Guest guest Posted May 8, 2002 Report Share Posted May 8, 2002 ============================================================= This article has been sent to you by Ram Chandran ( rchandran ) ============================================================= 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. Copyright: 1995 - 2002 The Hindu Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the consent of The Hindu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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