Hari
OM
Application - that is what 'Workings-days' are about!
The text under study is BHAJA GOVINDAM, song of despair of time-wasting, by Sri Adi Shankaraachaarya.
The
singer of this song, the Guru, gave an indication of the steps for a spiritual
seeker in the previous verse. Now he goes on to point out the elusive nature of
the external.
Vayis
gte k> kamivkar>
Zau:ke
nIre k> kasar>,
úaI[e
ivÅae k> pirvarae
}ate
tÅce k> s<sar>.10.
Vayasi
gate kaH kaamavikaaraH
Shushke
niire kaH kaasaaraH,
Kshiine
vitte kaH parivaaro
Jnaate
tattve kaH samsaaraH ||10||
When the age (youthfulness) has passed where is lust
and its play?
When water has evaporated where is the lake?
When wealth is reduced where is the retinue?
When the Truth is realised where is samsaara?.
Get
used to this word 'samsaara'; the quick and easy translation is 'sea of life',
but it has depth, as does the sea! It is the word which encompasses everything
that life represents for every living being, regardless of their position,
physically or mentally, or their spiritual outlook. We are all in samsaara,
even if we deny our spiritual nature. Life is life and there is not a person
alive who does not experience what it provides. For some that is better than
others, but there are basics which are common to all.
Such
as aging. No one escapes! Not only do we lose our physical drive, often we are
worn down mentally also. In the environment around us, similar changes can be
found over time. In our life, everyone wishes to be our friend in the good
times, but how often are we left alone, when those times pass?
Cause
and effect is what is pointed out here. The ever-changing nature of existence.
One thing happens, another will certainly follow. Not always predictable, but
effects will arise from each and every event.
For
the spiritual seeker, when Realisation takes place (...if!..), then it will
become apparent that even the wholeness of this thing we call life and world
will be known to be an effect of delusion. The process provided in verse nine
is what will bring the serious devotee, the untiring researcher of the spirit, results; devotion to the process can reveal this Truth. Our purpose, should we choose
to follow it, is to rise to the True State of Selflessness, Brahman-hood.
