self; That is the Self; That is the Truth; That thou art, O Svetaketu". This is real education.
Instead of learning many sciences, try to know the one Adhyatmic Science, the science of sciences, the supreme science of the highest Self or Atman. Then you will know everything.
Brahman is Sat. Brahman is Existence. Brahman is the root for the world, body and mind. Direct knowledge of the root through intuitive perception will bring knowledge of everything, knowledge of all worldly sciences. "Brahma vidyam sarva vidya pratishtham" Mund. Up. I i 1. The Sruti emphatically declares: "In the beginning there was only Sat, one without a second. Ekam sat vipra bahuda vadanti— existence is one. Sages call it by different names."
Learn the principles of divine life and apply them to daily conduct in life. Become a practical man in the spiritual path. Enough of idle talking.
May we hear with our ears or see with our eyes nothing but what is pure so that with our senses unperturbed, remembering God, meditating on Him, singing His praise, we may attain life as that of the Gods. Rishis of yore sang like this along with their students before they started their class lessons. What do you find now in schools and colleges? O, I need not tell you much. Is this not a deplorable state? Will the Professors and Headmasters set matters aright immediately?
The Principals and Professors of colleges, Headmasters of the High Schools must be guided by learned and realised Sannyasins and Yogins. Then only real education can be imparted to students. If students who are equipped with real education come out of the Universities of India every year, we will have a glorious New India and a new era of peace, plenty and prosperity.
A Sadhu or a Sannyasin should be requested to stay in every college hostel. He should give daily lessons to the students on ethical and spiritual culture and practical training in meditation and worship. He should teach them Gita, Bhagavata, Ramayana and Upanishads. Then only they will be properly moulded and will possess good character. The condition of the boys is deplorable at the present moment. They have lost faith in God and in the Holy Scriptures. They have become irreligious.
May we all be endowed with true knowledge and real education. May the world be filled with real educated persons. May the Universities, schools and colleges become dynamic centres of real education and culture. May you all understand the real purpose of education and the goal of life. May the heads of educational institutions possess right understanding and divine knowledge to guide the students in the right path. May you all enjoy the supreme bliss of the Eternal!
Health and Strength
Cares, worries, anxieties, hatred and fear induce various sorts of diseases. They generate toxins in the blood. They play the part of the grain of sand which the oyster envelops in mother of pearl. If you entertain a little fear, anxieties and worries gather round this fear. They are the companions of fear. If you worry at night, you get dyspepsia, headache, debility and depression in the following morning. Anxieties and worries are concomitants of fear. Anxieties and worries co exist with fear. You will have to discipline the mind.You will have to develop discrimination, serenity and balanced mind. Yoga and Vedanta teach you how to eradicate worries and fears and develop serenity and discrimination. What can wealth and kingship do in this direction? It can only augment and multiply worries and fears. Uneasy lies in the head that wears a crown.
One of the students of Dhanvantri approached his teacher after finishing his full course on Ayurveda and asked him: "O Bhagavan, kindly tell me the secret of health now." Dhanvantri replied: "This Veerya (seminal energy) is verily Atman. The secret of health lies in preservation of this vital force. He who wastes this energy cannot have physical, mental, moral and spiritual development."
If you spend your youth nicely and virtuously, you will be happy in old age.
"Nayamatma balaheenena labhya—This Atman (Self) is not realised by the weak". You must have physical, mental, moral and spiritual strength. Keep this body strong and healthy. It is an instrument to take you to the goal.
What is the precious thing that makes the life worth living? It is health. Will you sing today the song of "Sariramadyam khalu dharma sadhanam—Body is indeed the foremost essential thing for the attainment of the goal of human existence, or in other words, it is verily the first important means in the accomplishment of the object of human life". Charak Maharishi says in his Samhita: "Dharmartha kama mokshanam arogyam moolamuttamam; Rogastasya apahartaray sreyaso jivityacha—Health is the best cause of virtue, wealth, desire and emancipation and is the blessedness of life. Diseases are the destroyers of health." The laws of preservation of health are the laws of nature. These should not be violated with impunity. Those who neglect these laws become victims to incurable diseases and drag a cheerless existence.
God has provided for you defensive forces in the body to act against the invaders viz., the germs. The leucocytes or white cells in the blood fight with the germs and kill them. The lymphatic glands serve as strong fortresses. Further, an antidote called pecteriolysin is formed in the blood.
This destroys the germs. How merciful is the Lord! He takes care of you in all possible ways. You only have forgotten Him. You have become ungrateful by not remembering Him. Let the past be buried. Try to remember Him from now and attain eternal bliss and immortality.
The whole universe from the mightiest sun to the tiniest atom is controlled by a supreme law. There is perfect order everywhere. The sun performs its duties quite regularly. It rises at the proper time and sets at the proper time. The stars and planets revolve in an orderly manner.
They are governed by laws. There are laws in mental plane. There are laws of physics, of astronomy, of mathematics. There are laws of hygiene and health which govern our being. In the vast universe, man is the only breaker of laws and violator of rules. He is the single example of lawlessness and discord. He wilfully disregards the laws of health, leads a life of dissipation and then wonders why he suffers from diseases and disharmony. He deliberately ignores the rules of hygiene and right living and then weeps when he is ailing from an incurable, dire malady.
The world needs good healthy mothers, healthy boys and girls. What do you find in these days in India? India, the land which produced Bhishma, Bhima, Arjuna, Drona, Asvatthama, Kripa, Parasurama and countless chivalrous warriors, the soil which contained numberless Rajput Chiefs of undaunted intrepidity, unparalleled chivalry and matchless strength, abounds now with effeminate and impotent weaklings. Children beget children. The laws of health are ignored and neglected. The Indian nation is dying and suffering.
We want numberless brave, moral Adhyatmic soldiers who are equipped with five virtues, viz., Ahimsa, Satyam, Asteya, Brahmacharya and Aparigraha. Real Svarajya is Atma Svarajya, real freedom from Avidya, desires, birth and death. Real independence is Kaivalya or free living in the Eternal Soul. Those who possess health and strength, those who are endowed with the above five virtues, those who have knowledge of the Self can only secure real freedom for India or any other country that is under slavery. Economic independence and political freedom, peace and plenty are also necessary. Then only spiritual ideas can be broadcast. Then only prophets and Acharyas, Rishis and sages can freely disseminate their teachings and precepts. Then only people will be eager to imbibe the teachings of the Mahatmas.
The best medicine or panacea for all diseases is Kirtan, Japa and regular meditation. The divine waves electric regenerate, vivify and energise the cells, tissues, nerves, etc. Another very cheap but really potent medicine is cheerfulness. Smile, laugh and be cheerful. All diseases will take to their heels.
Even when the medical board has pronounced a case to be absolutely hopeless, prayer comes to the rescue and the patient is miraculously cured. There has been many instances of this description. You might know this. Healing by prayer is miraculous and mysterious.
Lord Dhanvantri, the physician of the three worlds (who expounded the Ayurvedic Medical Science) has himself declared: "By the medicine of the repetition of Achyuta, Ananta, Govinda, all diseases are cured. This is my definite and honest declaration." In all treatments, Lord Narayana is the real doctor. You find that even the world's best doctors fail to cure a dying king. You might have also heard of many instances where patients ailing from the worst type of diseases are cured miraculously where even the ablest doctors have declared the case hopeless. This itself is clear proof that there is the Divine hand behind all cures.
You can take this medicine of Nama Japa yourself for curing any disease. You can administer this marvellous medicine to other patients also in your house or elsewhere. Sit by the side of the patient and repeat the Names of the Lord like Hari Om, Sri Ram, Om Namah Sivaya with sincere devotion and faith and sing His Names also "Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare; Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare". Pray for his Mercy and Grace.All maladies and agonies will come to an end. Do this treatment of Nama Japa for at least two hours in the morning and evening. You will find the miraculous effect within a short time. Both the doctor and the patient should have perfect faith in Lord's Name, His Mercy and Grace. The real Doctor is only Lord Narayana.
Mitam bhuktva satam japtvaGatva satapadai sanaihi; Vama bhage sayanasyaBhishakbhi kim prayojanam.
Of what avail are medicines to that man who, having taken food in moderation, does a hundred Japa, walks but slowly a hundred steps and sleeps on his left side?
Rest the stomach and the small bowels by taking recourse to partial fasts. If you can fast completely for a day it is all the more better. Fasting eliminates poison and overhauls the system thoroughly. You can take Sago and milk, barley water, and fruits, like sweet oranges, grapes, etc. If you are thirsty, you can take lemon juice with sugarcandy.
You have no right to question the wisdom of God. You take too much sugar on account of your avidity and stupidity and thus suffer from diabetes. Your doctor at once says: "Give up sugar immediately." No article is injurious to health when taken in moderation.When you sleep, keep the head towards East or South, preferably towards the East.
Eat sparingly. Breathe deeply. Talk kindly. Work energetically. Bathe thoroughly. You will have a long life.
Religious Institutions
Ideal religious institutions are the need of the hour. If there are even two well organised spiritual centres in India, we will have a new India and a new world. The institutions should be like spiritual Universities. They should contain Brahmacharins, Grihastis, Vanaprastis and Sannyasins. All should be properly trained in meditation and Yoga, in Vedanta, Bhakti and service and disciplined properly. When they are ready, they should be sent out for preaching and establishing spiritual centres. Some should be sent to the Continent and America. The central Head Office should be in Himalayas.Religious institutions are not properly supported by the public. All money goes to cinemas, cigarettes, suits, pants and sarees. Is this not a deplorable condition?
If they spend the money in supporting ideal religious and social institutions, their hearts will expand, their minds will be purified and knowledge will dawn in their hearts. The religious institutions will turn out much solid work, elevate people and bring peace to the world at large.
The sufferings of the people at the present moment are due to lack of co operation between the rich people and the religious institutions. Indiscriminate charity is done and money is thrown into the hands of undeserving people. This is not charity.
An Ashram that can look after young men and train them in Yoga is a great desideratum. I am keeping this in view from a very long time.Those who practise meditation and Tapas, who have soul force, can deliver thrilling lectures. The lectures of those who appear on the platform without moral and soul force will be like empty bullets. They cannot produce any deep impression on the hearers.
Study and Training
Study Laghu (Sanskrit Grammar) and Bhandarkar Part I & II for one year. Study for two years Sanskrit Kavyas such as Sishupala Vadam, Kiratharjuneeya, Mega dutha, Shakunthala, Raghuvamsa, Kumarasambhava, etc. Go through the elementary books on Logic, Bashapariccheda. Then you will be able to study Upanishads and Vedanta Sutras yourself and understand them clearly. Do not waste your mental energy by studying Siddhanta and Nyaya for 12 years. What is the use of becoming a dry Pandit without Self realisation? A dry Pandit is like an ass which carries a load of sandalwood on its back.
Even if you study a little, you must assimilate and absorb it thoroughly. You must meditate and reflect over it again. It must become part and parcel of your life.
Take down notes when you study a book on Yoga or Philosophy. This is a highly useful practice. This will help you in remembering the essential or fundamental matters and in delivering lectures. This itself is a kind of lower Samadhi, as the mind is deeply occupied in Sattvic ideas.
This will strengthen the spiritual Samskaras and check the outgoing tendencies of the mind. The mind will move towards Atman.
Neophytes should remember again and again some important Vedantic texts daily. Then only his doubts will be removed. Then only he will be established in the path. These texts are: "Being only was in the beginning, One without a second", Chh. Up. VI ii 1; "In the beginning all this was Self, One only", Ait. Ar. I i 1; "This is the Brahman, without cause and without effect, without anything inside or outside"; "This Self is Brahman perceiving everything", Brih, Up. II v 19; "That Immortal Brahman is before", Mund. Up. II ii 11.
Yoga Vasishtha is a splendid work in Jnana Yoga. You must study it again and again. Avadhuta Gita, Ashtavakra Gita, Ribhu Gita are excellent books for Jnana Yoga students.
Laghu Vaasudeva Manana and Vedanta Sara are the two books to be placed in the hands of beginners in the study of Vedanta. English translations are available from the Theosophical Society, Adyar, Madras.
I am very fond of the book Viveka Chudamani (Crest Jewel of Discrimination) written by Sri Sankaracharya, that master exponent of Advaita philosophy. The essence of Vedanta is there. It is a treasure of thought and a fount of inspiration. This is a book for constant study. It is your constant companion in your daily life. The style is simple and flowing. I used to carry this book with me always. It gave me real solace, elevation, peace and inner spiritual strength. It is an ideal book for the beginner and an ideal companion and remembrancer for the advanced students also.
Study Mandukya Upanishad. You will know all about Om and the four states. It is one the classical Upanishads of Atharva Veda. There are 12 Mantras in this Upanishad. Sri Gaudapadacharya, the Parama Guru or the grand preceptor of Sri Sankaracharya, has written Karikas on this Upanishad which are very illuminating and sublime. Without the help of this Karika, you cannot have a comprehensive understanding of the Mantras, you cannot get a clear insight into the system of thought or philosophy that is propounded in this unique Upanishad.
This Upanishad does not deal with rituals and Upasana. It does not contain any story, parable or dialogue. It deals with pure philosophy alone, with metaphysical discussion of the ultimate Reality or Brahman and the method of approach to the Truth. It is said in the Muktikopanishad: "The only means by which the final emancipation is attained is through Mandukya Upanishad alone, which is enough for the salvation of all aspirants".
Through a study and clear grasp of the three states, through proper understanding of Om and its right significance, you can find out the way to approach and realise Brahman.
Orthodox people who know Sanskrit foolishly think that Self realisation can be attained only by those who know Sanskrit. Is there any folly greater than this? History furnishes a large list of Jivanmuktas who did not know Sanskrit. They say that those who know English are debarred from attaining Knowledge of the Self. They condemn those who speak English and deliver lectures in English quite apart from Om! A religious preacher who knows English can do more propagandic activities. He can do more good to a large number of people. He can influence the whole world. Whereas the work of a Sanskrit knowing man will be confined within the four walls of his Ashram only or the small portion of a district. It is good if Hindi becomes the lingua franca of India. But why should people condemn those who speak in English? Intolerance of all sorts should die. Then only one's heart will expand. Then only Truth will shine in one's heart.
Intolerance is a terrible disease which constricts the heart and renders the mind callous. Intolerance generates a hard morbid crust on the truth. Those Pundits and Sannyasins who deliver lectures in Sanskrit should try to learn English quickly and deliver lectures in English. Then only they can do a lot of good to people.
Knowledge of Sanskrit is also necessary. It will help the student to go deep into the original books in Sanskrit, as translations in English do not bring out the real significance, beauty and force of the original texts. He who knows Sanskrit and English can do more good to the humanity and can turn out more useful work.
Mere study of philosophical books cannot give you peace of mind. You will enjoy the Supreme Peace of the Eternal, only when you take to rigid spiritual practices such as Japa and meditation. You will attain Immortality only when you realise the Self. Control of the mind is difficult but not impossible. When all the Vrittis or modifications are annihilated by meditation, when you identify yourself with the Supreme entity or Brahman, you have attained the summum bonum of existence.
Spiritual life is not mere idle talk. It is not mere sensation. But it is actual living in the Atman. It is a transcendental experience of unalloyed bliss. It is a life of fullness and perfection. He who leads a spiritual life is a centre of spiritual force. He is a dynamic personality. He radiates joy, peace and bliss all around.Those who come in contact with him are inspired and elevated.Languages are many but the language of the heart and the mental pictures is one. Cows have many colours but the colour of milk is one. Prophets are many but the essentials of their teachings are one and the same. Schools of philosophy are many but the goal is one. Opinions and methods of worship are many but Brahman or God is one.
Know the one syllable only. You will get real knowledge. All other knowledge is useless. You will have to throw them only as mere husk.You get Paroksha Jnana only (indirect knowledge) through study of Vedantic books. You should get Aparoksha Jnana (direct knowledge) by constant meditation. Some ignorant people mistake the indirect knowledge for the direct knowledge and pass for Jnanins. They are Vachaka Jnanins, only in name.
In this world those who have really transmuted their lower nature are very, very rare. Erudite scholars are plenty.
One may know by heart the whole of Upanishads, Brahma Sutras, Gita, Shad Darshan, the Angas, the Smritis, Western Philosophy, etc. There is no salvation for such a learned man without the realisation of one's identity with Brahman through constant meditation—not even in a hundred crores of years.
Too much study of various subjects is also a kind of impure Vasana. This is a variety of Sastra Vasana. Once Durvasa came with a cartload of religious books to Lord Siva. Narada narrated the parable of the ass. Just as the ass which carries a bundle of sandal wood is conscious only of the burden but not of the sweet fragrance of sandal wood, so also the book worm Pundit carries the bundles of books like a burden but does not know their real essence, though he has studied all the Sastras. Durvasa's eyes were opened now. He threw all his books. Then Lord Siva initiated him into the mystery of Knowledge of the Self. Durvasa practised deep meditation and attained Brahma Jnana. You will find in Kathopanishad: "This Atman cannot be obtained by study of many Sastras or discussions or intelligence or much learning."
What is the use of reading too many books, Chit Sukhi, Kandana Kadyam, etc.? They will intoxicate you and get you out of the way. There is much Vedantic gossiping in these days and no real practical Vedanta. People talk of unity (Ekata) oneness and Samata (equality), but fight out for a little useless thing. They are full of Irsha and Dvesha (jealousy and hatred). They are extremely mean and narrow.
Certainly Atman or God can hardly be found in books. Some people have got passion for study of religious books. They do not take recourse to practical spiritual Sadhana. They spend their lives in the study of religious books. They are bookworms. The Sastras are endless. Life is short. There are many obstacles. Therefore take out the essence and assimilate it. That essence is Atman. If you realise the Atman, the Vedas are of no use to you. Bharadvaja studied the Vedas in three successive lives and he continued to study the Vedas even in his fourth life. But Narada came to the rescue of Bharadvaja. He taught Brahma Vidya to Bharadvaja and initiated him into the mysterious Kaivalya. Bharadvaja gave up the study of books, practised vigorous meditation and attained direct knowledge of the Self.
Once a learned Shad Sastri, a Brahmin Pundit, and a Chandala were crossing the Ravi river in a boat in Lahore. The boat capsized owing to the fierce wind. Both the Pundit and the outcaste were about to be drowned. They were drinking water again and again. The arrogant and audacious Pundit told the Chandala: "Don't drink the same water from the upper surface of the river at which I am drinking. You are polluting me. O Chandala, drink only the water from the lower portion of the river." Look at the petty mindedness of the learned Pundit! He is at the point of death. His life is trembling in the balance and yet he sees so much difference and entertains the idea of Brahmin superiority. Do you think that the Brahmin Pundit will feel his oneness with all even after millions of births? What is the earthly use of his Shad Sastra learning and knowledge? Fie on those miserable, wretched Brahmin Pundits who are petty minded and narrow hearted. Many intellectual people have stony and barren hearts. Do not believe them.
Reading of Vedantic books is one thing. Vairagya is another thing. Practice or Abhyasa is another. Mere reading of Vedantic books will not help you. Sadhana plus Vairagya will bring in Self realisation.You can know the whole Vedas by heart, but it is difficult to control the mind, to subdue the passion and to take the Prana to Sahasrara.The world wants economical, racial, social, political, psychological, industrial and spiritual development as well. The spiritual side should not be ignored. That is the basis. That is the be all and end all of existence. In these days leaders in the Karma Yoga field lay stress on action alone. They have totally ignored the spiritual side of life. Even Sannyasins of various institutions are doing social service only. Some Sannyasins have scholarly erudition only and they command a little respect for some time. They too have left aside the meditative side of life. They are not able to produce a lasting impression on the minds of the public, because they have not got the real spiritual stuff or inner Atmic strength at their back.
Do not argue. Strive ceaselessly for Self realisation. Arguing will make your mind restless. Realisation will give you direct intuitional knowledge and eternal bliss. Argument is jugglery of words (Sabdha Jalam). Argument is as vast as wilderness. You will lose your way and come to grief if you argue.
Self realisation will become very easy if you are not conditioned by modern super imposed ideas and if you are very sincere and earnest in your endeavour.
Self realisation does not come by arguing or studying many books. Sit alone. Peep within. Sit quietly and look within. You will attain Self realisation.
Reason is a frail and finite instrument. It cannot solve the problems of life. Rationalism cannot give you peace of mind. Knowledge of the Self through intuition, direct cognition, can make you immortal, free and fearless. Attain this through enquiry, reflection, study of Upanishads and constant Nididhyasana.
Do not reason much. You will be nowhere. Have reverence and faith. Intellect is a hindrance. The Self is beyond intellect and reasoning. Self realisation demands strenuous effort, intense meditation, constant vigilance, introspection, self analysis, spiritual discipline and ethical perfection. Stick to the path. Grow. Evolve. If you do meditation regularly, you will be on the high way and see on it every step very clearly by mere perception or direct cognition and not by external guidance.
An ounce of spiritual experience is better than tons of theories and study of spiritual books. A single glimpse of Brahman or the immortal soul will bestow on you illumination and remove the worldly intoxication of pride, delusion, pain and grief. Spiritual vision or Atma Anubhava will stand out like a beacon light for you.
A vulture soars very high in the firmament but its mind is always on the carcass. Even so, many people speak of very high philosophy, Advaita Vedanta, etc. They deliver stirring lectures on the platform; but their minds are immersed in worldly objects. These minds are saturated with lust and all sorts of Trishnas (cravings). Pitiable is their lot. Even in crores of births they will not have Brahma Jnana. They are like empty vessels. They make much sound in the air. They pose very much.
You must actually feel the pain and sufferings of others. Then only you will realise God. Then only you can realise the oneness of life or Advaitic, Upanishadic consciousness. You must share whatever you have with others. There are some people who are retired from Government service, who pose for Vedantins by studying some Vedantic books but who are first class misers. They will speak of high philosophy and Samadhi, but their minds are ever fixed on their sons and daughters. They will send the whole pension to their children and will not spend a pie on charity.
Such people cannot have Self realisation. God is very, very far away from misers. Poor self deluded souls! Pitiable is their lot. They want money, sons, daughters and also God side by side and a little Vedantic talk and company of Sannyasins to boot. They are actually deceiving themselves.Instead of trying to become a Pundit with vanity and pedantry and thirst of applause, try to develop a clean conscience, good moral character, unblemished virtuous life. This will give you Jnana and Moksha.
He who has no Atma Jnana is only a confirmed fool even though he is a learned Pundit with knowledge of six schools of thought, even though he is a research scholar of the Oxford or Harvard University with M.A., Ph.D., D.Litt. degrees. His heart is still stony and barren.
The fight between Bhaktas and Jnanins (dualists, non dualists, Vedantins), Dandis and Paramahamsas, Vaishnavas and Saivas, Catholics and Protestants, Karma Yogins and Sadhus of Nivritti Marga, orthodox Sanskrit Pundits and liberal Sannyasins is going on from beginningless time. It will continue from eternity to eternity. Why should you rack your brain in these sectarian quarrels? It is a mere waste of time and energy. Do not count the leaves of the mango tree. There cannot be any fight between the realised souls of different cults.
Ideals and principles are always noble. But practice needs sincerity which is rarely found among men. Many preach Buddhism, no one gives up desires and injury. Many preach Christianity; no one practises love and forgiveness. Many preach Islam; no one recognises the brotherhood of man. Hence the world is wicked not for want of truths nor on account of religions, but alas, it is wicked for lack of true followers of those truths or religions. If everybody instead of suggesting or promulgating these old truths practises them, he can do much benefit to the world. Practice instils truth into the hearts of men while preaching amuses their ears. Preaching has become the livelihood of men, while practice has become their object of scorn.
Vedanta must enter the bones, nerves, cells and interior chambers of the heart. Moha in its various forms either to son, wife, daughter or so called intimate friends or thick chums or bosom comrades must be ruthlessly cut asunder. Whatever you have (physical, mental, moral and spiritual possessions) must be shared with all. This is real Vedanta. I don't believe in lip Vedanta. This is pure hypocrisy. Even a little of real, practical Vedanta will elevate a man quickly and make him immortal (Amara) and fearless (Nirbhayata).
Become a practical Vedantin. Lip Vedanta can hardly bring in the desired fruit. Do a lot of Nididhyasana (meditation). Merge yourself in the Atman within, the indwelling, interpenetrating presence. Forget the outer sheaths, names and forms. Draw out the essence. Become that Essence yourself.
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