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Source: The Hindu (http://www.the-hindu.com)

 

Human life must be purposeful

 

CHENNAI, OCT. 25. Man is endowed with a unique faculty which

enables him to acquire the knowledge of the Self (Atman). The

human mind functions at various levels. While it is at the level

of the senses and the intellect that empirical knowledge is

obtained, spiritual knowledge being very subtle, is grasped at

the intuitive level. That the level of intelligence differs from

person to person is well-known. A scientist's intellect, for

instance, is capable of subtler reasoning than a lay person's.

But, Self-knowledge is possible for all as everyone is endowed

with a Self.

 

It is not possible to attain Self-knowledge from books. Those who

have the intense desire to know the Self are the spiritually

inclined. The focus of the scriptural texts is directed towards

discovering the Self. The various practices prescribed in the

scriptures are meant to develop the intuitive faculty in man

which lies dormant generally.

 

The Katha Upanishad while discussing this subject says in a very

stoic manner to submit the mind to the intellect and the

intellect to the Self. But, it is apparent from the extensive

manner in which the scriptural texts deal with this subject that

it is easier said than done. Spiritual knowledge appears very

elementary for those who have mastered it and hence it is no

wonder that the sage of this Upanishad could instruct his

disciple in such a matter of fact fashion. For the laity who are

engrossed in worldly life it is a very difficult proposition

indeed.

 

In his discourse, Swami Ashutoshananda said that one way to make

a beginning in spiritual life was to observe how the mind

functioned. The mind by nature is restless all the time but the

moment it is under scrutiny it becomes quiet. This trait can be

observed practically. A restless person becomes quiet when he

becomes conscious that someone is watching him.

 

The next stage is the adoption of some spiritual practice like

prayer or contemplation. One must take stock of one's spiritual

evolution regularly to check whether there is progress. This

requires alertness and unless there is self-introspection the

whole exercise will tend to become mechanical.

 

When the mind has become steady and remains one-pointed the

intuitive power surfaces. This is metaphorically described as the

awakening of the third eye. The process of this unfolding can be

likened to a lotus bud which blooms into a flower. According to

saints true devotion wells in the heart of the aspirant at this

stage and till this level is reached one must strive diligently

with the conviction that whatever one undertakes in life must be

with a purpose.

 

 

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