Hari OM
'Text-days' are for delving into the
words and theory of Advaita Vedanta
SAADHANA PANCHAKAM.
FIVE VERSES ON SPIRITUAL PRACTICE. Written by Sri Adi
Shankaraachaarya. Please click on the relevant label and ensure to review the
posts till date.
We are studying the fourth shloka.
Shloka Four. Paada Five.
Endure all pairs of opposites; heat
and cold etc. Here we have
reference to vairagya. By existing on the physical plain, all the challenges of
'this or that' come up. Feeling hot or cold is a very basic one. Also whether
something is sweet or bitter tasting, whether we have joy or sorrow to handle…
There will always be a reaction to what is presented to us externally. Having
our focus firmly placed upon the Higher, we can begin to detach somewhat from
all these instinctual reactions; we can decided if anything is worth our
reaction or not. Okay, so it's cold. Go put on a sweater and get on with
things. It's hot, wear the minimum
without loss of grace and perhaps wipe down with damp cloth, then get on with
things. Fine, the milk has gone off and you can't have that cuppa, drink water
instead and move along with the day.
To detach ourselves from these menial matters gives space within to
keep spiritual focus. The inconveniences will still be there, but they will no
longer trouble us to the same extent - if at all. We learn to become an
observer of events, even when in the middle of them. This is a very useful tool
for the sadhak, as it protects us from the intense turmoil which can block our
vision. Sure, we can still 'talk the talk' with others who remain trapped in
the nonsense for we must understand that they have not the same vision, but we
do not have to actually feel dragged down ourselves.
Paada Six.
Avoid wasteful talks. As has
just been said, for social conduct we may have to engage in 'small talks'.
Sometimes, too, we do need to vent frustrations. An advanced seeker, though,
will endeavour to minimise the less consequential conversations. This verse,
remember, is for the highly focused and advanced practitioner of Vedantic
principle; as novices this can seem harsh and distancing. It does not have to
be. Almost certainly all of you reading this will have experienced times when
you have become detached from a conversation going on around you, wondering at
the mundanity and unnecessary nature of it, is it not? When we are growing
spiritually this happens almost as a matter of course - indeed not even in
'spiritual terms'; it is a case of maturity also. To be able to converse always
on topics of a higher nature, with better value to the wholeness of our being
(and here that means spiritual), with like minds, is ever uplifting. Find the
people with whom you can bring forth your true inner being, who will help you
to stretch your intellect and soul on its quest for improvement. Know that the further along this road you
travel, the less 'populated' it becomes… Quality versus quantity.
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Don't panic! It is a natural progression of life and you can still
partake in social activity; it is just that making the choice to become
immersed, or to remain as an observer is now under your control. Hence the next
step -
Paada Seven.
Be indifferent. This refers
most directly to vairagya as a method of saadhana. In the English language,
'indifferent' looks cold and unequivocal. It does not fully convey the essence
and nuance found within the Sanskrit 'vairaagya'. Particularly for those people
who are deeply affected by things, to see someone who apparently is not can lead to them throwing accusations of
coldness, heard-heartedness and such like. This is their mistake and they are
only adding to their own sorrows! If only they too could develop a little of
vairagya. With this practice, it is possible to see and feel the angst and
sorrow, or indeed the immense joys, of others; it is possible to commiserate or
congratulate; but at the same time remain poised and at ease within, not
succumbing to the carousel of agonies and ecstasies. It is especially useful during those times
and in those cases where it is not possible to do anything that will have any
effect upon outcomes. An example is when there is a natural disaster or a
horror incident - in these days of mass media when everyone with a 'smart phone'
is not so smart and what they capture gets noticed and everything is done with a view to working on the emotions, we must learn to discriminate and moderate our reactions. If you can offer something to make a difference, what you can do, do… what you can't, offer up prayers
that the Lord may carry out His will.
Paada Eight.
Save yourself from other peoples'
kindness. This, at first glance, looks an odd thing. Again, remember the
context. When we are advancing in spiritual saadhana, we are aiming to attach
to the numinous, the Aatman, the universal spirit. This involves detaching from
the mundane, the physical and material existence. This text was, as has been
stated, written for highly advanced seekers and at this level and into the last
shloka, the distinction between Real and Unreal is emphasised greatly.
Lessons can still apply to the novice though. As we develop our
vairagya, and whilst having all compassion for those around us who remain lost
in samsaara, our disentanglement must also include minimising any obligations
which may be put upon us by others. Such folk may not necessarily realise that this is
what they are doing. Some people use 'kindness and giving' as a passive weapon
though! Very often folk who do this will refuse kindness and generosity offered
to them in return, for they wish to retain the upper hand. The ways and means
of social control are countless. Become aware of them and seek to release the
chains of emotional entanglement, the 'setups' of expectation and petty
demands. This does not mean that all giving should be rejected! Know that it is
okay to accept without obligation. What is more, when giving yourself, be very
sure that it is spontaneous and without expectation on your own part.
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