Sadhana Panchakam - Post 41

Arguing is just another strategy of the ego not to yield an inch of ground. The egoistic intellect has an insatiable desire to win an argument. We may win, but we must consider ourselves to be defeated spiritually. We are digging our own grave!

To argue with perverse people is bad enough; we saw that in Step 19. How much more should we avoid arguing with holy men, whom we revere as our superiors? It is unpardonable to win an argument against the wise. Spiritually that spells disaster.

The spiritual aspirant, having worked so hard to reach this high stage, would be very foolish if he wasted all this merit on merely trying to win an argument. Arguing is a sheer waste of effort in terms of one’s spiritual progress; it achieves nothing.

Arguing with intelligent people, is very enticing for a developed intellect. It sees in it a chance to “tickle” itself for the fun of it. The true seeker is advised never to get into arguments with anyone, however intelligent that person may be.

Wisdom of the Prime Existence which is the highest state of communion, yoga, can be sourced  only when the five sense organs of Knowledge together with mind cease their operation and even the intellect does not stir. Therefore, while scriptures and teachers are essential for knowing about Truth, and arguments may assist in approaching the Truth, the Truth has to be experienced exterminating the web of words and intellectual confrontations. 

It is observed that with efflux of Time, resonance of scriptures lose their resonance and vibrancy, needing palpable presence of the Divine presence to declare afresh and rejuvenate the ancient Wisdom. Yoga Sutras, therefore, advise one to remain aloof from divergent thoughts because they distract being in union with Brahman.

 

Swami Chidananda, the able disciple of Swami Sivananda, writes,

 

“Guru-Kripa (The grace of the Preceptor) is a wonderful mysterious factor that will enable the aspirants to seek and to attain the summum bonum of life, Self-realization, the vision of God, or Moksha. Whether the disciple is deserving, or undeserving, Guru-Kripa sets aside all normal laws that operate in the spiritual plane and takes one to the transcendental Bliss.

There is absolutely not the least bit of exaggeration in the statement and also in the fact that the Guru is always gracious. But then, Guru-Kripa has not only to be bestowed, not only to be given, but it has also to be received. In receiving it, we immortalize ourselves and divinize ourselves.

There must be joy in obedience to the Guru and there should be a real craving in the spirit that “I should obey.” To be a disciple, you should obey even in dream. Day and night our Sadhana should be to cultivate this attitude of obedience to perfection.”

 

His Guru and Guru of all Gurus, Swami Sivananda writes on both kinds of disciple, the arguing and the obedient one in poetical form, thus:

 

The Frog And Faithless Disciple

 

“A frog lives near the lotus;

But it does not drink the honey of the lotus,

A bee from a distant place comes

And drinks the honey of the Padma

 

Some aspirants who live near the Guru

Do not imbibe the wisdom of their Guru;

They find fault with their Preceptor

And remain near him like the frog.

 

Some people who live in distant places

Who have intense faith in their Guru,

Who strictly follow life-instructions,

Obtain the grace of the Guru,

And attain the goal of life quickly.”

One must never exhibit one’s ego with argument on any spiritual matter with learned one, especially with their own Guru. Such argument defeats the very essence of “Guru-Shishya Parampara”.

Discussions for getting clarity on any teaching imparted by Guru forms part of the “mananam process”. In Discussion, one strives to get clarity, one wills to learn. In Argument, one wants to destroy the other!!!.

 

Love.