Self Unfoldment
SELF = Not others OR one self
Unfold = to open out OR to reveal
Questions that will be answered?
(Hopefully)
Who am I?
Where did I come from?
Where will I be after I die?
Does it really make a difference whether I lie or not?
Why do I always seem to want just a little more than I have?
What is bondage?
How has it come?
How does it continue to exist
How can one by completely free of it?
Chapter-1 Freedom
I don’t like being told what to do or not to do
I don’t like bondage / dependency
To be free, is my birthright
I don’t want to be dependent on anything or anybody
Wrong contact with anything can cause misery
True Freedom = Free from oneself (perceptions, emotions & thoughts), and dependency on worldly objects
Eg- Freedom to eat ice-cream - could end up with tummy ache.
Freedom to drive a car - has its restrictions
Freedom to use electricity.
Spectacles and surgery corrects the eyes, not the world
Insecurity is deep routed in each of us.
Dependency on various objects,people etc.,
I want to be happy always
Material success and external objects do not give lasting happiness
Happiness is inwards, and is a state of our mind
When mind is calm, we feel happy
Increasing “standard of life”gives happiness, “standard of living” does not
Chapter-2 Happiness
Happiness = Number of desires fulfilled
Number of desires entertained
Increasing numerator will give rise to more desires
Increasing denominator leads to prolonged unhappiness
Decreasing the denominator helps get happiness
Eg:- Yearning for perfect job, which after some gets you unhappiness. Same with a new home, car etc.,
Eg:- Small kid feeling happy with barbie. A teenager will not feel the same happiness
Eg:-Something might be music giving happiness to a person, while it might be noise to another
Eg:- Man smoking gives him happiness, while somebody nearby feels unhappy.
Key is moderation
Ponder -
A group of ten people once set on a journey together. They arrived at a river, and having crossed over to the opposite bank, decided to camp there for the night. When they woke up in the morning, the leader of the group panicked, after counting only nine people and finding one missing.
Of course, much grief ensued, with everyone distressed about what happened to the tenth person. At this point, another traveler passing by noticed the commotion, and enquired about the cause of their sorrow.
When the leader told them what had happened, the passer-by informed them that there is no reason for their tears, as the tenth person was intact. The band of ten expressed great relief, and they proceeded to ask where this tenth person was to be found.
The passer-by then asked each of them to count the number of people present, and they all counted only nine. The passer-by then declared simply, “you are the tenth person”.
“what is the condition of a human being attached to all the five senses, when the deer, elephant, moth, fish and honeybee meet their destruction while enslaved by one of the senses?” - Viveka Choodaamani
Deer is attracted by the sweet sounds made by a hunter.
Elephant is attracted by the touch of other elephant
Moth by the sight of fire.
Fish by taste of the bait.
Bee by the smell of flowers
Chapter-3 Religion
Religion is for thinking beings – there is no religion in the animal kingdom, where all life is based on instincts.
True religion teaches us how to live in this world, and meet the situations we face with equanimity
Religion teaches us a method of creating in ourselves the equipoise to stand up to life’s situations, meeting efficiently the ever changing world of challenges.
True religion imparts to us the art of living.
Religion is a technique for Self Discipline and Self Control
Religion helps each of us harness the infinite potential in us to be successful
Helps us understand the larger themes of the universe, and our place in it
Science, Scientists
Materialistic World
Religion, Spiritual Masters
Life of human being, SELF
Religion helps analyze BMI, in 3 states awake, sleep and deep sleep
Religion if the manifestation of the Divinity already in man
Religion is the Eternal relationship between the Eternal Soul and Eternal God
Religion is that which makes you realize the Unchangeable
Chapter-4 Balance
A person dies of heart attack after hearing he had just won a lottery !
A huge ship tilts over and sinks in the sea !
A rich and successful businessman commits suicide !
External world / achievements
Standard of living
Preyas - path of pleasant
Internal world / achievements
Standard of life
Shreyas - path of good
Why do you think such things are happening?
Solution = A Harmonious blending of the Sacred and the Secular
Ship’s MAST and KEEL should be equal
Chapter-4 Balance.....
How to obtain balance -
Practicing intelligent self restraint
Rejecting the lower tendencies for higher value by proper understanding
Practicing Sublimation (not Suppression/denial)
Practicing Moderation in all aspects
Develop inner strength to follow the path of Sreyas (good) instead of path of Preyas (Pleasant)
Preyas
Driven by sense organs
Gives joy in the beginning but sorrow later
Path of majority of people
Based on sense gratification
Sreyas
Driven by subtle intellect
Unpleasant in the beginning but happiness in the long run
Path of only a few people
Based on sound knowledge
Ship’s MAST and KEEL should be equal.
Eg. Marathon runner does not run for the water bottles and other goodies on the way.
Self Restraint v/s denial
Chapter-5 BMI
Nature & Quality of Life --->>> depends on the series of experiences
All of the above are required for an experience
Eg. A letter received, but not read does not give the full experience
Chapter-5 BMI.....
Vasanas --->> impressions from past lives / innate tendencies / shield of ignorance
Self that is conditioned by BMI --->> Jiva
SAT - CHIT - ANANDA = Existence - Knowledge / Consciousness - Bliss
Eg. Bulb by itself is of no use. Electricity by itself has no expression. Only when bulb is fed with electricity does it give light and has expression.
Gold in an ornament.
Clay in pot
Water in ocean
The TRUE SELF /Brahman is in everybody. It is beyond BMI. Knowing this is called “Saankya Yoga”
Stuula kshariram and Suukshma Kshariram (includes vasanas, prana, sense faculties, mind, intellect,atma)
Chapter-5 BMI.....
Vasanas
Thought & Emotions
Action
Habits
Character
Karmic Cycle
Past Impressions
Personality Fragrance
Part of Suukshma Kshariram or Subtle body
VASANAS
3 Types -
Social (loka)
Physical (deha)
Information (Shastra)
Drunkard = drink. Brandy as medicine v/s drink
Suraj = pasta, quesadilla etc.,
Vasanas are like Gramophone record
Dissolve the Vasanas (Ignorance)
How to go beyond BMI ?
Attach to a higher ideal/goal
Chapter-5 BMI.....
Substitute
Sublime / Dissolve
Meditate
START SMALL
Act without ego or ego centric desires
Kid out-growing need for toy
Eg. Suraj & Dupatta
Start small = tv, coffee/tea, drink, etc.,
The Quality of action is important !
Michelangelo - sitting near a pool and throwing stones into water
Buddha sitting under a tree
Category of people based on attitude behind their action -
Chapter-6 Action
Laborers
Workers
Persons of Achievement
Selfish Actions, Ego Centered, Motivated by desire
Less Selfish, Higher Ideal, Less motivated by desire
Selfless Actions, Ego absent, No Desire
“Nishkaama Karma”
The Secret to Success is to attach to a higher ideal, and minimize attachment to BMI
Laborers = what is in it for me attitude
Workers = politicians, social workers etc.,
Persons of achievement = Buddha, Christ, Shankaracharya, Ramanujar, Madhavacharya, Vivekanands, Chinmayananda
Eg. Farmer v/s store manager or car sales manager (Physical fatigue v/s mental)
Positive attitude v/s negative
Eg. Effort for On-a-quest movie, Election. Hemant
Chapter-7 Values
WILL POWER
Human Being’s greatest asset !
Sathyam = Truthfulness = Honesty = Non Lying
Achieved with Intellect through strong conviction, integrity, and not compromising attitude
Our Will guides regarding sathyam
BG Chapter-12 explains 32 values
Small things add up = telephone call picked by kids, reponse for not going to a party, messages to kids etc.,
Expense voucher
Evolvers v/s Adapters.
Values are contagious !
Chapter-7 Values.....
Brahmacharya = Non Indulging = Self Control
Conserve energy - don’t allow them to be dissipated by sense organs
Make intelligent contact with this world
Key is Moderation
Regulation v/s Suppression
Enjoy the world, but don’t let the world enjoy you !
“Brahmam Charati iti Brahmachari”
(One who constantly engaged in the contemplation of truth)
Eg. Strict discipline that is given to sportsmen or cricketers or soldiers
Start small !
Chapter-7 Values.....
Ahimsa = Non-harming
Have a positive attitude at all times
Forget v/s Forgive
Non-injury at mind-level (and physical off-course)
Is a sign of strength (not weakness)
To react and retaliate is weakness, to endure is strength.
Eg. Gandhi’s response to Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King etc., Movie - SELMA
Martial art instruction
Chapter-8 Energy
Plants --->>> Follow Nature
Animals --->>> Follow Nature + instincts
Humans --->>> Raise above both
Yogah karmasu kausalam = Dexterity in action is yoga
Dynamism
Conservation
Channeling
Regrets about past
Anxiety about future
Excitement in the present
Head & Heart involved like an artist
step up one’s abilities in the field of action
Right attitude with every action
Genius is not born, but made !
Eg. Exam performance based on past grades or worry about result.
Not reading how many questions to answer, before starting to answer the questions.
Clerk seeing a large pile of files on his desk
Summer vacation in the heat of Madras :)
Chapter-9 Mind
To be focussed INWARDS rather than OUTWARDS
It is responsible for our EMOTIONAL experiences
Four layers of personality -
Physical layer
Mental layer
Intellectual layer
Spiritual layer
Sacrifice the grosser layer for subtler layer
Mind is responsible for our experiences
MIND --->>> FLOW of THOUGHTS (Emotions)
INTELLECT --->>> BANKS that guide these thoughts (Ideas)
YOGA --->>> Disciplining / Training the MIND
Subtler
Replace
(negative thoughts with positive)
Flood
(positive thoughts)
Watch
(Intellect acts as GUARD)
Introspect
Detect
Negate
Substitute
Eg. Neighbour gives you a delicious & sumptuous cake - all four layers react
Eg. Gandhi sacrificed his physical wants for higher cause. Losing a ulcer affected body part to save the body.
The outward focus/energy is reflection of the inner energy !
Chapter-10 Karma
ANIMALS
Instincts
HUMANS
Self Effort
(Purushaartha)
Past Actions
Present
Law of Destiny or Prarabdha
Law of Karma = Every EFFECT has a CAUSE.
Timing of result could change !
Eg. Cow going across the fence !
Eg. Different seeds growing into plants at different time
Newton’s third law = every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
Story about King giving food, eagle + snake
Chapter-10 Karma .....
CAUSE
Effect
Present Actions
Future
Past
Present
Cause
Effect
WHAT WE ARE
Destiny / Prarabdha
HOW WE MEET
Self Effort / Purushaartha
(Modified Past)
Eg. Log of wood floating in river
Motor added to this log of wood
We don’t have complete freedom, nor are we complete slaves to destiny !
Cycle of lives = Samsara
Mid-year Recap
Freedom
Happiness
Religion
Balance
BMI
Action
Values
Energy
Mind
Karma
Chapter-11 Vasanas
Ego Centered actions produce Vasanas
ATTACHMENT
DESIRE
ANGER
DELUSION
LOSS OF MEMORY
LOSS OF DISCRIMINATION
Eg. Coffee / tea; Brandy to a drunkard
Chapter-11 Vasanas.....
So, what is the way out of this Vasana cycle?
KARMA YOGA
NishKaama Karma
Desireless action
Channeling energy in right direction
Be in present
No attachment to result
Right to act only, not to a particular result
Not an excuse for Inaction
Reduce # of Thoughts
Increase quality of Thoughts
Direct Thoughts flow
KARMA YOGA
Emotional + Intellectual
Reduces Thoughts
BHAKTHI YOGA
Emotional
Quality of Thoughts
GYANA YOGA
Intellectual
Direction of Thoughts
HATHA YOGA
Physical
Eg. Sales man not concerned about result
Chapter-11 Vasanas.....
How to deal with Vasanas?
20% --->>> Contemplation on LORD
40% -->>> Yoga of Practice
60% -->>> Karma Yoga
80% -->>> Surrender to LORD
Light Vasanas --->>> Exhaust
Medium Vasanas --->>> Substitution
Heavy Vasanas --->>> Education & Self Knowledge
Eg. Sales man not concerned about result
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTDwZzHT8gQ
Chapter-12 Gunas
Our Divinity is covered by THOUGHTS
SATTVA
RAJAS
TAMAS
Textures
Purity, Noble
Passionate, Agitation
Inertia, Negative
PERSONALITY
Different Permutations of Thoughts
Could depend on Time of Day
Typically - 3 - 9 am = Sattvic, 9 to 9 pm = Rajasic, 9pm to 3am = Tamas
Sattva can be different types =
Shuddha Sattva - Quietness
Vishudha Sattva - Stillness
Gunatheetha Sattva - Silent
Chapter-12 Gunas.....
All 3 Thought Textures are bondages !
Sattvic -->> Bound to happiness from good action
Rajasic -->> Bound to the materialistic world
Tamasic -->> Bound to Negative or Misconceptions
Tamasic -->> Has no knowledge of good or bad. Just keeps doing action
Eg: Dushyasan
Rajasic -->> Has knowledge, but is arrogant, and performs bad action
Eg. Duryodhana
Sattvic -->> Has knowledge and thinks before every action and step
Eg. Yudhishtra
Divinity is beyond Sattva
Sattvic -> Fast rotating fan (seems like not rotating)
Rajasic -> Normal rotating fan
Tamasic -> Not rotating fan
Chapter-12 Gunas.....
All 3 Gunas exist in everybody ! Their composition decides the temperament.
Brahmin -->> 80% Sattvic, 15% Rajasic, 5% Tamasic Eg. Priests, Ministers, Thinkers, Poets
Kshatriya -->> 15% Sattvic, 80% Rajasic, 5% Tamasic Eg. Kings, Leaders, Politicians
Vaisya -->> 5% Sattvic, 80% Rajasic, 15% Tamasic Eg. Traders, Businessmen
Sudra -->> 5% Sattvic, 15% Rajasic, 80% Tamasic Eg. Clerks, Laborers
Sattvic Guna -->> Smoke over fire. Little wind (Meditation) is sufficient
Rajasic Guna -->> Dust on mirror. Will need some effort (Self-less actions)
Tamasic Guna -->> Fetus in womb. Will need lot of efforts and time
(thinking)
Gunas are Veils Covering TRUE NATURE
In current yuga = these categories are not based on birth or vocation, but more based on the THINKING
Chapter-13 Sheaths
SHEATHS -->> LAYERS -->> Koshas -->> Five (Not Physical Layers but Virtual)
Food Sheath / Annamaya Kosha
Physical Body = Most Gross layer
Fathers Food -->> Mothers Food (Womb) -->> Eating food (Self) -->> Food for worms and plants (Death) (Five elements borrowed)
Food Sheath -->> 5 organs of perception & 5 organs of Action
Eyes, Ears, Nose, Tongue, Skin
Act as input devices or stimuli providers
Hands, Legs, Organ of speech, Genital organ, Organs of evacuation
Act as output devices or response providers
Chapter-13 Sheaths.....
02. Vital-Air Sheath / Pancha Praana Kosha
FIVE faculties
Perception (Praana) -->> Breath, 5 senses
Excretion/Evacuation -->> (Apaana) feces, urine, sperm, sputum and perspiration
Digestion (Samaana) -->> Digestion and assimilation of food
Circulation (Vyaana) -->> Through blood stream
Thinking (Udaana) --> New Knowledge, Reactions like tears, vomiting, sneezing etc.,
This sheath controls the Food sheath !
This sheath exists as long as we breath !
THINKING FACULTY
Helps acquire New Knowledge
Dies with Age
Chapter-13 Sheaths.....
03. Mental Sheath / Manomaya Kosha
Controls the faculties of the Prana Kosha
This sheath receives the external stimuli through the sense organs, and also provides response
It is a continuous flow of thoughts
Seat of Emotions like love, greed, hatred, compassion, jealousy.
04. Intellectual Sheath / Vignanamaya Kosha
Controls the Mind - Mental Sheath
Provides discrimination capability based on existing knowledge
Provides direction to the flow of thoughts in mind
Spring board for all ideas and ideologies like freedom, liberty, science, math
Helps make decisions and discriminate
MIND and INTELLECT are functions, not a physical entity or organ !
Indecisiveness = Mind
Decision is made = Intellect
Chapter-13 Sheaths.....
05. BLISS Sheath / Aanandamaya Kosha
Innermost, most subtler sheath
Consists of non-manifest Vasanas
State of total ignorance like in Deep Sleep
No agitations exist in this state
OM / SELF BRAHMAN
BLISS SHEATH
INTELLECT SHEATH
MIND SHEATH
VITAL AIR SHEATH
FOOD SHEATH
Subtlety / Pervasiveness
TRANSCEND
SAT - CHIT - ANANDA = Existence - Knowledge / Consciousness - Bliss
Transcending the Sheaths
Eg. of pervasiveness = ice -->> water -->> steam
Chapter-14 Three Worlds
Food + Vital Air Sheath GROSS BODY; AWAKE state
Mind + Intellect + Ego + Memory SUBTLE BODY;
DREAM state
BLISS Sheath CAUSAL BODY; DEEP SLEEP state
PURE CONSCIOUSNESS
None of this equipment can experience PURE Consciousness, just like the EYE cannot see itself
Ego = i-ness (identification of false self)
Waking/Awake state = full identification with the gross body. Attachments develop. Full experience with different entities. Different for each.
Dream state = derives from the attachments formed in the Awake state. Full experience with one entity. .Different for each.
Deep Sleep state = free from attachements (unmanifested). Same for all.
Chapter-14 Three Worlds.....
Vasanas (un-manifested)
Maya
Individual patterns
Image of a garden
Thread
Cotton
Jiva
Jagat
Ishvara (God Principle)
Brahman (Supreme Reality)
Relationship between Microcosm and Macrocosm varies based on the vasanas package and Ego (i ness)
Chapter-15 Vedanta
Subjective Science that reveals the TRUE NATURE
Verbally communicated thousands of years ago
Vyasa compiled this into the 4 vedas
Each Veda is divided into 4 main sections
Mantras - Chants
Braahmannas - Rituals
Aaranyakas - Special worship (upasanaas)
Upanishads - Declaration of truth
Veda = Knowledge
Anta = The End
Vedanta = is the collection of all the end portions of all the vedas
Chapter-15 Vedanta.....
Vedanta -> Dhrshyam or vision of life
Upanishads -->> End of Vedas (Vedanta)
Sit near guru and learn with firm determination
108 in number, out of which 10 are considered principal/key
Jiva, Jagat, Ishwara, Bondage, Moksha, Sadhana, Creation
Bhagavad Gita
The Brahma Sutras
Mahavaakyas -->> Essence of Vedas
Prajnanam Brahman = Consciousness is Brahman
Tat tvam asi = That thou art
Ayam Aatmaa Brahma = This SELF is Brahman
Aham Brahma asmi = I am Brahman
Eg:- Electricity
Tat tvam asi = That infinite, all pervading truth is your own nature
Happiness, Freedom, Sustenance of life, Love for SELF
Chapter-16 Maya
OUR TRUE NATURE -->> BRAHMAN -->> PURE FORM
SINGULAR
ALIVE PERSON -->> 3 states -->> UNREAL -->> Misconception
PLURAL
NOT knowing BRAHMAN -->> IGNORANCE (Avidya)
GROSS SUM of AVIDYA of all beings -->> MAYA
Individual/JIVA -->> Consciousness + IGNORANCE(BMI)
ISHVARA -->> Consciousness + MAYA (Total Ignorance or BMI)
You forget ONE state when you are in the other
Misconception eg. Snake & rope (Veiling of truth & Projection of false)
Ignorance can be overcome, not separated !
Formula = JIVA = Consciousness + BMI
Ishvara = Counciousness + Total BMI
Chapter-16 Maya.....
IGNORANCE / MAYA manifests through 3 gunas
To Traverse through the gunas -
I don’t know -->> Shravanam - Listening, Seeing, Reading etc.,
I can’t understand -->> Mananam - Reflection
I have no experience -->> Nididhyasanam - Practice & Meditation
Identify with BODY -->> Dvaita - different from GOD
Identify with Mind & Intellect -->> Vishista-advaita - part of GOD
Identifies with GOD -->> Advaita
Eg. Hanuman - Slave, part of Rama, and RAMA himself
Chapter-17 Self-Realization
How does he see the world?
How does he react to problems?
How does he relate himself to others?
VASANAS
BMI
5 Sheaths
3 Worlds
No thought of the past; No thought for the future; and excitement to the present !
Jivana muktha purusha
Sees the world with TOTAL freedom = No demands, attachments etc.,
Reacts to the problem = as a witness, and as appropriate to the problem
Relate to others = like himself, with love and compassion. Beyond likes and dislikes
Chapter-17 Self-Realization.....
Like Electricity is same in all equipment - constructive or destructive, BRAHMAN is same is all living/human beings - good and bad
Self realized man treats all situations like watching a movie - reacting as required, but still enjoying !
He finds no difference between INSIDE and OUTSIDE, like in a dream, the dreamer is everything !
He maintains perfect balance at all times !
Chapter-18 Sadhana
Sadhana -> The process of cleansing all the coverings, impurities etc., to reveal the REAL SELF
Quantitative measures cannot be applied to this
Internalization is important
Key factors are -
Discrimination (Viveka) - Good v/s Bad, Real v/s Unreal, Negation
Detachment (Vairagya) - Like watching a movie, Coming out of dream
Exhaust Vasanas, not develop new ones.
Accept Prarabdha
Six qualities - Calmness, Self Control, Self-withdrawal, Forbearance, Faith, Tranquillity
Burning desire for Liberation
Does not matter how many books your read, how many pravachan you attended etc.,
How well you have been able to internalize, reflect and practice/meditate
Detachment = Attach to higher, detach to lower
Calmness = contemplating, Self withdrawal = mentally not impacted by outside objects; Forbearance = silent endurance, Tranquillity = worry free, balanced, calm
Burning desire for liberation = like wanting to breath, when drowning
Chapter-19 Meditation
KARMA YOGA
BAKTHI YOGA
JNANA YOGA
PREPARE MIND
FEELING
UNDERSTAND
CONTEMPLATION
MEDITATION
Shravanam
Mananam
Knowledge
Doubts cleared
Nidityasanam
MAKE YOUR OWN
JAPA
STEPPING STONE
FOCUSSES MIND ON A FORM OR NAME
HELPS ATTACH MIND TO BRAHMAN & DETACH FROM EVERYTHING ELSE
Sharavanam = remove ignorance, Mananam = remove doubts, Nidhityasanam = internalize/make your own = Meditation
JAPA = Pre-prepared food. Ready to consume with some light warming. It prepares the mind for meditation
Chapter-19 Meditation.....
PROCESS
LOCATION ----------------->> Quiet Room or Corner & Quiet Time
ALTAR ----------------------->> Photo of GOD or OM (feet at eye level)
Flowers or incense stick (to inform sense organs/mind)
POSTURE ------------------->> Sitting straight without back support (can use pillow)
THOUGHT MESSAGE ---->> Relax Body and Mind - through thoughts
THOUGHT PARADE ------->> Thoughts pass through. Intellect is a witness. No dwelling
JAPA -------------------------->> Chanting with a mala. Dont cross starting point/meru.
Do not use index finger
THOUGHTSLESS STATE ->> Stop for a moment of total silence (3 times)
STEPS
Chapter-19 Meditation.....
TIPS TO REMEMBER !
Start with 10 minutes per day. Grow to not more than 30 minutes
Pick a suitable place & time
Pick a suitable mantra and altar
Do not force - Instead Use aids, Open eyes, Chant loudly, Go back to preparing yourself
The Thoughtless state = Meditation
At this point Meditator = Meditated = Meditation
Start with “Guided Meditation”
Meditation takes time and practice. NO INSTANT GRATIFICATION !
Discard your identity. Assume identity of seeker/sanyasi
Regularity and Sincerity is key !
Chapter-20 Sustained Joy
Meditation -->> Trains / Persuades your mind to be happy/joyfull
Watch your thoughts and smile internally whenever you have 10 minutes
Treat it as appointment with GOD (your real self)
Surrender to Brahman
Invoke and attach to the higher
Live in a state of meditation
Observe yourself at every moment
Be thankful to everything and anything !
SELF = Not others OR one self
Unfold = to open out OR to reveal
Questions that will be answered?
(Hopefully)
Who am I?
Where did I come from?
Where will I be after I die?
Does it really make a difference whether I lie or not?
Why do I always seem to want just a little more than I have?
What is bondage?
How has it come?
How does it continue to exist
How can one by completely free of it?
Chapter-1 Freedom
I don’t like being told what to do or not to do
I don’t like bondage / dependency
To be free, is my birthright
I don’t want to be dependent on anything or anybody
Wrong contact with anything can cause misery
True Freedom = Free from oneself (perceptions, emotions & thoughts), and dependency on worldly objects
Eg- Freedom to eat ice-cream - could end up with tummy ache.
Freedom to drive a car - has its restrictions
Freedom to use electricity.
Spectacles and surgery corrects the eyes, not the world
Insecurity is deep routed in each of us.
Dependency on various objects,people etc.,
I want to be happy always
Material success and external objects do not give lasting happiness
Happiness is inwards, and is a state of our mind
When mind is calm, we feel happy
Increasing “standard of life”gives happiness, “standard of living” does not
Chapter-2 Happiness
Happiness = Number of desires fulfilled
Number of desires entertained
Increasing numerator will give rise to more desires
Increasing denominator leads to prolonged unhappiness
Decreasing the denominator helps get happiness
Eg:- Yearning for perfect job, which after some gets you unhappiness. Same with a new home, car etc.,
Eg:- Small kid feeling happy with barbie. A teenager will not feel the same happiness
Eg:-Something might be music giving happiness to a person, while it might be noise to another
Eg:- Man smoking gives him happiness, while somebody nearby feels unhappy.
Key is moderation
Ponder -
A group of ten people once set on a journey together. They arrived at a river, and having crossed over to the opposite bank, decided to camp there for the night. When they woke up in the morning, the leader of the group panicked, after counting only nine people and finding one missing.
Of course, much grief ensued, with everyone distressed about what happened to the tenth person. At this point, another traveler passing by noticed the commotion, and enquired about the cause of their sorrow.
When the leader told them what had happened, the passer-by informed them that there is no reason for their tears, as the tenth person was intact. The band of ten expressed great relief, and they proceeded to ask where this tenth person was to be found.
The passer-by then asked each of them to count the number of people present, and they all counted only nine. The passer-by then declared simply, “you are the tenth person”.
“what is the condition of a human being attached to all the five senses, when the deer, elephant, moth, fish and honeybee meet their destruction while enslaved by one of the senses?” - Viveka Choodaamani
Deer is attracted by the sweet sounds made by a hunter.
Elephant is attracted by the touch of other elephant
Moth by the sight of fire.
Fish by taste of the bait.
Bee by the smell of flowers
Chapter-3 Religion
Religion is for thinking beings – there is no religion in the animal kingdom, where all life is based on instincts.
True religion teaches us how to live in this world, and meet the situations we face with equanimity
Religion teaches us a method of creating in ourselves the equipoise to stand up to life’s situations, meeting efficiently the ever changing world of challenges.
True religion imparts to us the art of living.
Religion is a technique for Self Discipline and Self Control
Religion helps each of us harness the infinite potential in us to be successful
Helps us understand the larger themes of the universe, and our place in it
Science, Scientists
Materialistic World
Religion, Spiritual Masters
Life of human being, SELF
Religion helps analyze BMI, in 3 states awake, sleep and deep sleep
Religion if the manifestation of the Divinity already in man
Religion is the Eternal relationship between the Eternal Soul and Eternal God
Religion is that which makes you realize the Unchangeable
Chapter-4 Balance
A person dies of heart attack after hearing he had just won a lottery !
A huge ship tilts over and sinks in the sea !
A rich and successful businessman commits suicide !
External world / achievements
Standard of living
Preyas - path of pleasant
Internal world / achievements
Standard of life
Shreyas - path of good
Why do you think such things are happening?
Solution = A Harmonious blending of the Sacred and the Secular
Ship’s MAST and KEEL should be equal
Chapter-4 Balance.....
How to obtain balance -
Practicing intelligent self restraint
Rejecting the lower tendencies for higher value by proper understanding
Practicing Sublimation (not Suppression/denial)
Practicing Moderation in all aspects
Develop inner strength to follow the path of Sreyas (good) instead of path of Preyas (Pleasant)
Preyas
Driven by sense organs
Gives joy in the beginning but sorrow later
Path of majority of people
Based on sense gratification
Sreyas
Driven by subtle intellect
Unpleasant in the beginning but happiness in the long run
Path of only a few people
Based on sound knowledge
Ship’s MAST and KEEL should be equal.
Eg. Marathon runner does not run for the water bottles and other goodies on the way.
Self Restraint v/s denial
Chapter-5 BMI
Nature & Quality of Life --->>> depends on the series of experiences
All of the above are required for an experience
Eg. A letter received, but not read does not give the full experience
Chapter-5 BMI.....
Vasanas --->> impressions from past lives / innate tendencies / shield of ignorance
Self that is conditioned by BMI --->> Jiva
SAT - CHIT - ANANDA = Existence - Knowledge / Consciousness - Bliss
Eg. Bulb by itself is of no use. Electricity by itself has no expression. Only when bulb is fed with electricity does it give light and has expression.
Gold in an ornament.
Clay in pot
Water in ocean
The TRUE SELF /Brahman is in everybody. It is beyond BMI. Knowing this is called “Saankya Yoga”
Stuula kshariram and Suukshma Kshariram (includes vasanas, prana, sense faculties, mind, intellect,atma)
Chapter-5 BMI.....
Vasanas
Thought & Emotions
Action
Habits
Character
Karmic Cycle
Past Impressions
Personality Fragrance
Part of Suukshma Kshariram or Subtle body
VASANAS
3 Types -
Social (loka)
Physical (deha)
Information (Shastra)
Drunkard = drink. Brandy as medicine v/s drink
Suraj = pasta, quesadilla etc.,
Vasanas are like Gramophone record
Dissolve the Vasanas (Ignorance)
How to go beyond BMI ?
Attach to a higher ideal/goal
Chapter-5 BMI.....
Substitute
Sublime / Dissolve
Meditate
START SMALL
Act without ego or ego centric desires
Kid out-growing need for toy
Eg. Suraj & Dupatta
Start small = tv, coffee/tea, drink, etc.,
The Quality of action is important !
Michelangelo - sitting near a pool and throwing stones into water
Buddha sitting under a tree
Category of people based on attitude behind their action -
Chapter-6 Action
Laborers
Workers
Persons of Achievement
Selfish Actions, Ego Centered, Motivated by desire
Less Selfish, Higher Ideal, Less motivated by desire
Selfless Actions, Ego absent, No Desire
“Nishkaama Karma”
The Secret to Success is to attach to a higher ideal, and minimize attachment to BMI
Laborers = what is in it for me attitude
Workers = politicians, social workers etc.,
Persons of achievement = Buddha, Christ, Shankaracharya, Ramanujar, Madhavacharya, Vivekanands, Chinmayananda
Eg. Farmer v/s store manager or car sales manager (Physical fatigue v/s mental)
Positive attitude v/s negative
Eg. Effort for On-a-quest movie, Election. Hemant
Chapter-7 Values
WILL POWER
Human Being’s greatest asset !
Sathyam = Truthfulness = Honesty = Non Lying
Achieved with Intellect through strong conviction, integrity, and not compromising attitude
Our Will guides regarding sathyam
BG Chapter-12 explains 32 values
Small things add up = telephone call picked by kids, reponse for not going to a party, messages to kids etc.,
Expense voucher
Evolvers v/s Adapters.
Values are contagious !
Chapter-7 Values.....
Brahmacharya = Non Indulging = Self Control
Conserve energy - don’t allow them to be dissipated by sense organs
Make intelligent contact with this world
Key is Moderation
Regulation v/s Suppression
Enjoy the world, but don’t let the world enjoy you !
“Brahmam Charati iti Brahmachari”
(One who constantly engaged in the contemplation of truth)
Eg. Strict discipline that is given to sportsmen or cricketers or soldiers
Start small !
Chapter-7 Values.....
Ahimsa = Non-harming
Have a positive attitude at all times
Forget v/s Forgive
Non-injury at mind-level (and physical off-course)
Is a sign of strength (not weakness)
To react and retaliate is weakness, to endure is strength.
Eg. Gandhi’s response to Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King etc., Movie - SELMA
Martial art instruction
Chapter-8 Energy
Plants --->>> Follow Nature
Animals --->>> Follow Nature + instincts
Humans --->>> Raise above both
Yogah karmasu kausalam = Dexterity in action is yoga
Dynamism
Conservation
Channeling
Regrets about past
Anxiety about future
Excitement in the present
Head & Heart involved like an artist
step up one’s abilities in the field of action
Right attitude with every action
Genius is not born, but made !
Eg. Exam performance based on past grades or worry about result.
Not reading how many questions to answer, before starting to answer the questions.
Clerk seeing a large pile of files on his desk
Summer vacation in the heat of Madras :)
Chapter-9 Mind
To be focussed INWARDS rather than OUTWARDS
It is responsible for our EMOTIONAL experiences
Four layers of personality -
Physical layer
Mental layer
Intellectual layer
Spiritual layer
Sacrifice the grosser layer for subtler layer
Mind is responsible for our experiences
MIND --->>> FLOW of THOUGHTS (Emotions)
INTELLECT --->>> BANKS that guide these thoughts (Ideas)
YOGA --->>> Disciplining / Training the MIND
Subtler
Replace
(negative thoughts with positive)
Flood
(positive thoughts)
Watch
(Intellect acts as GUARD)
Introspect
Detect
Negate
Substitute
Eg. Neighbour gives you a delicious & sumptuous cake - all four layers react
Eg. Gandhi sacrificed his physical wants for higher cause. Losing a ulcer affected body part to save the body.
The outward focus/energy is reflection of the inner energy !
Chapter-10 Karma
ANIMALS
Instincts
HUMANS
Self Effort
(Purushaartha)
Past Actions
Present
Law of Destiny or Prarabdha
Law of Karma = Every EFFECT has a CAUSE.
Timing of result could change !
Eg. Cow going across the fence !
Eg. Different seeds growing into plants at different time
Newton’s third law = every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
Story about King giving food, eagle + snake
Chapter-10 Karma .....
CAUSE
Effect
Present Actions
Future
Past
Present
Cause
Effect
WHAT WE ARE
Destiny / Prarabdha
HOW WE MEET
Self Effort / Purushaartha
(Modified Past)
Eg. Log of wood floating in river
Motor added to this log of wood
We don’t have complete freedom, nor are we complete slaves to destiny !
Cycle of lives = Samsara
Mid-year Recap
Freedom
Happiness
Religion
Balance
BMI
Action
Values
Energy
Mind
Karma
Chapter-11 Vasanas
Ego Centered actions produce Vasanas
ATTACHMENT
DESIRE
ANGER
DELUSION
LOSS OF MEMORY
LOSS OF DISCRIMINATION
Eg. Coffee / tea; Brandy to a drunkard
Chapter-11 Vasanas.....
So, what is the way out of this Vasana cycle?
KARMA YOGA
NishKaama Karma
Desireless action
Channeling energy in right direction
Be in present
No attachment to result
Right to act only, not to a particular result
Not an excuse for Inaction
Reduce # of Thoughts
Increase quality of Thoughts
Direct Thoughts flow
KARMA YOGA
Emotional + Intellectual
Reduces Thoughts
BHAKTHI YOGA
Emotional
Quality of Thoughts
GYANA YOGA
Intellectual
Direction of Thoughts
HATHA YOGA
Physical
Eg. Sales man not concerned about result
Chapter-11 Vasanas.....
How to deal with Vasanas?
20% --->>> Contemplation on LORD
40% -->>> Yoga of Practice
60% -->>> Karma Yoga
80% -->>> Surrender to LORD
Light Vasanas --->>> Exhaust
Medium Vasanas --->>> Substitution
Heavy Vasanas --->>> Education & Self Knowledge
Eg. Sales man not concerned about result
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTDwZzHT8gQ
Chapter-12 Gunas
Our Divinity is covered by THOUGHTS
SATTVA
RAJAS
TAMAS
Textures
Purity, Noble
Passionate, Agitation
Inertia, Negative
PERSONALITY
Different Permutations of Thoughts
Could depend on Time of Day
Typically - 3 - 9 am = Sattvic, 9 to 9 pm = Rajasic, 9pm to 3am = Tamas
Sattva can be different types =
Shuddha Sattva - Quietness
Vishudha Sattva - Stillness
Gunatheetha Sattva - Silent
Chapter-12 Gunas.....
All 3 Thought Textures are bondages !
Sattvic -->> Bound to happiness from good action
Rajasic -->> Bound to the materialistic world
Tamasic -->> Bound to Negative or Misconceptions
Tamasic -->> Has no knowledge of good or bad. Just keeps doing action
Eg: Dushyasan
Rajasic -->> Has knowledge, but is arrogant, and performs bad action
Eg. Duryodhana
Sattvic -->> Has knowledge and thinks before every action and step
Eg. Yudhishtra
Divinity is beyond Sattva
Sattvic -> Fast rotating fan (seems like not rotating)
Rajasic -> Normal rotating fan
Tamasic -> Not rotating fan
Chapter-12 Gunas.....
All 3 Gunas exist in everybody ! Their composition decides the temperament.
Brahmin -->> 80% Sattvic, 15% Rajasic, 5% Tamasic Eg. Priests, Ministers, Thinkers, Poets
Kshatriya -->> 15% Sattvic, 80% Rajasic, 5% Tamasic Eg. Kings, Leaders, Politicians
Vaisya -->> 5% Sattvic, 80% Rajasic, 15% Tamasic Eg. Traders, Businessmen
Sudra -->> 5% Sattvic, 15% Rajasic, 80% Tamasic Eg. Clerks, Laborers
Sattvic Guna -->> Smoke over fire. Little wind (Meditation) is sufficient
Rajasic Guna -->> Dust on mirror. Will need some effort (Self-less actions)
Tamasic Guna -->> Fetus in womb. Will need lot of efforts and time
(thinking)
Gunas are Veils Covering TRUE NATURE
In current yuga = these categories are not based on birth or vocation, but more based on the THINKING
Chapter-13 Sheaths
SHEATHS -->> LAYERS -->> Koshas -->> Five (Not Physical Layers but Virtual)
Food Sheath / Annamaya Kosha
Physical Body = Most Gross layer
Fathers Food -->> Mothers Food (Womb) -->> Eating food (Self) -->> Food for worms and plants (Death) (Five elements borrowed)
Food Sheath -->> 5 organs of perception & 5 organs of Action
Eyes, Ears, Nose, Tongue, Skin
Act as input devices or stimuli providers
Hands, Legs, Organ of speech, Genital organ, Organs of evacuation
Act as output devices or response providers
Chapter-13 Sheaths.....
02. Vital-Air Sheath / Pancha Praana Kosha
FIVE faculties
Perception (Praana) -->> Breath, 5 senses
Excretion/Evacuation -->> (Apaana) feces, urine, sperm, sputum and perspiration
Digestion (Samaana) -->> Digestion and assimilation of food
Circulation (Vyaana) -->> Through blood stream
Thinking (Udaana) --> New Knowledge, Reactions like tears, vomiting, sneezing etc.,
This sheath controls the Food sheath !
This sheath exists as long as we breath !
THINKING FACULTY
Helps acquire New Knowledge
Dies with Age
Chapter-13 Sheaths.....
03. Mental Sheath / Manomaya Kosha
Controls the faculties of the Prana Kosha
This sheath receives the external stimuli through the sense organs, and also provides response
It is a continuous flow of thoughts
Seat of Emotions like love, greed, hatred, compassion, jealousy.
04. Intellectual Sheath / Vignanamaya Kosha
Controls the Mind - Mental Sheath
Provides discrimination capability based on existing knowledge
Provides direction to the flow of thoughts in mind
Spring board for all ideas and ideologies like freedom, liberty, science, math
Helps make decisions and discriminate
MIND and INTELLECT are functions, not a physical entity or organ !
Indecisiveness = Mind
Decision is made = Intellect
Chapter-13 Sheaths.....
05. BLISS Sheath / Aanandamaya Kosha
Innermost, most subtler sheath
Consists of non-manifest Vasanas
State of total ignorance like in Deep Sleep
No agitations exist in this state
OM / SELF BRAHMAN
BLISS SHEATH
INTELLECT SHEATH
MIND SHEATH
VITAL AIR SHEATH
FOOD SHEATH
Subtlety / Pervasiveness
TRANSCEND
SAT - CHIT - ANANDA = Existence - Knowledge / Consciousness - Bliss
Transcending the Sheaths
Eg. of pervasiveness = ice -->> water -->> steam
Chapter-14 Three Worlds
Food + Vital Air Sheath GROSS BODY; AWAKE state
Mind + Intellect + Ego + Memory SUBTLE BODY;
DREAM state
BLISS Sheath CAUSAL BODY; DEEP SLEEP state
PURE CONSCIOUSNESS
None of this equipment can experience PURE Consciousness, just like the EYE cannot see itself
Ego = i-ness (identification of false self)
Waking/Awake state = full identification with the gross body. Attachments develop. Full experience with different entities. Different for each.
Dream state = derives from the attachments formed in the Awake state. Full experience with one entity. .Different for each.
Deep Sleep state = free from attachements (unmanifested). Same for all.
Chapter-14 Three Worlds.....
Vasanas (un-manifested)
Maya
Individual patterns
Image of a garden
Thread
Cotton
Jiva
Jagat
Ishvara (God Principle)
Brahman (Supreme Reality)
Relationship between Microcosm and Macrocosm varies based on the vasanas package and Ego (i ness)
Chapter-15 Vedanta
Subjective Science that reveals the TRUE NATURE
Verbally communicated thousands of years ago
Vyasa compiled this into the 4 vedas
Each Veda is divided into 4 main sections
Mantras - Chants
Braahmannas - Rituals
Aaranyakas - Special worship (upasanaas)
Upanishads - Declaration of truth
Veda = Knowledge
Anta = The End
Vedanta = is the collection of all the end portions of all the vedas
Chapter-15 Vedanta.....
Vedanta -> Dhrshyam or vision of life
Upanishads -->> End of Vedas (Vedanta)
Sit near guru and learn with firm determination
108 in number, out of which 10 are considered principal/key
Jiva, Jagat, Ishwara, Bondage, Moksha, Sadhana, Creation
Bhagavad Gita
The Brahma Sutras
Mahavaakyas -->> Essence of Vedas
Prajnanam Brahman = Consciousness is Brahman
Tat tvam asi = That thou art
Ayam Aatmaa Brahma = This SELF is Brahman
Aham Brahma asmi = I am Brahman
Eg:- Electricity
Tat tvam asi = That infinite, all pervading truth is your own nature
Happiness, Freedom, Sustenance of life, Love for SELF
Chapter-16 Maya
OUR TRUE NATURE -->> BRAHMAN -->> PURE FORM
SINGULAR
ALIVE PERSON -->> 3 states -->> UNREAL -->> Misconception
PLURAL
NOT knowing BRAHMAN -->> IGNORANCE (Avidya)
GROSS SUM of AVIDYA of all beings -->> MAYA
Individual/JIVA -->> Consciousness + IGNORANCE(BMI)
ISHVARA -->> Consciousness + MAYA (Total Ignorance or BMI)
You forget ONE state when you are in the other
Misconception eg. Snake & rope (Veiling of truth & Projection of false)
Ignorance can be overcome, not separated !
Formula = JIVA = Consciousness + BMI
Ishvara = Counciousness + Total BMI
Chapter-16 Maya.....
IGNORANCE / MAYA manifests through 3 gunas
To Traverse through the gunas -
I don’t know -->> Shravanam - Listening, Seeing, Reading etc.,
I can’t understand -->> Mananam - Reflection
I have no experience -->> Nididhyasanam - Practice & Meditation
Identify with BODY -->> Dvaita - different from GOD
Identify with Mind & Intellect -->> Vishista-advaita - part of GOD
Identifies with GOD -->> Advaita
Eg. Hanuman - Slave, part of Rama, and RAMA himself
Chapter-17 Self-Realization
How does he see the world?
How does he react to problems?
How does he relate himself to others?
VASANAS
BMI
5 Sheaths
3 Worlds
No thought of the past; No thought for the future; and excitement to the present !
Jivana muktha purusha
Sees the world with TOTAL freedom = No demands, attachments etc.,
Reacts to the problem = as a witness, and as appropriate to the problem
Relate to others = like himself, with love and compassion. Beyond likes and dislikes
Chapter-17 Self-Realization.....
Like Electricity is same in all equipment - constructive or destructive, BRAHMAN is same is all living/human beings - good and bad
Self realized man treats all situations like watching a movie - reacting as required, but still enjoying !
He finds no difference between INSIDE and OUTSIDE, like in a dream, the dreamer is everything !
He maintains perfect balance at all times !
Chapter-18 Sadhana
Sadhana -> The process of cleansing all the coverings, impurities etc., to reveal the REAL SELF
Quantitative measures cannot be applied to this
Internalization is important
Key factors are -
Discrimination (Viveka) - Good v/s Bad, Real v/s Unreal, Negation
Detachment (Vairagya) - Like watching a movie, Coming out of dream
Exhaust Vasanas, not develop new ones.
Accept Prarabdha
Six qualities - Calmness, Self Control, Self-withdrawal, Forbearance, Faith, Tranquillity
Burning desire for Liberation
Does not matter how many books your read, how many pravachan you attended etc.,
How well you have been able to internalize, reflect and practice/meditate
Detachment = Attach to higher, detach to lower
Calmness = contemplating, Self withdrawal = mentally not impacted by outside objects; Forbearance = silent endurance, Tranquillity = worry free, balanced, calm
Burning desire for liberation = like wanting to breath, when drowning
Chapter-19 Meditation
KARMA YOGA
BAKTHI YOGA
JNANA YOGA
PREPARE MIND
FEELING
UNDERSTAND
CONTEMPLATION
MEDITATION
Shravanam
Mananam
Knowledge
Doubts cleared
Nidityasanam
MAKE YOUR OWN
JAPA
STEPPING STONE
FOCUSSES MIND ON A FORM OR NAME
HELPS ATTACH MIND TO BRAHMAN & DETACH FROM EVERYTHING ELSE
Sharavanam = remove ignorance, Mananam = remove doubts, Nidhityasanam = internalize/make your own = Meditation
JAPA = Pre-prepared food. Ready to consume with some light warming. It prepares the mind for meditation
Chapter-19 Meditation.....
PROCESS
LOCATION ----------------->> Quiet Room or Corner & Quiet Time
ALTAR ----------------------->> Photo of GOD or OM (feet at eye level)
Flowers or incense stick (to inform sense organs/mind)
POSTURE ------------------->> Sitting straight without back support (can use pillow)
THOUGHT MESSAGE ---->> Relax Body and Mind - through thoughts
THOUGHT PARADE ------->> Thoughts pass through. Intellect is a witness. No dwelling
JAPA -------------------------->> Chanting with a mala. Dont cross starting point/meru.
Do not use index finger
THOUGHTSLESS STATE ->> Stop for a moment of total silence (3 times)
STEPS
Chapter-19 Meditation.....
TIPS TO REMEMBER !
Start with 10 minutes per day. Grow to not more than 30 minutes
Pick a suitable place & time
Pick a suitable mantra and altar
Do not force - Instead Use aids, Open eyes, Chant loudly, Go back to preparing yourself
The Thoughtless state = Meditation
At this point Meditator = Meditated = Meditation
Start with “Guided Meditation”
Meditation takes time and practice. NO INSTANT GRATIFICATION !
Discard your identity. Assume identity of seeker/sanyasi
Regularity and Sincerity is key !
Chapter-20 Sustained Joy
Meditation -->> Trains / Persuades your mind to be happy/joyfull
Watch your thoughts and smile internally whenever you have 10 minutes
Treat it as appointment with GOD (your real self)
Surrender to Brahman
Invoke and attach to the higher
Live in a state of meditation
Observe yourself at every moment
Be thankful to everything and anything !
No comments:
Post a Comment