Hari
Om
'Freedays' are the 'gather our thoughts' days;
Q&As; a general review of the week so far…
On
Choose-days, Workings-days and the last two Free-days, we have been exploring
the introductory text of Chinmaya Mission, "Kindle Life". It is a
book for all people at all stages of spiritual undertaking and, indeed, of all
faiths. Whilst Vedanta is perceived as
'Hinduism', it is actually a universal philosophy in which much will be found
that is familiar; one of the great joys of exploring it is the sense of 'oh
yes, I knew that' but also discovering that the 'knowing' of a thing is not the
same as 'living' a thing.
One
thing that can be said about Vedanta (and indeed was said by Gurudev himself!),
is that it can bring life to the scriptures with which you may be more
familiar. Specifically, knowing Vedanta can make one a better Christian. 'How
so?!' asks the astounded reader. Well, amongst a host of other things, the
methodology of learning and 'breaking into' scripture which is provided through
the deeper study of Sanskrit texts helps one 'get behind' the words of Christ -
shedding a fresh and wonderful light. In this very last chapter of KL, number
32 to be precise, Gurudev points to the sort of approach which ought to
undertaken if one is truly serious about growing spiritually. As you will have
been gathering, if you have been reading here for some time, growing
spiritually means growing emotionally, psychologically and
intellectually. It is a 'whole person'
system which you tailor for yourself. As much as you are prepared to give to
Vedanta, so much more will Vedanta give to you.
Now for Gurudev's words.
...WHAT
TO DO...when you have your books (or Aatmaavrajanam!)
Vedanta
is a science and so it must be studied in a systematic way. Start reading Kindle Life. Even here don't try to read through; it is
not a novel or something of semi-heavy reading. These are books for the
students to reflect up all by themselves. So don't read more than five to ten
pages a day. [AV note; you have the advantage
here of having KL presented to you in appropriately sized posts, use the label
in the side bar to revisit and spend more time!] Read slowly, carefully
noting all the ideas developed therein.
This may take 20-30 minutes; and always make it a point to read your
scriptures after your morning bath, before breakfast and work.
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As
you read thus, a lot of tiny doubts will arise in your mind; sometimes you may
question the very logic of certain conclusions in what you read. Please note
them all
in a notebook which you have kept separate for this
purpose. Clearly express your
doubts. After having recorded your doubts, forget them and continue reading your
daily quota of pages. On
a day where you have more time (weekend or holy day), please take up the note
book and a pencil. Start reading your own doubts collected during the week.
You
will find, surprisingly, that you can check off many of them because you have
already the answers with you. The week's reading has widened your vision.
May
be there are some questions which you have not had answered. Leave them alone. From the next day, continue
the regular program of daily study, recording doubts whenever they arise. Repeat the checking on a weekly basis. By the
time you come to the end of the book, very many questions will have their
answers. For those which do not, there
is always the next book!
Go
slow. There is no hurry. Your
independent thinking is of the utmost importance. Don't blindly believe;
question every statement; accept no action greater than your own understanding. Then alone we enter into the Science of
Vedanta - then alone our Knowledge can enter us.
[Gurudev then points out his Scheme of Study list; all
the relevant texts in a structured order. It is this which is being embarked
upon here at AV, TattvabodaH already begun.]
Decide
what you want;
:: If you demand but a life of money and power, of
sense pleasures and fleeting joys, seek not God and His help. Sweat, toil,
strive and achieve.
:: If you demand a life of Peace and Love, of
Self-control and Pure Bliss, seek Him and His Grace through study, prayer and
meditation. KINDLE LIFE; learn, live, share.
:: In this introductory book (Kindle Life) for the
study of Vedanta, the topics are unfolded in graded doses, lucidly and with
minimal technical trouble.
TRY!
YOU CAN!
YOU MUST!
