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Source: thThe Hindu

(http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/05/08/stories/2002050800660800.htm)

 

Miscellaneous

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Religion

 

 

Scriptures, authority on spirituality

 

 

 

 

CHENNAI

MAY 8.

 

The experience of the Self (Atman) is indescribable in words as all the familiar

human experiences in the world pertain only to the three states of waking, dream

and sleep. The Upanishads describe the Self as beyond these states and one of

bliss and peace. What does a person gain by realising the Self? Sage Yajnavalkya

told his disciple King Janaka (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad) that he who knew the

Ultimate Reality became that. After realising the truth he is no more affected

by Karma, both good and bad. What are the distinguishing traits of a

Self-realised person? He has total control over his sensory organs and his mind.

He remains tranquil always and established in the Self. He retains equanimity of

mind and hence neither feels elated nor depressed.

 

The man of realisation feels one with the world as he sees only the Self in all.

The only exception to this feeling of oneness is his relationship with his

preceptor whom he looks upon with reverence as his master. He does not entertain

any remorse about his past life worry why he had not performed

meritorious deeds or about the sinful acts he had committed. He is not tempted

by anything in the world. All doubts cease including about spirituality because

Self-knowledge is the basis of all other knowledge.

 

In his discourse, Sri Goda Venketeswara Sastri said the Self could be realised

by scriptural study, which involved the three stages of listening to its

exposition from a competent teacher, committing it to memory by constant

reflection and meditation on the teachings. Spiritual practices like meditation

and austerities help to get rid of the latent tendencies of the mind and develop

concentration and the capacity to grasp the subtle truth. It is only listening

to the exposition of the truth from one's preceptor that will lead to

Self-realisation.

 

Lord Krishna has affirmed in the Bhagavad Gita that it was after several lives

that a person developed inclination for liberation and study of Vedanta. The

spiritual practices one performs help to evolve towards this goal and it is by

persevering that a person finally reaches the level of undertaking scriptural

study. The disciple can never repay his preceptor for teaching him the truth and

hence must remain in his service always with gratitude. King Janaka underscored

this in his reply to his teacher Yajnavalkya when he said that he had

surrendered to him totally as there was no other way he could recompense his

grace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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