Hari OM
Application - that is what
'Workings-days' are about!
For as long as it takes to complete
it, we are going to be using today as well as Text-days to fulfil study of the
SadaachaaraH. If you have not been following that text, then use the relevant
label to go back to the beginning. It is, as might be surmised from its title,
about how to go about saadhana, but also explores more of the Sanskrit
philosophy; it is therefore both a 'working' as well as a 'thinking' text.
In the early verses of this text, notably 3 to 15, we saw how
important it was for dina charyaa - daily acts - in order to improve our
dharmic quality and to maintain meditation. The included things like basic
hygiene not just of the body but of mind. It is now going to be mentioned that
there are several stages of life in which we must execute certain things
pertaining to dharma. Today, as again there are several verses, a photographic
presentation of the Sanskrit, transliteration and then typed translation. Tomorrow, the
exploration. There will be a 'glance chart' here on Friday.
The one endowed with the study of the Vedas and revelling always in the vow of brahmacharya, who knows everything as the Truth, is called a Brahmachari.
The body is called the house; the gRhastha is the one seated amidst the gunas. The wise householder knows that it is the gunas that do the actions and that he is not the doer.
For one whose austerity is of the nature of Knowledge, what is the purpose served by severe austerities? he who is free of joy and anger is called vaanaprastha.
The firm determination, "I am not the body but I am the Self", is the sign of renunciation. this practice with respect to the body is verily sannyaasa and is certainly not the mere wearing of ochre robes.
