sumitsehrawat
June 18th, 2005, 01:53 PM
The universe is vast but vaster is the world within. Science probes nature but the Vedanta (science of total human potentialities)continues the search inwards. it seeks the ultimate, imperishable reality that is not affected by space, time and casuality. In this inward life, there are two main streams - knowledge and devotion - which follow different paths but finally they merge. As Sri Ramakrishna Paramhamsa had said, pure devotion and pure knowledge were not distinct. One led to the other. The Bhagvad Gita affirms that the two paths are like the left and right eyes. Both are needed for proper vision.
The Chandogya Upanishad, which describes the process of "knowledge", says : if what goes into us - material food as well as mental pabulum - is pure, the mind turns pure, the wisdom steadies and right knowledge dawns. Then all complexities vanish and the individual experiences total freedom and joy. Boys and girls should be encouraged to self-reliance. Physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual strength should be instilled in them.
The scriptures emphasised devotion, which was natural to us becasue the ability to love was innate and did require a sharp intellect. Among the technique of 'Bhakti', repeating the Lord's sacred names is the easiest and most rewarding. The Bhagvatam says that when Krishna's name is chanted, all impurities in our hearts are wiped out. in pure devotion, avarice, pride and lust disappear. The mind turns serene and one becomes disinterested. These steps of devotion direct one along the path of knowledge. "I do not consider one a Hindu, unless one is spiritual" said Swami Vivekananda. Many believe that spiritual life is only for the aged, but in truth, it is for all who look for harmony. Tension and conflict, hatred and frustration, greed and jealousy are unnatural. The natural life is when the spirit flows smoothly, in peace.
April 3, 1993
The Hindu
The Chandogya Upanishad, which describes the process of "knowledge", says : if what goes into us - material food as well as mental pabulum - is pure, the mind turns pure, the wisdom steadies and right knowledge dawns. Then all complexities vanish and the individual experiences total freedom and joy. Boys and girls should be encouraged to self-reliance. Physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual strength should be instilled in them.
The scriptures emphasised devotion, which was natural to us becasue the ability to love was innate and did require a sharp intellect. Among the technique of 'Bhakti', repeating the Lord's sacred names is the easiest and most rewarding. The Bhagvatam says that when Krishna's name is chanted, all impurities in our hearts are wiped out. in pure devotion, avarice, pride and lust disappear. The mind turns serene and one becomes disinterested. These steps of devotion direct one along the path of knowledge. "I do not consider one a Hindu, unless one is spiritual" said Swami Vivekananda. Many believe that spiritual life is only for the aged, but in truth, it is for all who look for harmony. Tension and conflict, hatred and frustration, greed and jealousy are unnatural. The natural life is when the spirit flows smoothly, in peace.
April 3, 1993
The Hindu