What exactly is Atmavichaara? Not the study of the attributes of the Atma, as
given in books, but the analysis of the nature of the 'I', laying bare the
enveloping sheaths, the Panchakosas, through concentrated discrimination,
directed inward.
It
is not the Vichara of the external world or the outer objective world, or the
academic scholarship directed towards the interpretation of texts. It is the
analytical penetration of the secret of the Atma, achieved by the keen edge of
intellect.
Though
Brahman cannot be discovered in the Sastras, they tell you of the Pancha Kosas
or the Five Sheaths and of their identification marks and characteristics and
so, by the exercise of the intellect, it is possible to reach down to the Atmic
Truth.
How
can one not versed in the Sastras master the process of this analysis and this
consummation, it may be asked. He can learn it from a Guru, or an elder
Sadhaka, can he not?
But
one fact has to be emphasized again. The Atma principle is beyond the reach of
even the most profound Pandit who has learned the Sastras; it can be understood
only by direct experience. That is why it is said that even a person who has
had the vision has to approach the Guru.
Without
guidance from such a teacher, the Atma cannot be grasped. Even Narada had
Sanathkumara as Guru and Janaka had Suka, and other Saints had other Gurus.
When one has the Grace of the Lord, the Guru becomes very often superfluous; He
makes everything known.
Maitreyi,
the consort of Yaajnavalkya and the unlearned Leela and Choodala are examples
to show that without a prolonged study of the Sastras, women in the past learnt
the Atmavidya from the Guru and attained success.
Love
PS - With this, Jnana Vahini comes to an
end. However, efforts are being made to give the Jnana Vahini in a changed
sequence, matching the path to be followed in the path of Jnana, to the extent
possible, in a summarized way.
Love.
Love.
