Spiritual pursuit takes off when the aspirant understands the importance of controlling the mind and getting ready to be steeped in meditation of the highest truth ever. Not many can really cross the hurdle of keeping the mind under check. While the Upanishads show that spiritual experience and mental discipline are closely related, there is no insistence or preference to any one method, or code or rite, explained Sri Mani Dravid Sastrigal in a lecture.
As Krishna points out, the path of karma is possible to many who are yet to have mastery over the senses. Only when this is gained can one get involved in meditation alone. Karma here refers to scriptural rites and duties and some of these mentioned in the Vedas are for specific purposes. By performing these in the prescribed manner one learns to discipline oneself even as it is possible to realise one’s aspirations, worldly or spiritual.
But the supreme goal being liberation from bondage, it should be clearly understood that one has to eventually transcend this stage of performance of karma linked to bondage. Even if one performs obligatory duties and refrains from karmas for fulfilment of desires and prohibited acts as well, bondage is not ruled out. That is why Jnana is shown to be the effective means to salvation. This is possible when the mind sets aside all else and concentrates on worship of the Supreme Brahman. The Supreme is conceived in human terms and forms to enable the aspirant to meditate. One type of upasana urges the aspirant to imagine one’s prana as the sarira for the atma within the heart. Continuous meditation in this manner if pursued until the end of one’s life could lead one to a higher level in spiritual attainment.
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