STUDY GROUP on SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTION

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STUDY GROUP on SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTION

 

 

CHAPTER 2

PRACTICE

Abhyasa

 

(V3 – `Methods' contd.)

 

(v) jnana is the annihilation of the mind in which it is

made to assume the form of the Self through the constant

practice of dhyana or enquiry (vichara). The extinction

of the mind is the state in which there is a cessation

of all efforts.

Those who are established in this state never swerve from

their true state. The terms `silence' (mouna) and inaction

refer to this state alone.

__________

(Sri Natanananda:)

NOTE: (1) All practices are followed only with the object of

concentrating the mind. As all the mental activities like

remembering, forgetting, desiring, hating, attracting,

discarding, etc., are modifications of the mind, they cannot

be one's true state.

Simple, changeless being is one's true nature. Therefore to

know the truth of one's being and to be it, is known as release

from bondage and the destruction of the knot (granthi nasam).

Until this state of tranquillity of mind is firmly attained, the

practice of unswerving abidance in the Self and keeping the mind

unsoiled by various thoughts, is essential for an aspirant.

(2) Although the practices for achieving strength of mind are

numerous, all of them achieve the same end.

For it can be seen that whoever concentrates his mind on any object,

will, on the cessation of all mental concepts, ultimately remain

merely as that object. This is called successful meditation (dhyana

siddhi).

Those who follow the path of enquiry realize that the mind which

remains at the end of the enquiry is Brahman. Those who practise

meditation realize that the mind which remains at the end of the

meditation is the object of their meditation. As the result is the

same in either case it is the duty of aspirants to practise

continuously either of these methods till the goal is reached.

 

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