Sunday, May 28, 2017

Introduction to Vedas and Vedanta - Part 15

Jiva's search continued.......

Last time, we left with a question, why joy / happiness is experienced only occasionally?

The possible explanation is that happiness manifests when we are not seeking anything and are in a state of fullness. 

Hence, till the time we are not full / complete within ourselves and we are seeking Joy / Happiness elsewhere, outside us, then the joy cannot be experienced eternally.

But again, the question arises as to why our own joy should be subject to any condition for it to be experienced by us.

Our enquiry thus remains inconclusive. What is evident is that we lack some crucial knowledge about ourselves, which alone will bring consistency among the facts that now appear to disagree with each other. 

It could well be that we are actually what we are seeking to become and that only some impediment is preventing us from recognizing it. 

But we can be definite only when we know what exactly we are and as to why we are in the present condition. 

This knowledge should be like the astronomical knowledge by which we understand as to why we experience the rising and setting of the sun even though it never rises and sets. 

Therefore, our next step in our effort to become free from problem of insecurity and unhappiness is to gain the correct and comprehensive knowledge of the Self.

Knowledge of anything is gained by accessing what we want to know through the appropriate means of knowledge, which is called as pramäëa in Sanskrit. 

Now arises the big question as to why we require a means of knowledge for gaining self- knowledge. 

It becomes necessary, as our problem is not that we do not know that the Self exists, but that we are born with self-ignorance, which makes all of us know it incorrectly. 

We think that the Self, which is equated by us with the conscious being, is subject to limitations. 

Therefore, we require a means of knowledge to know the Self in its true nature as the limitless whole.


Love.

“Embodiments of Love, Students!

Whatever you have learnt here, share it with others. It is not enough if you share it with others, you too should put your knowledge into practice and derive benefit therefrom. We prepare many delicious items at home and serve them to the guests. Is it not necessary that we should also partake of them?

Likewise, we should digest the Vedic knowledge we have acquired and also share it with others. All types of knowledge have originated from the Vēdas. That is why the Vēda is extolled as sarva vijñāna sampatti (the treasure chest of knowledge). But unfortunately, we are not making proper use of such a treasure. Share your knowledge to the extent you have acquired. Never forget what you have learnt. With sincere effort, you will certainly be able to attain sākhātkāra. Those of you who wish to have the vision of God should digest the Vedic wisdom you have acquired and share it with others.”


Bhagavān Sri Sathya Sai Baba – Discourse on 19 October 2004

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar