sumitsehrawat
June 20th, 2005, 05:25 PM
The upanishads, which constitute the end-portions of the eternal Vedas, inquire into the natre and description of the absolute "Reality" (God).
The subjects dealt with therein are means to cross the ocean of transmigration. The method adopted by the seers to state the facts and convey the message is unique. To enable the earnest student to comprehend these profound but sometimes recondite statements, the "story" has been chosen as the medium. The seers, proficient in psychology, had insight into man's interests, his capacity to digest profound truths and his inclination to be guided by simple directives conveyed through stories.
The contents of the Upanishads have thus been simple narratives like sugar-coated pills. Even as medicine enters the stomach without it being aware of the bitter taste, the sublime instructions couched in the form of the stories, enable the sincere inquirer to get at the problems and their solutions in this life-journey. The aim of all the Upanishads is to show humanity, the path of liberation and the ultimate bliss. The attainment of bliss is not possible by a mere persual of scriptures. The stories and their esoteric significance are to be learnt through spiritual guides. Reflecting on such teachings will culminate in subjective experience.
On of the stories refers to a scholar who first refuses to transmit spiritual knowledge to a king but later conveys it to him. Was he carried away by the blandishments of the king? No. Impres asednd satisfied with the zeal and ardent faith shown by the king, the sage changed his views. Lord Krishna in the Gita says " He who is full of faith attains knowledge".
The king (Janasruti) was framed for his benevolent administration. One summer night when he ws enjoying the cool breeze, reclining on his couch on the terrace of his palace, he heard two swans praising the knowledge of a sage called Raikva. The next day, the king asked his men to trace the sage, who was ultimately found in a village, far from being impressive, the sage's bosy was full of sores and scabies. the king, who was keen on learning meditation from the sage, offered hi chariots, cows, jewellery and other material wealth. Raikva rejected them but, on seeing the king's real interest, initiated him. A king may be deeply respected in his country but a Divine personality (scholar) will be revered at all places.
December 2, 1993
The Hindu
The subjects dealt with therein are means to cross the ocean of transmigration. The method adopted by the seers to state the facts and convey the message is unique. To enable the earnest student to comprehend these profound but sometimes recondite statements, the "story" has been chosen as the medium. The seers, proficient in psychology, had insight into man's interests, his capacity to digest profound truths and his inclination to be guided by simple directives conveyed through stories.
The contents of the Upanishads have thus been simple narratives like sugar-coated pills. Even as medicine enters the stomach without it being aware of the bitter taste, the sublime instructions couched in the form of the stories, enable the sincere inquirer to get at the problems and their solutions in this life-journey. The aim of all the Upanishads is to show humanity, the path of liberation and the ultimate bliss. The attainment of bliss is not possible by a mere persual of scriptures. The stories and their esoteric significance are to be learnt through spiritual guides. Reflecting on such teachings will culminate in subjective experience.
On of the stories refers to a scholar who first refuses to transmit spiritual knowledge to a king but later conveys it to him. Was he carried away by the blandishments of the king? No. Impres asednd satisfied with the zeal and ardent faith shown by the king, the sage changed his views. Lord Krishna in the Gita says " He who is full of faith attains knowledge".
The king (Janasruti) was framed for his benevolent administration. One summer night when he ws enjoying the cool breeze, reclining on his couch on the terrace of his palace, he heard two swans praising the knowledge of a sage called Raikva. The next day, the king asked his men to trace the sage, who was ultimately found in a village, far from being impressive, the sage's bosy was full of sores and scabies. the king, who was keen on learning meditation from the sage, offered hi chariots, cows, jewellery and other material wealth. Raikva rejected them but, on seeing the king's real interest, initiated him. A king may be deeply respected in his country but a Divine personality (scholar) will be revered at all places.
December 2, 1993
The Hindu