Review

Hari OM

'Text-days' are for delving into the words and theory of Advaita Vedanta.

The Upanishads are many, but of those many, there are key texts which form the very foundation of advaita vedanta. All the lesser known Upanishads are variations upon the so-called major teachings. Even between the ten or eleven 'senior' Upanishads, there is a common thread found. This is important as it demonstrates a consistency and cohesion to the overall teaching, whilst allowing for presentation in multiple contexts so that people of all abilities can grasp the essentials of the philosophy. There is something for everyone! What is more, if taught in a proper manner, it can also be found that there is a 'ladder', so that no matter how difficult a text is, if the steps have been taken correctly, no insurmountable difficulty will be faced.

Each of the prakarana granthas which have been presented here thus far follow a specific 'ladder' of learning, so that everyone can raise their understanding at their own pace.

Thus far there has been introduction to the BMI chart (use the labels listing in sidebar to access related items), there has been a discussion on saadhana and introspection to help self-assessment, there has been the occasional discussion about prayer, and we have read;

Saadhana panchakam (overview of the path of the serious seeker)

Tattva-bodaH (introduction to technical terminology)

Aatmabodha (introduction to the higher tenets of the philosophy)

On Wings & Wheels (introduction to deeper thinking about intention and purpose with reference to ethics)

That has been a well-filled three years … if it has made a difference in life. If it has been taken in and applied to life. If it has been seen to be a worthwhile modality of life.

We are reaching a point where much more serious study can be undertaken, where commitment needs to be shown. Yamini-amma is giving some deep thought as to how this next phase of learning might best be delivered. Until then, the texts of prayers will be explored. Today though, a video clip of a very short Upanishad, but one of the most profound, as it holds the entire concept of Vedanta in its few stanzas. This is an English rendition and, if you have read as is expected and inculcated as is hoped, then you will gain much just from the listening to this and will be able to 'fill in between the lines', as it were.

Do not be distracted by the pretty graphics - allow yourself a once-through watch, but note how the words can become lost due to the allure for the eye! Run it again with your eyes closed and listen closely. See if you note what was missed, and note what was heard and how it may differ now for the attention being paid to it. This is all part of learning, and of saadhana.