Happiness pursuit calls for action. First, the seeker has to choose a path. Like at cross roads, the driver may ask someone for direction. He, then will have to take the road indicated. He has to trust and proceed. Otherwise, he will be at the Trisanku- not able to move in anyway.
So, let us, say, take Vedanta as a path to our goal of Abhayam and
eventual happiness. Vedas have promised this abundantly. Many seers and mahatmas
have endorsed it down the millennia. So, there is not much risk in embarking on
that proven and promised route. Is there? Are we ready?
One of the great exponents of Vedanta was Adi Shankaracharya. He
has left behind extensive works in the form of commentaries on Bhagavad Gita,
major Upanishads, Brahma Sutra and many original compositions, the most famous
being Viveka Choodamani.
Studying correctly any one of the works of Acharya will be
sufficient to become Abhayam—
But there is a catch though, to study his works. One should
acquire the needed adhikaritvam-eligibility. Here is the problem. People take to study
without acquiring the pre-requisites. It will be like trying to join forces
without the requisite physical attributes.
These pre-requirements are called – Sadhana Chatushtayam..
1. Viveka, 2. Vairagya 3. Shadsampati, 4.
Mumukshutwam
Shadsampati- Sama(calmness) Dama (sense control)
Uprati(withdrawal), Titiksha (Forbearance) Shraddha (faith) Samadhana (contentment).
A seeker after Abhayam, will have to acquire the above mental qualities without fail. There is no short cut here. (All these terms are easily available
on the net to study).
Vedantic quest is compared with walking on a Razor’s edge- one can visualize the difficulty.
Is one fit to embark on this path fully? (Even if partially eligible, partial benefit
will accrue, so a householder need not be disheartened). All cannot become
Sanyasis and should not also and it will not happen anyway.
Ponder over the above deeply.
Be happy. Be safe.
10 AM
Well said Bala.
ReplyDeleteOne point here: One has to define happiness.
Here comes the importance of the first of Sadhana chathushtaya- Vivekam
Vivekam means discerning ' Sat' from ' asat'.
What is 'Sat'? One which is there today and which was there yesterday and would be there forever. One which has no begining nor end.
If one looks around the world he or she would find everything has a beginning and an end.
Therefore the happiness provided by these objects has a beginning and an end. They are temporary.So if one wants real happiness he should not go after' Asat' objects. This is called Viveka.
Once one gains this Viveka he should forsake ' raga' for ' asat' . That is ' vairagya' or detachment.
Thank you sir for the kind elaboration. That makes the postion clear for the new seeker.
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