Ishwara Darshan

[Guest guest]

Dear Members,

 

I recently read the book "Ishwara Darshan" by Sri Swami Tapovan Maharaj and

published by Sri Central Chinmaya Mission Trust.

 

A few months ago, I had written a review on another book "Wandering in the

Himalayas" by the same author and publisher [Advaita -L]. In this book "Ishwara

Darshan", Swamiji has written his autobiography of his times before he took up

Sanyasa, his search for Truth, his decision to renounce and subsequently his

life as a Sanyasi in the Himalayas [he never came down to the plains after

formally taking up Sanyasa].

 

One can see when one reads accounts of his early life that he was a Sanyasi in

making. He was dispassion incarnate right from childhood, but waited till he

had completed some of his obligations and without causing much pain to others

renounced life and after renouncing never ever thought about his home (though he

retained much of his love for his mother tongue Malayalam). It was interesting

to note that after 17 years away from home when his brother contacted him by

correspondence he replied and I quote here:

 

"There is no objection in writing to me if you require any spiritual counsel. I

shall be glad to help you as I help other people who seek my advice. Otherwise,

I don't find any use of augmenting worldly activities by correspondence."

 

One can read in these pages, numerous instances when offer was made to him to

start a spiritual organization or a "Mutt", or given largess for his own needs,

but he turned down everyone of them. He never started any organization nor was

he interested in collecting a number of disciples around him. Infact he did not

even give formal initiation to anybody [this book covers his life till 1948].

He was truly a recluse, leading a secluded life with an undivided aim of finding

and merging in God. He lived most of his life on bhiksha (begging), except

during the latter part, when he had become very popular in UttarKashi and

Rishikesh. He and Swami Sivananda [Divine Life Society] were very good friends.

 

For people who find Vedanta abstract and difficult to comprehend, Swamiji has

used the narrative of his life to bring out subtle Vedantic concepts and also

some salient points of sadachara (good practices, habits, principles), cushioned

amidst incidents that happened, without causing a disruption either in the

narration or making an abrupt deviation to abstract philosophy.

 

The book is in English, punctuated with some quotes in Sanskrit, not too

frequently though [many of it has been translated too, for convenience]. And

for those who cherish a desire to make a pilgrimage to Himalayas this book and

"Wanderings in the Himalayas" serve as a good inspiration and guide. It

contains detailed descriptions of many of holy spots in the Himalayas with some

discussion on their historic significance as well as spiritual influence. He

saw God in all Natural Beauty.

 

It is must for all students of Vedanta [especially beginners]. I quote here the

last paragraph of the book:

 

"It is the vision of God that brings all worldly sorrow to its end and it is

therefore the holiest of the holy experiences. He who has seen God and has thus

once and for ever put and end to the sorrows and tribulations of worldly

existence is the one who has fulfilled the purpose of human life. Sooner or

later all creatures will certainly reach that goal. It may take ages and ages

but it is bound to happen. Even as all water ultimately reaches the ocean, the

individual Self must reach the Supreme Self. It is the final resting place."

 

- Very touching!

 

Regards.

S. V. Subrahmanian.