Chitta Shuddhi (Was Prajanaam Brahma)

[Guest guest]

advaitin , " Ramesh Krishnamurthy "

<rkmurthy wrote:

>

> Studying the jnAna kANDa without chitta-shuddhi only leads to

> arrogance

 

Hari OM!

I remember a beautiful story told by Swami Jyotirmayanandaji about

the importance of chitta-shuddhi and its relation to jnAna.

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A disciple approached his master and asked him to bestow on him

immediately the jnAna - knowledge of self-realization. Master told

him that he needs to discipline himself. Then the disciple

says, " Oh Master, you are ocean of compassion. I don't like all

these disciplines. By your compassion please give me the knowledge

directly " . To which the Master replies, that he would come to his

house for Bhiksha(alms) tomorrow, and then impart the knowledge.

 

The disciple was very excited to know that he was getting easily

the ultimate knowledge, which others with years of discipline are

still trying to receive. And, he made elaborate preparations for

the Bhiksha. Next day, Master took his vessel, or begging bowl,

that traditional sanyasins accept food from, and started towards

the disciple's home. On the way, he smeared some muck - a smelly

substance to the vessel.

 

Disciple received the Master with honors, and was about to serve

delicious food into the Master's bowl. He then noticed the dirt and

bad smell in it, and was about to clean the bowl. Master asked him

not to clean the bowl, but offer the food directly in it. Disciple

said, " Oh Master, the bowl is unclean and stinking. All the

delicious food I prepared with great care will get spoiled if I put

in it. Please allow me to clean the bowl first " . And then master

replied, " Just as you want to clean the bowl before offering your

food, should I not clean your bowl (head) into which I want to put

carefully prepared food of knowledge " ?! The disciple understood.

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Hari OM!

-Srinivas