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Source: The Hindu

(http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/03/28/stories/2002032800440800.htm)

Miscellaneous

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Religion

 

 

Desires, cause of man's bondage

 

 

 

 

CHENNAI,

 

 

MARCH 28

 

.. The Self (Atman) is described as the consciousness because of which all the

other human faculties function. This consciousness is reflected in the mind and

gives the feeling of "I", the self-identity that is intrinsic to all human

experiences. The latent impressions in the mind are acquired over several lives

and hence it is not easy to get over the identification with the

body-mind-intellect personality by an intellectual understanding of

Self-knowledge. Knowledge of the Self is an experience resulting from

meditation.

 

How does a person develop interest in spiritual knowledge and take to study of

Vedanta? It is obvious from practical experience that all do not have

inclination to pursue the spiritual path. Only few develop interest and even

among them it is rare to find one who is steadfast. Scriptures point out that it

is the merit (Punya) acquired over many births that matures into taste for

scriptural study. The Punya acquired by performing worship and austerities

purifies the mind of its baser tendencies like desires, greed and jealousy. Such

a mind can only grasp the subtle truth by meditation. Thus it is obvious that

every individual has to progress to this final stage only after all worldly

desires are overcome. The Vedas thus prescribe the institution of marriage and

family life as the stage for performing meritorious deeds and fulfilling one's

legitimate desires. The performance of obligatory duties would eventually lead

to interest in study of Vedanta, said Sri Goda Venketeswara !

Sastri in his discourse.

 

The Vedas are divided into four sections and they deal with different subjects

but just as all rivers finally merge into the ocean, every subject matter is

treated only with the intention of leading to Self-knowledge. If a person should

be disinclined to family life in this birth it is apparent then that he has

overcome worldly desires. The Brihadaranayaka Upanishad describes such a person

as a Muni one who takes delight in the Self. While an average person

regrets towards the end of his life that he has wasted this birth in

unproductive activities without pursuing the spiritual path, a sage does not. On

the other hand, the place he resides becomes sanctified by his presence. When a

person does not know that he is the blissful, eternal Self, he is swayed by

worldly desires. When the desires are uprooted the Self shines in its pristine

glory.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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