Q: How to maintain the thought that all is Brahman...?

[Guest guest]

Q: How to maintain the thought that all is Brahman in the midst of worldly

activities?

Maharshi: When the harmonium is being played there is a constant note that is

called sruti. Along with that, other notes also come out. If the ear is fixed on

this note that is constant, then, while listening to the other notes, that

original note cannot be forgotten. Actually, that first note gives strength to

all the other notes. So, the principle to understand is that the first note is

the adhistana [ substratum ] while the other notes represent worldy activities.

During worldy activities , if [ awareness of] the note of the adisthana is

continuous , whatever is spoken is then done with the authority of this

adhistana note. But an ordinary man does not keep his attention on the first

note , the adhistana. He merely listens to the subsequent notes . The jnani

keeps his attention on the first note . Sukdev [ a sage of ancient India ] used

to keep such attention and maintain his awareness of Brahman. When the attention

is fixed properly on the first note , the effect of the other notes will not be

felt.

 

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