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Source: thThe Hindu

(http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/05/09/stories/2002050900110800.htm)

 

Miscellaneous

-

Religion

 

 

Man must realise his true identity

 

 

 

 

CHENNAI

MAY 9.

 

The works of Adi Sankara fall into three broad genres. The first is the

extensive commentaries on the scriptural texts the Brahma Sutra,

Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita from the standpoint of Advaita. He wrote

independent treatises to explain the Advaita doctrines for the sake of spiritual

aspirants. The third type is his devotional hymns on various deities. The

Vivekachudamani is an independent philosophical work in which he elaborates all

the fundamental concepts of this school. He shows how it is infatuation with the

body, with which an individual identifies himself, lies at the root of his

ignorance.

 

In true love, the person one loves becomes more important than oneself, whereas,

in infatuation the person puts himself first. Human predicament is similar as

man is infatuated with his body instead of identifying with the Self (Atman).

How can one get over this infatuation? By accepting everything as God's grace in

life one can develop detachment from the body and its afflictions. The analogy

of a lotus leaf is very apt to understand this. Though it is in water it does

not get wet. Likewise, a spiritual seeker has to live in the world but he should

not allow it to affect him. Only detachment will enable the mind to remain

unaffected and pursue the spiritual goal.

 

In his discourse, Swami Mitrananda said Sankara was an intelligent teacher who

analysed every topic to make the student see the truth for himself. He describes

the composition of the human body to show how offensive it is being made up of

matter like blood, flesh and bones, but beautifully packaged. One must pause and

reflect how much importance one gives to it. The body is an instrument given to

man for a specific purpose. While it is essential to keep it healthy and

presentable, there is no need to lavish one's attention on it. A spiritual

aspirant must remind himself constantly that what he is seeking is beyond the

body. Only by transcending the body can the focus shift to subtler levels of

consciousness necessary for spiritual progress.

 

The text then describes that the physical body is made up of gross elements,

which are formed by the action of the subtle elements and Karma. At the physical

level all human beings are endowed with the same make-up. The difference, which

makes each individual unique, is because of the mind. Karma that has started

giving result ensures that the person is endowed with the necessary mind to

enjoy its fruit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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