Some thoughts on Atma-14

[Guest guest]

Sai Ram Dear Brothers and Sisters,

(continued from posting no. 13)

 

The Atma is unattached( Nissanga, Viraga, nirlipta etc. etc.). Atma is desireless (nirichha, ichhavirahita etc.,). Atma is without pleasure and pain( Sukhaduhkhavivarjitha). These arise when the intellect is present or alive. These are not present in deep sleep when the intellect is absent. Hence attachment, desire, pleasure and pain belong to the intellect and not to Atma.

 

 

The above-mentioned four experiences are interrelated. When we lack something in life we feel a sense of dejection, unfulfillment or a sort of incompleteness etc. etc. Such a feeling causes our intellect to devise a method for filling up the void and thereby regain a sense of completeness or fulfillment. Such a plan entertained by the intelect causes a stream of thoughts to flow from us to the object of acquisition or gratification. In the initial stage when the flow of thoughts is thin, the thought-flow is called attachment(

Raga). When the same thought gets gather more bulk and momentum, the flow intensifies to become a desire(Icha). When a desire is fulfilled it produces joy(Sukha) and when it remains unfulfilled it produces sorrow(

duhkha). These experiences are interpreted by the intellect.,which is considered to be the enjoyer or experiencer of these mental conditions. They do not exist in in the state of deep sleep when the intellect ceases to function. They rise again in the waking and dream states when the intellect resumes functioning. Hence these experiences are related to the intellect and not to the Atma.

 

The Katopanishad states, " when all the desires of the heart are overcome, this very mortal becomes immortal and experiences the Atma here in this very life. When the knots of the heart(Hridayagranthi)

are untied and man is free from worldly attachments, he becomes immmortal. " That summarises the whole of Spirituality.

(to be continued)

With Loving SAI RAMs,

G.Balasubramanian