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Source: The Hindu

(http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/04/24/stories/2002042400330800.htm)

Miscellaneous

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Religion

 

 

Subtle nature of Self-knowledge

 

 

 

 

CHENNAI

APRIL 24

 

.. Man has been endowed with two instruments, the body and the mind. The

invocation of the Kena Upanishad highlights the importance of keeping these

equipments in perfect condition. Though the Upanishad's objective is to enable

the spiritual aspirant to evolve towards the goal of liberation from bondage, it

draws attention to physical fitness because only when the body and the sensory

organs are healthy can the mind concentrate on understanding subtle knowledge.

Human beings are blessed with so many things but we tend to take them for

granted without feeling privileged. The Upanishad directs the student to

consciously appreciate and nurture whatever he is endowed with.

 

In his discourse, Swami Asutoshananda said the Upanishad taught the unknown by

directing enquiry into the known, thereby leading the student step by step. The

first Mantra is in the form of a question, "By whom willed and directed does the

mind alight on objects? Endowed by whom does the foremost vital air function?

Willed by whom does speech originate? What Spirit indeed directs the eye and the

ear?" The Upanishads beseech man to awaken to his being and they describe this

metaphorically. In the Katha Upanishad the analogy of a chariot is adopted to

explain this. If the charioteer is not awake then the chariot cannot run

properly. Likewise, the senses and the mind function because of the indwelling

Self (Atman). God has gifted human beings with five senses and the

mind-intellect for applying them properly to gain knowledge. Instead of being

their master man unfortunately becomes a slave to them. He has the freewill to

either control them and be their master or succumb to the!

ir pulls. So he must be wise in exercising the right choice.

 

The senses by nature are outward bound. Each sense has a specific function to

do. This is akin to the scientific instruments used for different purposes. The

telescope, for instance, can be used only to view distant objects and a

microscope for magnifying very small objects. Their functions cannot be

interchanged. This logic is applicable to the human senses also. It is this

subtlety which the Upanishad wants the student to grasp at the outset. The mind

and the senses cannot gain knowledge of the Self but they are able to function

because of the Self. Thus does the Upanishad underscore the fact that

Self-knowledge is beyond the ken of the human senses and the mind.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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