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Scriptural teachings

CHENNAI: Painstaking effort and persistent enquiry are indispensable when one engages in the pursuit of the Absolute Truth and scriptures are acknowledged as the reliable sources of knowledge pertaining to this quest. The structure and content of the Upanishads not only provide excellent learning/teaching methodology, but there is also plenty of subtle teachings on the essential values of life, said Sri S. Ganesa Sarma in a lecture.

For instance, in the question and answer framework in Taitriya Upanishad there is scope for an open approach, giving the student the right to explore, question and become convinced. Brigu as the student wishing to get knowledge of the Brahman from his father Varuna, is asked to do penance and find out the truth. During this period of penance Brigu realises truths about food, life, mind, etc., and proceeds towards grasp of the eternal Brahman.

Though one might question the validity of penance in the pursuit of knowledge, the esoteric nature of the subject matter has to be internalised in one’s consciousness and penance provides the chance to explore and gain the knowledge in gradual stages. One has the space to learn by trial and error. Brahman cannot be described but has to be realised and Brugu exemplifies the individual in quest of Truth.

In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna makes it clear that performance of Yagnas satisfies the celestials who in turn ensure that there is sufficient rainfall, etc., to sustain life on earth. We have to live in harmony with the elements on whom we depend. The interconnectivity is such that no category of life is independent.

In Katopanishad Vajisravas performs the Visvajith Yagna to gain mastery over the universe but fails to uphold the spirit of the sacrifice since he gave away what he wanted to discard. His son Nachiketas saw the discrepancy in the act of his father. He merely asked his father, “To whom will I be offered?” The father’s words “I will give you to Yama,” brought forth further turns in the story. The boy confonted Yama in his abode and learnt valuable truths about life and hereafter. The subtle truths of living are thus illustrated.

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