ADVENTURES IN ADVAITA VEDANTA...

Adventures in Advaita Vedanta, the philosophy and science of spirit. We are one you and I; are you curious why?..


What Do We Have?

Hari Om
Each 'Choose-day' we will investigate the process by which we can reassess our activity and interaction with the world of plurality and become more congruent within our personality.

The next text which will guide the Choose-day posts is "Tips for Happy Living - jIvnsUÇai[ /jiivanasuutraani", by Swami Tejomayananda (Guru-ji). Choose-days writings are here to prompt deeper thinking on the choices made on a daily basis and seek to provide prompts for raising the standard of one's thinking and living. This text composed in format of Sanskrit traditional teachings, speaks directly to this purpose. As ever, the full text may be obtained from CM Publications - or your local centre (see sidebar).

Continuing to explore what 'freedom' means in Vedantic terms, and what it is to have potential to rise in life and spirit, the question might be asked as to why this treasure of understanding is often missed or abused; where is it to be found and what is the key to unlocking it?

tdwRmpei]ta> svRz´> SviSmÚev inihta>.5.
Tadartham-apekshitaaH sarva-shaktaH svasminneva nihitaaH ||5||
All potentials needed for it are kept in oneself only.

The infinite potential and the ability to tap it are right within each of us. Most of us do not believe we have it or that we can get it. The musk deer runs here and there in search of the fragrance emerging form its own navel! The thirsty fish in the pond searches everywhere for water! We look for the spectacles we have placed upon our own head… many are the examples and analogies which can be given here.

Not only is the treasure trove of potential within each of us, but the key to opening such a box of goodies lies within us also.

Indeed, it can be said that they are one and the same thing. The key IS the treasure. The very potential to be unlocked does the unlocking. Our inherent potentials enable further potential… one thinks of the adage "if you don't use it you lose it".

A brief suutra today. Ponder upon this. Note down what you think are the key potentials that we all have… what do you consider to be your own strongest potential gift. Are you using it fully? Remember at all times we are afforded the freedom to utilise our talents; we have choice, even in the most restricted (apparent) circumstances. Do we seek to make the best of them?

As we approach the turn of another year on the international calendar, assessing our choices is a worthy pursuit!