Miscellaneous - Religion   

Path to Self-realisation

CHENNAI: The system of thought expressed in the scriptures leads to a spiritual experience that is capable of uplifting human beings from the mundane earthly routine. The Upanishads teach us the truth about our Atma. Adi Sankara’s interpretation of the term Upanishads refers to the loosening of the bonds of life leading to the destruction of ignorance so that one is able to reach the goal of Self realisation, said Sri Goda Venkateswara Sastrigal in a lecture. This is the way to attain peace of mind which is a prime requisite to one and all. The teaching in the Kaivalya Upanishad is revealed in the form of a dialogue between Brahma and his disciple Sage Ashvalayana. Brahma instructs the sage regarding the means to attain the knowledge of the Supreme Brahman, which is possible only through faith, devotion and meditation.

The greatest hurdle in this path is ignorance due to the presence of Maya. Deluded thus by ignorance, the Jivatma identifies himself with the body and fails to recognise the inner reality of the Self. Immortality can be attained only through renunciation and other means such as work, progeny, wealth, etc., are of no use in this quest. Worldly attractions which may appear to be symbols of happiness are ephemeral and have to be renounced if one is to attain the everlasting bliss of Self-realisation. Those with pure minds who have controlled their senses are able to ascertain the Eternal Truth with the help of scriptures, renunciation and sacrifice. They attain liberation from the sphere of Brahma at the time of cosmic dissolution. Those who have tasted this bliss will leave the lesser joys of the world and will no longer be attracted to them.

The method of meditation is also specified. The Lord who is in the indweller in each being has to be meditated upon.

The Lord along with His consort Uma is the source of all and is the remover of the darkness of ignorance. One has to see God in all aspects of creation. All differences begin to melt when one has this attitude of mind.

A wise man sheds the bonds of life by making the Atma and the Pranava mantra “Om” as the two wood pieces used to produce fire to induce the repeated friction of knowledge.

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