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Source: thThe Hindu

(http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/05/13/stories/2002051300880800.htm)

 

Miscellaneous

-

Religion

 

 

Self-knowledge has to be experienced

 

 

 

 

CHENNAI

MAY 13

 

.. The Upanishads form the latter portion of the Vedas, which are the primary

scriptures of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism). Though around 200 Upanishads are

extant and 108 acknowledged traditionally, the 10 commented upon by Adi Sankara

are popular and studied extensively as the major ones and the rest continue to

be taught in the spiritual tradition during initiation. It is recounted that

only after Adi Sankara wrote extensive commentaries on the Upanishads that Veda

Vyasa's intention of writing the Brahmasutra was fulfilled. Vyasa wrote this to

explain the import of the Upanishads but it is terse and hence only scholars can

benefit from it. As the teachings of the Upanishads are meant for all spiritual

aspirants, the commentaries of the preceptors in the different Vedanta

traditions have enabled even the laity to peruse them.

 

In his discourse, Sri P.M.Vijayaraghava Sastrigal said the Mundaka, which

belonged to the Atharva Veda, was one of the principal Upanishads. The lineage

of this text is traced to the creator, Brahma, himself and he taught it to his

eldest son Atharvan from whom the succession of sages is traced. The dialogue in

the text is between Saunaka and Angirasa. Right at the outset it is clarified

that the subject matter of the Upanishad being knowledge of the Supreme Reality,

it can neither be known by the sensory organs nor the intellect as in the case

of all other empirical knowledge. This emphasises the fact that only study of

the scriptures traditionally under a preceptor can enable a spiritual aspirant

to realise the Self (Atman), which is all- pervasive.

 

While it is true that sustained effort and discipline are necessary for learning

any branch of knowledge, spiritual knowledge is altogether different. Only the

grace of the preceptor bestows Self-knowledge. The seeker can belong to any

stage of life but he should have intense desire for liberation from bondage. The

relationship between the preceptor and the disciple is unique.

 

An important distinction that this Upanishad makes is between Self-knowledge,

which it classifies as the higher, and objective knowledge as the lower, which

includes all other knowledge. This distinction is to reinforce the fact that

study of the Upanishads is not an intellectual exercise but one that is

undertaken with the sole objective of realising the truth, which is a matter of

experience. Knowledge of the Self puts an end to all desires as the seeker

becomes enlightened.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright: 1995 - 2002 The Hindu

 

Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly

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[Guest guest]

Namaste;

 

Music is an expression of unconditional Devotion which goes beyond

language and religous boundaries. The power of Music is mystical

which transforms the performers and listerners into a world of ectasy.

The mind become fully occupied with the music forcing all

other thoughts of divisions and distinctions to evaporate.

 

Music is an integral part of all religions - Hinduism, Christianity,

Islam, Buddhism and others. Vedic recitation, Church Choir and

recitation Kuron are an expression of devotion through music. Music is

indeed a great medicine for the infected mind with the evil thoughts!

 

Warmest regards,

 

Ram Chandran

 

 

Note:

Those who want to know more about the greatness of Annamacharya should

visit the Website: http://www.svasa.org/

 

 

advaitin, thehindu@v... wrote:

>

> In the compositions of Annamacharya, who chose music as the medium

to worship and reach his personal deity, the Lord of the Seven Hills,

there is a happy blend of emotional and intellectual qualities. The

musical empire of this saint contains nothing but devotion and throws

light on contemplation of the Almighty through pure music.

[Guest guest]

Here are some quotations from Paul Brunton on Music and Spirituality:

 

1. Take attention away from the everyday egoistic self and you may

open a gate to the Overself. This is one method - and the harder one.

Let attention be held by a glimpse so that the everyday self drifts

out of focus. This is another method - and the easier. The first is

Yoga and depends on active personal effort. The second is passive

and depends on absorption in art, music, landscape, or a visitation.

 

2. The deep heavy clang of a temple bell reverberates in the inner

being of its hearers. The musical chimes of a church bell seek to

attract worshippers, and each sound works in its own way as a sacred

reminder.

3. There are men who may appear to be materialistic but the

admiration for Nature's beauty or the inspiration from noble music is

their way of showing spiritual sensitivity. It is possibly the only

way, given their past history and present character.

4. Of all the arts which minister to the enjoyment of men, music is

the loftiest. It provides him the satisfaction which brings him

nearer to truth than any other art. Such is the mysterious power that

it speaks a language which is universally acknowledged throughout

the world and among every class of people. It stirs the primitive

savage no less than the cultured man of the twenty-first century.

When we try to understand this peculiar power which resides in music

we find that it is the most transient of all the others. . The

sounds which delight your ears have appeared suddenly out of the

absolute silence which envelops the world and they disappear almost

instantaneously into that same silence. Music seems to carry with it

something of the divine power which inheres in that great silence so

that it is really an ambassador sent by the Supreme Reality to remind

wandering mortals of their real home.

 

praNAms to all advaitins

profvk

 

 

=====

Prof. V. Krishnamurthy

My website on Science and Spirituality is http://www.geocities.com/profvk/

You can access my book on Gems from the Ocean of Hindu Thought Vision and

Practice, and my father R. Visvanatha Sastri's manuscripts from the site.

 

 

 

LAUNCH - Your Music Experience

http://launch.