ADVENTURES IN ADVAITA VEDANTA...

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


Six Ponderments; #1

Hari OM
Each 'Choose-day' we will investigate the process by which we can reassess our activity and interaction with the world of plurality.

For the next six weeks, we are going to be pondering the following points (provided by Chinmaya Mission for the year 2019), in relation to the matter of 'choice'.

1. There is nothing greater than Self -Knowledge as also the teacher who has realised.
2. God says, “First you apply…. then I’ll reply.”
3.“A person may have everything – Knowledge, wealth and virtues, but if he is not humble, all is in vain. All else becomes beautiful with humility.”
4. This body is a means to live a righteous life.
5. PRAISE and INSULT are opportunities for us to grow. Take them both in your stride.
6. You needing others and others needing you are an illusion. No one needs anyone.

Taking up point #1, There is nothing greater than Self -Knowledge as also the teacher who has realised. The first part may be quite easily understood. As Vedantins, spiritual enquirers, the whole purpose of life may be considered that search for Self-Knowledge and it must surely rate as a most worthy cause and an even worthier achievement, if attained.

It is this which points to understanding the second part of the statement. We may not be close to the achievement of Self-Knowledge ourselves, but if we are very lucky indeed, we may come into the presence of a teacher who has indeed attained that elusive goal. Will we have the awareness about us to know this for certain about another? Probably not. This will not matter, however. That teacher will know us. We will have come into their presence by virtue of having done sufficient saadhana to warrant their attention.

If you wish to draw such a noble spirit towards you, be the 'honey to the bee'. Decide to perform all your saadhana with full heart and mind upon that task. Yet do so without expectation - do it for the value it brings you from its completion itself. In this way, you address the steps toward Self-Knowledge by yourself...