Summarized by: Shailesh Vyas
Started with meditation, anulom vilom.
Initial Q&A -
Q - Why do we follow mourning rituals for a relative who we don’t know well and we think we have no connection at BMI level?
Q - Or in general why do we follow mourning rituals after death?
Group discussed different rituals and their significance. We talked about how relations could be tied from previous births.
We extended the conversation to Sukshma shareer. Also it may be hard to believe in things that our BMI cannot comprehend and an unaware person may challenge them as superstitions.
We also discussed possible reasons behind rituals like why we mourn for 13 days and significance of food that is cooked? Or Why is it advised to not enter a temple? Could it be to avoid distraction? Could it be ashuchak?
Q- Another topic we discussed around level of engagement. For e.g. There are a lot of optional group activities (like hobbies) where if we cannot get equal engagement (inaction) from others. Especially when one may know that she can make a difference however other members of the group may not be equally passionate or show equal engagement. How do we deal with such situations?
We talked about how this question could be tied to Karma You v/s Karma Sanyasa. Attitude with it is done matters more, you need to detach with action.
One can only be responsible for his/her own actions, everyone is going through different paths and their level of engagement may differ for various reasons.
We also talked about Sanyasa - which literally means giving up something. For e.g. someone may have passion about playing and watching cricket.
However at some point you may just drop it like a fruit drops the branch at the right time when it is ripe.
One should try to do such activities with energy and passion without worrying about things that are not in control. e.g. Controlling horses to go where you want to go, this is similar to controlling senses and mind. Meditation helps you achieve full control of senses (horses).
In the context of Sanyasa, one cannot renounce what he/she doesn't have.
Recap of previous class
Gurudev’s video (95 and 96) - Verse 8 & 9 -
A man who has awakened to a higher state of consciousness understands he/she is not doing anything, actions are springing out of her. In her presence the body, the mind, the intellect are all functioning. BMI are equipment of experiences.
e.g. If we are in a car and drive 10 mins, we do not get out of breath.
Similarly when we are watching dance or a game, we are a watcher and not a performer.
When you are living in the midst of activity, if mentally you have made some adjustment, you are not affected by the actions, How can that be?
In the same way if a person is engaging in activity, she should not be affected by results.
Multiple examples in this context -
A lotus leaf that never gets wet even though it’s entire lifecycle is in water.
By not attaching to our actions and its results, we are not affected by its results.
For e.g. When a person is drunk, we forgive him because the person is not in his consciousness.
Subjective analysis -
True freedom = when you are not the doer/experiencer in every activity (Free from attachment of activity and its result).
Absolute self abidance is the ultimate state from which you continue to engage with the world.
Appreciate the oneness.
Observer or witness hood needs to be developed while performing all actions.
Give up results of action while giving up the actions.
Externally engage in actions diligently but internally practice to see yourself as a non-doer. God as the prime mover of all activities.
All actions performed with the intent of purification of self.
Ended class with Meditation and Summary of class.
