JNANA YOGA
Year 2023 – 24
Session notes
Sep. 15, 2023 – Session 1:
Attendees: Lok, Abirami. Sankaraiah, Komala, Dr. Bhargav and Subbu
Prayer songs followed by meditation.
Subbu:
We shall review a set of questions for orientation or as a refresher in the first two sessions.
Then, we shall discuss “Dakshinamurthy Stotram”.
Traditionally “Sath Sangh” implies association of good and like minded people to pray, sing prayer songs, listen to religious teachings / discourse, etc. The purpose of all this is to promote a calm and peaceful mind with good will for all.
“Sath Sangh ” also literally means, “Association with truth”. The truth can be about anything. It is a process for reflection and analysis, based on data, evidence and our connection with that. Such exploration of “truth” about what is life and how we live daily and as a way of life from birth to death, is called “Philosophy”. Exploring this knowledge and iys application for use in our daily life is our Sath Sangh. It can also be called “Jnana Yoga”.
B. What is Yoga?
The Sanskrit word “Yoga” comes from the root “Yuj” (i.e.) to be in union with. Hence Yoga is a process of self-reflection and self-control to be in union with the driving force – the spirit – with anything external to it.
This union or association can be through any activity, where we do it because it is the right thing to do (Dharma) and in the right manner for the right reasons (with objectivity and non-attachment). Such engagement in action is Karma Yoga.
The physical exercise – Hatha Yoga, which is commonly referred to as “Yoga” – is a form of engaging our mind and bodily actions to connect with every chosen muscle in our body and then move them at will for toning and conditioning.
We can similarly engage our mind to keep our emotions in check. Such control can also be through faith and surrender to a larger power or God. This union – self control and un-attached engagement – with our emotions is Bhakti Yoga.
C. What is Jnana Yoga?
The origin for all our actions and emotions is our mind. Everything originates from our thoughts. “I think, therefore “I” exist” says the French Philosopher Des Cartes. But even our thoughts – and the ability to think – are enabled by a driving force, the spirit. To be connected with this driving force (Brahman) and explore its role in our thoughts, emotions and actions, this intellectual exercise is Jnana Yoga – the Yoga of Knowledge and wisdom of “Who am “I”? How do I exist, live, feel, act, etc. This exercise of our mind / intellect and exploring the ways in which “I” are connected to the world around – the universe at large – is Jnana Yoga.
“I am, therefore I exist – Aham Brahmasmi” is the Maha Vakya from Vedas.
Questions for self-assessment on “Spirituality”
- What is spirituality?
- A way of living
- Something to do with spirits
- Something related to religion
- I don’t know
Spirituality is the ability, desire and will to seek and identify with the common driving force (Spirit) across everything. From such a point of view or alignment, you can see the common framework for everything and why they are like that within you and around you. This spiritual perspective gives you the ability to remain calm and peaceful (like the deep ocean), while things within and around us are turbulent (like the waves on the surface of the ocean)!
- Spiritual person is:
- Reflective and contemplative
- A recluse
- One who has no wants
- I don’t know
Spirituality is not a detour or bypass to circumvent the issues and challenges of daily life. To manage our every moment as reflected through our knowledge, bias and ignorance at that moment is Spirituality. It is like driving a bicycle or a car. Just as the driver of a car or a rider on a bicycle has to potholes and detours along the way, every one of us has to confront the issues of life at every moment.
- Spirituality is
- A state of mind
- Controlling the mind
- Thinking of God
- I don’t know
- Spiritual person:
- Strives to be objective
- Prays all the time
- Wears minimum clothes
- I don’t know
- Spiritual person:
- Highly educated
- Tries to remain non-judgmental
- Very knowledgeable
- I don’t know
- Spiritual person
- Has lots of friends
- Has no friends
- Is at ease in friendly as well as difficult situations
- I don’t know
Sep. 22, 2023 – Session 1:
Attendees: Lok, Abirami. Komala, Chitra and Subbu
- One can be
- Spiritual all the time
- Try to be spiritual as much as possible
- Never spiritual
- I don’t know
- Spiritual person
- Is truthful all the time
- Seeks truth as much as possible
- Does not know the difference between truth and lie
- I don’t know
- Spiritual person thinks:
- Life is a collection of experiences
- Every experience can be explored
- Our past experiences define our life in the future
- I don’t know
- Spiritual person:
- Is fearful of death
- Prays to God for long life
- Understands that life and death are part of nature
- I don’t know.
- Spiritual person is:
- Forgiving all the time
- Loving and considerate all the time
- Of relentless faith in the goodness of all
- I don’t know
The “all” in the above answers may reflect an ideal situation. In practice instead of “all” one could use the phrases “most of the time” or “as much as possible”>
- Spiritual person:
- Speaks no evil, sees no evil and hears no evil
- Seeks the truth through observations and objective analysis
- Believes that everything happens at the will of the God
- I don’t know
- Spiritual person:
- Is God fearing
- Looks up to God as a reference to emulate
- Is agnostic
- I don’t know
There was a good amount of discussion on the above.Can a spiritual person be agnostic and hence without any notion of God or faith in such a super power. The answer is definitely “yes”. But all such agnostic persons may need a point of reference to assess their objectivity and nonattachment. They need to believe and be committed to that reference to calibrate and measure their own objectivity and non attachment, at any point of time. What is that point or source of reference for an agnostic? This answer could be a valid substitute for answer “b” above.
- For a Spiritual person:
- Life is a journey
- Life is a process
- Life is one of many cycles
- I don’t know
The process referred to here is an objective and unattached assessment of any thought, emotion or action – the spiritual process – and the pertinent K, B and I related to that. This reflection, analysis or assessment clarifies the Tranquility, Turbulence or Inertial state behind that thought, feeling or action. Persistent practice of this process is the journey of life.
- Spirituality is:
- What others see in me
- Intensely personal and self-governing
- Something that is taught and learned
- I don’t know.
This intense and personal nature of “Spirituality” should be well understood. It is not something merely for teaching, learning or discussions. It is understanding our own existence like breathing, digesting, emotions and feelings and/or thoughts. It is also a personal understanding of why things are that way within us and around us.
One who understands this true intense and personal aspect of “Spirituality” also truly understands the meaning of “Aham Brahma: I am Brahman”.
Following questions are assigned for self-study.
We shall start with Dakshinamurthy Stotram from the next session.
- Describe the concept of “Tat Twam Asi” : You and the Universe are one and the same (integral in each other)
- Describe the five layers (Sheaths) in which everything exists?
- What is to be understood as “Brahman” or “Brahmam”?
- Describe the “Connector Science” or the Connection between the Conscience and everything external to it?
- Describe “Objectivity” and how it is distinguished from “Subjectivity”.
- All religions suggest: ”Control your mind” – Do you agree? If yes, for what purpose? Explain that as you understand (from any religion you are familiar with)?
- Describe the symbolism of “Om”, the “lamp” or candle as it is applicable to spirituality in daily life.
- What do you understand through the word “Yoga”? Are there many Yoga or is it the same principle for practice and for the same outcome? Elaborate?
- What is the single most essential to be gained, the most impact of any Yoga?
- Is “Spirituality” something to be acquired or something to become aware of?
Prayer Songs with Meaning:
Academic Year 2021 – 2022:
Gnana Yoga: Vedic Philosophy and its use in daily life
Weekly facilitated discussion sessions.
Academic Year 21 – 22. Program details:
Schedule: Fridays 7 to 8 PM EST.; Duration: 1 hour ; Frequency: Once a week
Session Details: Prayer Songs – Chanting: 2 Min.; Meditation: 10 Min.; Text reading and discussion: 45 Min.
Coordinator: Logachandar Natarajan (Lok) loknat@gmail.com ;
Moderator: Krishnamoorthy Subramanian (Subbu) SubbuKDG@gmail.com
Where: Google Meet: meet.google.com/vyt-xgbo-hzv
Starting Date: Sep. 24, 2021.
Participants:
Regular attendees (each week); Participants, but not every week (Unable to commit to regular attendance); Attendees as and when their interest permits or need requires. Everyone should join the sessions on time. Meditation period must be respected by all and should not be disturbed by logging in and the sounds they create.
Regular attendees will participate in Prayer songs chanting, and active discussions. ALL attendees can post online questions for discussion during the sessions. Every effort will be made to address all questions and inputs.
Effort will be made that everyone gets at least one sip (thought or point to reflect upon) in each session, in their personal quest for Spirituality in Practice! Hence regular attendance as much as possible will be far more useful to everyone.
Sep. 24, 2021
Why? — Benefits gained from these Discussion Sessions:
These Discussion Sessions have been carried out for the past five years (since 2016 ). We have systematically covered various texts and scriptures including:
- Bhagwat Geetha – Chapters 1, 2, 12 and 14
- Sri Shankaracharya authored Bhaja Govindam, Athma Bodha and Nirvana Shatakam
- Upanishads – Katha Upanishad
- Several other poems and scriptures.
These weekly discussions with a core group of committed attendees/volunteers has been found to be of immense benefit and value. Following are some of their observations:
- Vedic Philosophy is a logical framework to use here and now – in our daily life.
- Being able to see ourselves as part and parcel of everyone else and indeed part and parcel of everything we know of as the Universe – is Spirituality.
- Such opening of the mind and a broader perspective helps us to cope with everything in life – all activities, ups and downs, emotional upheavals, relationships, satisfaction/ disappointment, workplace stress, etc. – with an even minded approach.
- We can experience and live a life of inner peace and harmony with equilibrium in any situation or world around us. We don’t have to become monastic, saint or renounce our daily way of life, seeking inner peace and harmony!
- Such self-reflection and awareness of who we are and how we engage in life and its activities can be for a few moments, which through practice and experience extends into more activities and longer duration.
- There are several personal benefits to be gained from participating in these discussion sessions:
- Overcome uncertainty and fear.
- Improve mental fitness.
- Improve heart-fullness (emotional comfort) and sense of well being.
- Increase one’s tenacity and ability to withdraw from some misgivings and cauldrons.
- Relieve trauma and loneliness.
- These benefits help everyone to heal, make lifestyle changes, thrive and provide wonderful personal benefits that medicine alone sometimes lacks.
- These weekly sessions are like a fitness program for our intellect or thinking, just as “Yoga” is practiced for physical fitness and “meditation” is used to calm our mind and emotions.
- The best results seem to come from regular attendance, participation, constant practice, application and self reflection on the teachings.
- We received the following message from one person in our community:
Your summary https://sipractce.wordpress.com/2021/07/24/the-essence-of-bagawath-geetha/ resonated with my thoughts. Yet, putting this into practice requires a lot of introspection, letting go of attachments and functioning at the true “I”. All one can do is to try. This Gnana Yoga discussions are indeed a sincere effort as a means to that end!
Reference: Course materials from previous sessions available at: https://sipractce.wordpress.com/sath-sangh-class-hand-outs/
Gnana Yoga: Discussion on Vedic Philosophy and its Application in Daily Life.
Topics for Discussion:
Essence of Vedanta (Vedic Philosophy):
- Sath Sangh: Association with Truth
- Vocabulary or Common Language:
- Truth about what? – “I”, “We”. “Life”, “Work”, Family, Universe, ……?
- Reflection preceding response (Yoga)
- Subjective Vs. Objective (Gunathvam Vs. Sagunathvam)
- Non-attachment (Sanyasam)
- Universal enabler of everything (Nirgunathvam = Brahman).
Understanding Vedic Philosophy:
- Bicycle as an analogy
- Boat as an analogy
- Two sides of a coin
- Subjectivity Vs. Objectivity
- Non-attachment – a stepping stone for objectivity
- Everything is Brahman: What does it really mean?
- Waves and the Deep Ocean: Perturbations of life and the Universality of nature
- “Aum” and its meaning.
- Lamp or Candle and its analogy.
Application of Vedic Philosophy:
- How to distinguish Subjectivity from Objectivity?
- Can we ever be non-attached?
- Perfection Vs. Good
- How can we relate to the Universality of nature?
- Five “Upadhi” or Conditions
- in which we exist
- As seen through our mind.
- Five “Upadhi” or Conditions
Specific examples for the Applications for Vedic Philosophy:
- Why is the teacher a God?
- Why should parents be treated as God?
- Who is your boss?
- How does a guest transform into God?
- What can we learn from nature?
- Seed and a tree?
- Bird in an open cage?
- Rope and a snake?
- Lamp?
- Big trees are difficult to transplant, seedlings are easily transplanted?
- What is your duty? Responsibility?
- Does a parent owe anything to a child?
- Does a child owe anything to the parent?
- ?????
Essence of Vedanta
Summary of Vedic Philosophy — Detailed Study Section.
October 1, 2021
Sath Sangh: Satsangatve nissangatvam nitsangatve nirmohatvam nirmohatve nishchalatathvam nishcalatathve jiivanmukthi Bhaja Govindam Verse 9. Through association with the good (people) and on learning about the true nature of the Self – Who am I? – one develops non-attachment, which in turns leads to a dispassionate outlook on life; that in turn leads to a calm and contemplative mind; which results in eternal peace and harmony within (or liberation in this life: Jeevan Mukthi).
Anna Poorne’ Sadha Poorne’ Sankara Prana Vallabhe’ Gnana Vairaghya Sidhyartham Bikshaam Dehicha Parvathi!
Sath also means truth. Sath Sangam – could also be seen as association with the “truth” (i.e.) deep and sustained analytical understanding of the subject matter Such an in depth study is Philosophy (Love for “truth”).
What is life? How should it be lived? Why is life the way it is? etc.
Such analysis, reflection and contemplation and internalizing is Gnana Yoga.
DISCUSSION
Om Saha Naav[au]-Avatu | Together (the Teacher and the Student) may we progress.
Saha Nau Bhunaktu | Together may we enjoy our Studies and the process of learning.
Saha Viiryam Karavaavahai | Together may we display sincerere commitment in our Studies.
Tejasvi Naav[au]-Adhiitam-Astu I May our studies be filled with the glory (of Understanding, leading to Knowledge)
Maa Vidvissaavahai | May our education Not give rise to Hostility (due to lack of Understanding)
Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih || Om Peace, Peace, Peace
‘Satsanga means not merely good company, for men however good may not wholly agree with one another; and they are liable to separation by misunderstanding, various events, accidents, disease, etc. The real Satsanga is companionship with the truth (Sat), the Absolute Existence, the Athman or the Soul. This is a changeless companionship when it is rightly formed. It is above all accidents and it is inseparable. The best friend is Athman!” — Rambles in Vedanta (1905), B. R. Rajam Iyer.
DISCUSSION
October 8, 2021
October 22, 2021
What is Truth? Is there anything that is universally true? (i.e.) UNIVERSAL TRUTH?
Gnana Yoga:
Gnana: Knowledge and Understanding ; Yoga: Internal or Self Reflection and Self-control.
DISCUSSION
BG Chapter 4:
Read the following with DISCUSSION as needed
October 29, 2021
4.16. What is the Knowledge we are seeking to learn? What is action appropriate for the moment (Karma)? What are the activities not to be performed at that moment (Akarma)? Even the wisest are puzzled by these questions.
By learning the answers you will be liberated from the effects of your actions.
- 17.One should understand what is the proper action for the moment (Karma), what actions are wrong and should be avoided (Vikarma) and also what is inaction (Akarma)? The course of action (Karma Gathi) is truly obscure and hence confusing.
18.. One who seeks inaction in all activities and seeks inactivity as the course of action is the wisest as he/she carries out all appropriate activities (Karma) and yet is in control (or unaffected) all the time.
19. Any person who’s every action is devoid of desires and motive and where every action is refined by the “fire of knowledge”, such a person is called as the master of learning (Panditha) by the wise.
20. Even though an enlightened person engages in all activities he/she does so with total abandonment to the effects (or motives) of all actions and always self-content and without any dependence on all such activities. Such a person does not truly participate in any actions.
21. Anyone who carries out his/her physical activities (Shareeram Karma), with a mind held in restraint from desire, with total abandonment (of attachments to all possessions) does not acquire any effect of all his/her actions (including guilt).
- Such a person is contented whatever the result (as if it were by chance) and hence is above the “pairs” of pleasure and pain, free from envy and equal in composure with accomplishment or not. Such a person even though participates in all activities is yet unattached to any of them.
- With such liberation from attachments of every kind and of mind firmly rooted in this knowledge if any person performs all activities (Karma) like penance (Yagna) then all these activities are consumed in such penance, leaving no effect.
- To such a person, Brahman is the sacrificial butter of the penance, Brahman is the butter as offering or oblation, Brahman is also the fire thus created. Also the burnt ashes (offerings or Prasadham) is Brahman and to Brahman he/she unites through meditation of Brahman on all the activities.
Note: In the above theology and philosophy are intertwined. In a theological sense, the concept of Brahman is an all-encompassing entity into which one ultimately reaches -unites with – after performing sacrifice (Yagna) using butter as offering to the God with total abandonment of the self. In a philosophic sense, active engagment in all activities (Karma) with total self-control and non-attachment leads to the transformation of a person into the state of Brahman. This is described as being analogous to the participation and transformation of the butter in a spiritual rite (Brahma Yagna) .
This dual explanation is elaborated in the next four stanzas.
- Some ascetics (Yogin) perform offerings (Yagna) to the Gods in the heaven. Others consider the pursuit of Brahman (state of total self-control and nonattached active participation) as the penance itself.
- Some offer penance through restraint in hearing and other senses. Others offer the sense of sound as the sacrifice while hearing.
- Some offer penance through activities such as control of breathing (Prana Karma) and other body functions. Others offer the sacrifice (Juvhathi) of self-control (Athma Samyama Yoga) in the fire kindled by knowledge (Jyana Deepam).
- Some offer penance through material objects (Dravya Yagna), through meditation (Thapo Yagna) and others through sustained participation in the activities of their choice or yoga (Yoga Yagna). Others perform the penance (dedicated participation) of knowledge (Jyana Yagna) through reading and learning.
29,30. Some practice the control of the breathing process (Pranayama) as a means to gain control of their body functions. Others exercise control in their food habits as a penance. All these are various versions of self-control. Through such penance they remain unaffected by their actions (described as not acquiring sin).
- Those who consume the output or essence of penance (Amrutha) reach unification with Brahman. If this world is not for those who perform penance, then who is it for Arjuna?
Note: The above could imply: The result of sustained practice of self control – in any one of the many forms described above – is the process, the end result of which is the attainment of the state of non-attached existence (Brahman). The paths to relate to Brahman may be many. But understanding and internalizing the knowledge (Jnana) of Brahman is perhaps the only path for living with eternal peace and harmony in this world.
- Thus, in this process for attainment of enlightenment, there are many facets (Brahma Mukha). All of them are reached through the activities of the world (Karma). Being aware of this, you will be freed from the bondage or effects of your actions.
- Arjuna! The pursuit of self-control through knowledge (Jyana Yagna) is better than the penance based on material offerings. In the end all activities reach their fulfillment only through our knowledge and understanding.
Note: The above implies that mere pursuit of ritual rites in and of themselves do not serve the ultimate goal; knowledge of their purpose and focus on such understanding will be necessary means to gain the benefit of self-control through rituals.
- Through faithful pursuit or reverence, by questioning and through the sacrifice of service, learn the above concepts. You can also learn them through the wise that have seen the path of enlightenment through their own reasoning (Jyani).
35.. After learning the above concepts you will be free of confusion in your thoughts. At that time you will see in yourself all the objects of nature. Then you will see you are part of me, the Lord.
- Even the most sinful will be liberated of their sins, sailing across as it were using knowledge as the bark to float on.
Note: The above could also imply that the process of unattached existence refined by knowledge is available for any one no matter what their attachments have been thus far.
- As the flames of sacrificial fire render the wood into ashes, the fire of knowledge – of total self-control and unattached active participation (described as the Lord) – reduces to ashes all the effects of our activities.
- Indeed nothing exists on earth in purity equal to knowledge of enlightenment or Brahman. One who is in perfect control through practice of this knowledge (Yoga Sum Siddha) finds that purity or unaffected nature (or the Lord) within one self.
- With true commitment (Sraddha) to self-control, one acquires the knowledge of self-control. After acquiring such knowledge of self-control one attains eternal peace (Santhi) in due course.
- For those without the knowledge or belief – in the process of self-control and unattached existence (to be understood as Brahman or the Lord) – there is no happiness or peace on this earth or anywhere else.
41.Arjuna! Having cut through their doubts through the process of reasoning, those who perform their activities without attachment, through their knowledge or reasoning have become the master of their own self (Atmavan). For them there is no connection with their actions.
42. Therefore cleave your doubt born of ignorance, with your sword of knowledge, present in your mind. Stand up and resort to your duty of the moment (Karma), Arjuna!
Read exhortations like this as a guide. Given the pathway to success in Olympics, not everyone becomes a Olympic Champion. But every Olympian has perseverance, strive and motivation equal to none else! Do not reduce such statements to discourage you by making “Seeking Perfection and not getting there as the enemy of the good”! It is true that each of us are perfection in our own way. It is failing to see that perfection that is the failure in itself!
ōṃ tatsaditi śrīmadbhagavadgītāsūpaniṣatsu brahmavidyāyāṃ yōgaśāstrē śrīkṛṣṇārjunasaṃvādē jñānakarmasannyāsayōgō nāma chaturthō’dhyāyaḥ ॥4 ॥
Om. End of Chapter 4 of Bhagawath Geetha – the conversation on the Knowledge of Brahman – the chapter titled as: Self-control for renunciation or non-attachment with Physical Action through Knowledge and Understanding!
Vocabulary or Common Language:
- Sath Sangh: Association with truth.
- Truth about what?
- “I”, “We”. “Life”, “Work”, Family, Universe, ……?
- Reflection preceding response (Yoga)
- Answers are not instantaneous and spontaneous; Instead they come as a result of reflection and reasoning (Gnana Yoga).
- 18. One who seeks inaction (Akarma) in all activities and seeks inactivity as the course of action is the wisest as he/she carries out all appropriate activities (Karma) and yet is in control (or unaffected) all the time.
- Subjective Vs. Objective (Gunathvam Vs. Sagunathvam)
- My point of view Vs. point of view appropriate to everyone!
- Difference between “appropriate” Vs. “agreeable” to all?
DISCUSSION
- Non-attachment (Sanyasam)
-
- The “view point” is for a larger universal goal; not connected to immediate and personal needs. (Samyaha Nyasathi ithi Sanyasam).
(E.G.): Sarve Jhana Sukino Bhavanthu: May everyone and indeed everything exist is peace and harmony!
- Universal enabler of everything (Nirgunathvam = Brahman).
When all desires which nestle within the heart fall away, then a mortal becomes immortal and attains Brahman here and now! — Kathopanishad.
DISCUSSION
Brahman – Definition:
Following are excerpts from Kenopanishad:
Read the following with DISCUSSION as needed.
Who enables the mind to fly around with all its thoughts? Who enables the first breath? Who enables the speech? Who is the Deva (deity, God) that harnesses the ears and eyes?
1.1. Willed or impelled by “What” does the mind get directed, to seek or go after an object? . “What” is the primal force that is behind all activities? Through the will or intention of “What” are these words being spoken? “What” enables our vision and our hearing?
1.2. It (Brahman) is the enabler of the hearing by the ears, the thinking by the mind, the speech through what is spoken, the life in the living, vision in the eye. By giving up identification with the organs and their actions (me or “I”) and becoming united with the enabler of all their functions, the wise men become immortal.
1.3. We cannot teach or instruct about this primal force, because we can not reach it through the eyes, the speech, through knowledge or reasoning.
1.4. It is different from all that is “Known”. It is above the known. This is the knowledge handed down to us by the ancient teachers, who have explained It to us.
1.5. That which is not explained by speech, but that which enables the speech, recognize that as Brahman, not the objects that are worshipped.
1.6. It is not that which is comprehensible to the mind, but which enables “comprehension” by the mind; recognize that as Brahman, not the objects that are worshipped.
1.7. It is not that which is seen by the eye, but which enables the vision through the eye: recognize that as Brahman, not the objects that are worshipped.
1.8. It is not that which is heard through the ears, but which enables the hearing through the ears: recognize that as Brahman, not the objects that are worshipped.
1.9. It is not that which is smelled, but which enables the smelling by the nose: recognize that as Brahman, not the objects that are worshipped.
Kenopanishad – Sections 3 and 4:
Brahman is invisible. Yet can be visualized through the ever present laws of nature: That which enables the fire to burn, wnd to move objects, water to wet, etc.
4.1.Brahman is the flash or illumination in the lightning; It is the winking of the eye.
Note: Gravity, magnetism, buoyancy, electric field, all the laws of nature in every field of study can be collectively recognized as Brahman. They merely exist. They are eternal, objective, invariant of time, place, people, situation and circumstances. Isn’t this also the description of “God”?
Brahman – in practical terms. Athma Bodha: 54 to 57, 60, 61.
Read the following with DISCUSSION as needed.
Realize that Brahman – the state of limitless union of the Self into the Universal Consciousness – implies that:
- There is no other attainment, blessing or knowledge to be sought after that.
- When perceived it leaves nothing more to be seen, leads to a state of existence, where the constantly changing mortal world ceases to exist (immortality is achieved) and leaves nothing more to be learned.
- Brahman is the only real, knowledge, bliss and absolute, which has no duality; integral across the Self (individual Consciousness) and the Universal Consciousness, and with out perceptions of love/hate, like/dislike, etc., infinite, eternal and the only existence that fills all quarters as well as in all directions (above, below and all the space in between, etc.).
- Brahman is recognized through the process of negation – Na Ithi Bhavam – of all that is comprehensible, as described in the Vedantic philosophy. Such Brahman is non-dual, eternal, indivisible and blissful; has no other equals (unique).
- Brahman is without attributes: neither short nor long; neither subtle nor incognitive; without birth or with changes caused through life cycles; without qualities, color or name.
- Brahman illumines the planets that orbit like sun and the moon, but it is not illuminated by any light source other than itself
Subjective Vs. Objective:
Read the following with DISCUSSION as needed.
- Do you want to describe the “I” as a seed, as a branch, as a tree, as part of the forest, ….
- Do you want to describe “I” as personal or part of nature, part of everything?
- In this process we are shifting away from “Subjective” and closer to being “Objective”.
- One is immediate, intimate and personal. It starts as – Gunathvam — Subjective.
- Subjective is also associated with the Connectors (Guna) of Knowledge, Bias and Ignorance.
- Indeed our subjective point of view (Perception, experience, etc.) is the result of the dominance of one connector over the other two leading to one of three equilibrium states (Gunathvam)
(i.e.) Tranquility (Sathvikam), Turbulence (Rajasam) or Inertia (Thamasam).
- We can slowly move towards Objective — Sagunathvam — when we explore the connectors and identify the true nature of equilibrium
- The other is beyond personal. We can also accept all that exists as it is and move towards identification with the Universal, Omnipresent Brahman – Nirgunathvam. Everything is Brahman (Brahmam Okate’)
Gunathvam / Sagunathvam AND Nirgunathvam are like two sides of a coin. The first is like the unending waves on the surface of the ocean and the second is like the deep ocean on which the waves exist!
Writings in Scriptures and Philosophy may extol one side of the above coin or the other side. While it is important to study and understand each side we should always be mindful of both sides. There is no one-sided coin. Similarly there is no existence without Subjective / Objective (Gunathvam/Sagunathvam) or tangible physical life and Nirgunathvam (intangible enabler of all that happens known and unknown to us).
Practical example to understand Subjective Vs. Objective: (Gunathvam/Sagunathvam) as tangible and related to our physical life:
To climb to a higher level, we have:
- Elevator
- Escalator
- Steps with handrail
- Ladder
- Rope
Which one do you prefer?
Instinctive and arbitrary choice would be subjective.
Reflective assessment and choice based on all that we know and for a larger common goal would be Objective.
DISCUSSION
Practical example to understand Brahman:
In the above example, what are tangible and related to our physical life? What are intangibles?
- Places where we need to climb — Airport, House, multi story Condo, Jungle Gym, Climbing out of a ditch, ………
- Things that are moved — Old people, young person, monkey,Table, — Animate and inanimate objects and their enablers (life processes,…)
- Why do we need any of the above means (Elevator, etc.) ? — Height, Altitude —- Gravity
- How does each one of these operate? — Vertical lift, Inclined plane, Stiff ladder, flexible rope, …. Materials, their properties, Mechanics, ….
- ….
Brahman: All that which enables each of them and the invisible laws behind their existence: Gravity, Properties of Materials, Mechanics, ……….
Previous Year Class Materials:
Bagawath Geetha – Chapter 14:
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Bhagawath Geetha – Chapter 14 Thriguna Vibagha Yoga : Understanding and Management of the three Connectors (Guna) |
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| Everything in the Universe exists through engagement in some activity (Karma). Activities governed by laws of nature can be seen everywhere. All animate objects have evolved to pursue activities for their survival (Body functions) ; Human are endowed with ability to pursue activities, that go beyond mere existence or survival. (mind and intellect)
How do we engage in all these activities? How do we make these choices? How are we impacted by the choices we make? Can we make these choices to be in harmony within our self as well as without? Questions, such as these are addressed, analyzed and explained in the conversation between Arjuna and Krishna in Bhagawath Geetha. |
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| 14.1,2. | Arjuna: I shall teach you that knowledge, the secret that is learned by Saints. On learning that knowledge, these saints have reached a higher plane ( a mode of enlightened living). | ||||
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14.3,4 |
“Experience” is acquired or comes into being, when the consciousness inside each one of us gets connected to something external to it.
These connections are made through the body, mind, intellect (all aspects identifiable with an individual) with anything external to the “self”. |
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14.5 |
These connections, called Gunas (ropes) incessantly (always) bind the consciousness (one who lives in the body – Dehinam) to the body and its functions (Deham) or everything external to it. | ||||
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14.5 |
Guna are of three kind:
Sathvikam = Tranquility, Knowledge and Understanding; Light or white color Rajasam = Turbulence, partial Knowledge (bias) and relentless series of emotions; shades of colors Thamasam = Inertia or Ignorance; lack of direction; stale mate; darkness or black. |
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| Sathvikam | Rajasam | Thamasam | |||
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14.6, 7 and 8 |
Features or key characteristics of the three Connectors (Guna). |
Sathvikam adds illumination (Prakasam) and knows of no ill effects (described as absence of sickness). | Rooted in excessive desires or passion (Raga), Rajasam arises out of association and attachments with needs and wants. | Thamasam is the outcome of ignorance and it attracts (Mohaha) all persons. | |
| Sathvikam binds a person through happiness and knowledge. | Rajasam binds a person to endless chain of activities (Karma Sangam) | Thamasam binds one through lack of directions. | |||
| Sathvikam can be recognized, being affiliated with happiness and contentment | Rajasam can be recognized when a person is associated with endless chain or recurrence of additional activities, without a sense of satisfaction or fulfillment. | Ignorance shrouds the knowledge and leads to lack of direction. | |||
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14.5 |
All three Guna co-exist all the time and can be recognized as the link between the body (Dheham) and the soul (the person inside the body (Dehinam)). | ||||
| 14.10 | All our perceived experiences are the outcome of the dominance of one Guna over the other two. | ||||
| 14. 11,
12 and 13 |
How can one perceive the dominance of each Guna ? | When knowledge, illumination or comprehension is perceived in every avenue of the body and its functions, one can recognize that tranquility (Sathvikam) has prevailed. | When Turbulence (Rajasam) prevails, a person is drawn into greed or desires of endless nature, driven by intense needs (Lobhaha), initiation of innumerable activities due to a lack of satisfaction or contentment, unease and longing. | When stagnation or inactivity prevails, the result is darkness (lack of illumination or knowledge), ineptness, lack of direction or sense of purpose and attraction born out of ignorance or illusion (Mohanam). | |
|
14. 14, 15 |
At a time of crisis (Pralayaha) or when a decision needs to be made, the dominant Guna leads to: | Increased tranquility – Sathvikam – transforms a person to a higher plane of existence (of total self-control and unattached active participation). | leads a person to more activities, merely as a means to satisfy growing personal wants and desires which continue to remain as unfulfilled. | leads one to be shrouded by ignorance (described as being born in the womb of the ignorant | |
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14. 16. |
The result or fruit of dominance of each Guna: | Proper or virtuous acts (Susukham) and purity or clarity (Nirmalam) | Sorrow. | Ignorance | |
|
14. 17. |
Each Guna Leads to: | knowledge | greed | lack of direction and illusion as well as ignorance | |
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14. 18. |
Accomplishment of the intended purpose by the persons under the influence of each Guna | Rise to the higher level (through greater levels of engagement of self-control and the reasoning and logic that occurs as a result) | Stay in the middle (due to the self and its reasoning being constantly over ruled by attachments and its insatiable needs and wants) | Sink to the lower level (since the reasoning and logic of the self never occurs, like the fire being shrouded by the ashes eventually gets quenched). | |
| 14.19, 20 | Self-control (Yoga = union with the self) begins with the inquiry of the Guna and the dominant one over the other two in any activity. | ||||
| Total self-control – with highest level of objectivity – is demonstrated when one rises above all three Guna. As a result one observes any activity from a distance – detached – as the result of the three Guna (Connectors) and their inter-play. Hence one becomes Tranquil in nature due to the comprehension of the cause (inputs) and effects (experiences) as determined by the connectors. At this stage tranquility becomes a natural outcome and not merely something sought after. This comprehension and manner of living with the engagement of the self and its connection to the external, merely as the inter-play of the three Guna is called “Saguna Yoga”. | |||||
| In the ideal state, being clear of the nature of all the connections between the self and the external, such a person is liberated (and freed of all “experiences”).This state or manner of existence is called “Nirguna Yoga”. It is like a breeze that merely exists governed by the laws of nature. By its mere presence the breeze spreads the fragrance of the flowers for everyone to enjoy. The breeze itself does not recognize the fragrance, its spreading or the enjoyment it has created as a result. | |||||
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14. 21. |
Arjuna:
Lord Krishna! What are the indications (Lingaihi) by which a person who has transformed beyond the three Guna can be identified? How does such a person conduct himself/herself ? How does one travel past the three Guna? |
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14. 22. |
Such a person (who has transformed beyond the three Guna) does not dislike the effect of the three Guna: illumination or knowledge (Prakasam), endless chain of activity, desires or illusions (Moham) when they occur.
Nor does He/she seek them out when they do not occur or when they cease to exist. |
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14. 23. |
Such a person remains unconcerned and unaffected by these three Guna, recognizing that all the effects around him/her arise out of these Guna.
Thus he/she can focus within oneself and remain steady or unshaken. |
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14. 24 |
Such a person relies on his/her own self. He/she has a firm and balanced frame of mind, where opposites such as happiness and sorrow, dear and not so dear, praise and blame are equal in effect. He/she has a value system, where a piece of clay, a stone and a piece of gold are of equal significance. | ||||
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14. 25 |
Such a person (who has transformed past the three Guna) perceives honor and dishonor, friendship and enmity as equal. Such a person does not initiate any actions based solely on personal or self-driven needs. | ||||
The link below contains additional materials covered during the classes in the
academic year 2016 – 17
Sath Sangh 16 – 17 Reading materials Compilation
The link below contains Bagawath Geetha Chapter 12
and additional materials covered during the classes in the academic year 2017 – 18
Calss notes 2017 – 18 HTNH Sath Sangh (1)
Class notes 2018 – 19
Bhaja Govindham by Saint Adi Sankara Acharya
A collection of poems to understand the meaning of “Brahman” or “Brahmam“
Prayer to Hanuman – 8 Key skills
Nirvana Shatakam and other poems (2)
Bagawath Geetha Chapters 1 and 2
śrīmadbhagavadgītā. Chapter 1docx
_$īmadbhagavadgītā. Chapter 2docx
Class notes 2019 – 2020
Review session 1:
Questions for self-assessment on “Spirituality”
- What is spirituality?
- A way of living
- Something to do with spirits
- Something related to religion
- I don’t know
- Spiritual person is:
- Reflective and contemplative
- A recluse
- One who has no wants
- I don’t know
- Spirituality is
- A state of mind
- Controlling the mind
- Thinking of God
- I don’t know
- Spiritual person:
- Strives to be objective
- Prays all the time
- Wears minimum clothes
- I don’t know
- Spiritual person:
- Highly educated
- Tries to remain non-judgmental
- Very knowledgeable
- I don’t know
- Spiritual person
- Has lots of friends
- Has no friends
- Is at ease in friendly as well as difficult situations
- I don’t know
- One can be
- Spiritual all the time
- Try to be spiritual as much as possible
- Never spiritual
- I don’t know
- Spiritual person
- Is truthful all the time
- Seeks truth as much as possible
- Does not know the difference between truth and lie
- I don’t know
- Spiritual person thinks:
- Life is a collection of experiences
- Every experience can be explored
- Our past experiences define our life in the future
- I don’t know
- Spiritual person:
- Is fearful of death
- Prays to God for long life
- Understands that life and death are part of nature
- I don’t know.
- Spiritual person is:
- Forgiving all the time
- Loving and considerate all the time
- Of relentless faith in the goodness of all
- I don’t know
- Spiritual person:
- Speaks no evil, sees no evil and hears no evil
- Seeks the truth through observations and objective analysis
- Believes that everything happens at the will of the God
- I don’t know
- Spiritual person:
- Is God fearing
- Looks up to God as a reference to emulate
- Is agnostic
- I don’t know
- For a Spiritual person:
- Life is a journey
- Life is a process
- Life is one of many cycles
- I don’t know
- Spirituality is:
- What others see in me
- Intensely personal and self-governing
- Something that is taught and learned
- I don’t know.
Ten questions on understanding “Spirituality”
- Describe the concept of “Thath Thwam Asi” : You and the Universe are one and the same (integral in each other)
- Describe the five layers (Sheaths) in which everything exists?
- What is to be understood as “Brahman” or “Brahmam”?
- Describe the “Connector Science” or the Connection between the Conscience and everything external to it?
- Describe “Objectivity” and how it is distinguished from “Subjectivity”.
- All religions suggest: ”Control your mind” – Do you agree? If yes, for what purpose? Explain that as you understand (from any religion you are familiar with)?
- Describe the symbolism of “Om”, the “lamp” or candle as it is applicable to spirituality in daily life.
- What do you understand through the word “Yoga”? Are there many Yoga or it is the same principle for practice and for the same outcome? Elaborate?
- What is the single most essential to be gained, the most impact of any Yoga?
- Is “Spirituality” something to be acquired or something to become aware of?
Review Sessions 2 to 6:
BG Chapter 14 — The three connectors, their role and how to engage them for our spiritual enforcement (Sep. 21)
BG Chapter 12 — Pathways for internal reflections and evidences of its impact (as seen in the divinity in our way of living) (Sep. 28)
Bhaja Govindam — Non-attachment as a way of life: What is it and why? (Nov. 16)
Nirvana Sathakam and Brahmam Okate’ — On understanding Brahman (Nov. 23)
BG Chapters 1 and 2 — The identification of the inner person (Dehinam) as distinguished from the external (Deham) (Nov. 30)
Basics of Hindu Philosophy – PPT. pictorial presentation Dec. 29, 2019.
Three schools of thought in Hindu Philosophy (Adhwaitham, Dhwaitham and Vishitadhwaitham)
Then we can plan to start Athma Bodha — Knowledge of the Self — from Jan. 11th, 2020.
Athma Bodha (Knowledge of the Self) – English only with illustrations: Athma Bodha 1 03 22 20
Athma Bodha (Knowledge of the Self) with Sanskrit verses and without illustrations: Athma Bodh 12 25
Upanishad Introduction
Kathopanishad; Kaothopanishad Sanskrit Verses; Kenopanishad;
Follow up items for discussion: Vedanta and Free Will; Sath Chith Ananda
JNANA YOGA
Year 2022 – 23
Session Outline
Sep. 09, 2022 – Session 1:
Welcome, review and introduction to “Who am I?” chart
Topics for future sessions:
- Discussion on “Who am I?” chart as it relates to Pancha Kosha
- Yoga and Meditation and their roles in the context of our five layers.
- Education, our brain, … in the context of our five layers.
- We are ALWAYS Subjective? 😦
- Subjective Vs. Objective
- Subjective Vs. Objective – Analysis:
- “Golden Drops” – suggested guidelines
- “Living in the moment” Case Study
- Love
- Family, Marriage
- Love, Compassion
- Truth
- Anger, Patience, Tolerance.
- Job and career
- Religion and Worship
- ———- ????
- Can one ever be totally and truly Objective?
- Striking the balance: Maintaining Equilibrium (MEAL) 🙂
- Beginning of the MEAL
- Developing – cooking – the MEAL Vs. Practicing – enjoying – MEAL!
- Limitations of MEAL ?
- Four types of “Grace”
- “Spiritual Experience” – What is it? How will one know it?
Material Object: Anna Maya
Living Person: Praana Maya
Emotional Person: Mano’n Maya
Analytical and Reflective Person: Vignana Maya
Evidence of Nature and Its Laws: Ananda Maya
——————————————————————————
What is “I”?
Who am “I”? or What is “I”? : This question can be extended to address what is “it”? Afterall “I” is part of the universe – “it” – that contains everything!
Using our schematic diagram (figure) illustrating the five sheaths – as described in the Vedic Philosophy (including Athma Bodha) – we can see four arrows or connections between the “Nature” – the enabler – and the four conditions (the enabled). These connections are listed as four columns in the following table:
Subjective Vs. Objective.
We are all “Subjective” as we live in our emotional state of mind, reflected as Tranquility, Turbulent and Inertia.
The goal is to strive for an “Objective” outlook and behavior based on that.
The more objective we are, the more mindful we are about:
Our Knowledge, Ignorance and Bias and their influences.
The Kn., Ig. and Bi. of those around us and their influences.
We are willing to speak up, act or participate, as and when required
but open minded to change based on further knowledge, observations and effects.
A feeling of goodwill permeates in all we do as we promote the same in others.
(e.g.): We see broken glass. Immediately we demand “Who broke this glass?” —- SUBJECTIVE.
Along with the broken glass, we also see wet hands from which it must have slipped; We observe the person who dropped the glass nervous and agitated; Our subjective feeling (it is a special glass given to me as a special gift from someone very dear to me) takes the backstage. We are eager to help and address any concerns rather than roil in our anger and preconceived grievances. Tranquility as a result of —— OBJECTIVE analysis.
While “Subjective” may be clearly identifiable action, “Objective” may be more of a process with multiple actions in harmony with each other (more of a plan of action).
At its peak, Objectivity leads the Divinity to shine through!
· We look for actively engaging the governing forces or laws of nature at play (love, compassion, care, safety and reconciliation)
We accept the broken glass as part of nature; memory of the gift is consolidated and cherished silently; we are eager to address the danger of broken glass pieces; eager to assuage the nervousness of the person who has dropped the glass by stating “It is OK. Glass tends to slip off wet hands; be careful and let us take care of it together, …”. We move to get the proper means to clear the broken glass and clean the place. After a while this incidence of “broken glass” is part of life history!
This balance between “Subjective” and “Objective” is endless, It is easy to be caught up in the “Subjective” world and unknowingly. To move beyond. Yoga or Self Control should be the first step. It brings with it a physical discipline to focus and concentrate.
Then comes Meditation. It helps us to steady our mind. In rafting through turbulent waters, the oarsman steadies his raft, before steering it again into the turbulent White Water. Meditation should be for such steadying of the mind with an intense reflection and analysis to follow.
While the Subjective way of life is endless, like ocean waves, we must carefully pick and choose a few parts or aspects of life for our analysis. After meditation, when the mind is calm and tranquil, we make such choices. Following is an example:
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“Subjective” – When the Subject and Object are personal, from a “Self” connected point of view?
- Why did you break the glass?
This glass is broken, What happened?
Glass when it slips and falls may break. It is Nature.
Let us handle the broken glass safely; It is OK to feel sorry for the loss; that is nature.
What can we do to move forward? Ignore; replace with a new one;
or substitute with something else?
Subject: Is it the broken glass OR person in the vicinity?
Objective: Safety and replacement OR find the personal connection of someone in the vicinity?
- I don’t like this sour mango.
Mangoes can be sweet or sour; It is the Nature
I prefer sweet over sour taste; it is also natural.
When my preference is not satisfied like/dislike happens; that is also Nature.
Subject: Mango, taste or preference?
Objective: The intent behind the “opinion” as it relates to the subject?
- Galaxies far, far away seem to be putting on a scintillating show
for the James Webb Space Telescope.
Galaxies are far far away; It is the Nature
They have stars that grow, shrink and collapse; It is the Nature
“Scintillating” show of galaxies has been ever present; It is the Nature
We are able to see the galaxies far far away through the Space Telescope. It is the Nature
We “see” the “show” in the galaxies; Seeing is nature; perceiving it as a “show” is also nature.
Perceiving the show as “scintillating” is a preference, also human Nature.
Summary of all the above into a short statement.
Subject: ?
Objective: ?
- This design is strong
- I don’t like you
- “Quiet quitting”
- God will save me!
- Child demanding “What is the name of this street?”with increasing levels of agitation.
Subjective Vs. Objective
Analysis
| Subjective: Intimately connected to self/personal | Objective Detachment: Self – Control(Athma Niyamanam)Result of Yoga and meditation? Non-attachment: Focussed on a larger purpose(Karma Phala Thyagam) Renunciation: Focussed on the laws of nature – Brahman(Sanyasa) | |
| Subjective: Based only on Personal connections – “I” Centered; driven by Knowledge, Bias and Ignorance resulting in Tranquility, Turbulence and/or Inertial frame of mind. | ObjectiveGoverned by sincere and deep reflection and analysis –resulting in a “Process” or enabler applicable to anyone and at any time, for unattached active engagement.Reflecting an understanding of the prevailing laws of nature! |
Our Vocal chord is enabled by Tongue and throat
Tongue and throat are enabled by your thoughts
Thoughts are enabled by our knowledge
Knowledge comes from education
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Class Notes
Sep. 09, 2022 – Session 1:
Welcome, review and introduction to “Who am I?” chart
Questions reviewed:
- What is “Sath Sangh”? — Association with “Truth”.
- What is the “Sath” or the truth we are exploring? — Philosophy
- What are “three legs of the Stool” as an analogy to life? — Physical, Emotional, Spiritual.
- What is “Gunathvam” or Subjectivity? — All that is associated with K, I and B and their effects. It is tangible through our “Experiences” or “Vasana”.
- What is “Sagunathvam” or Objectivity? — Analytical frame of mind to precisely observe and characterize “Subjectivity”. It is a process for exploration of “Experiences”
- What is “Nirgunathvam” or unattached active engagement? — The infinite laws of nature, which enable all that is Subjective and their Objective understanding! The “enabler” of all that is “enabled” (i.e.): Brahman.
- Who am “I”? or What are the five layers of any existence ? — Pancha Kosha
Sath Sangh means exploring and association with the “Truth”. The truth we seek to explore is “What is life? Why is it that way? How can we manage it for peace and harmony within and with the outside?” This study or exploration has also come to be known as Philosophy. As a general term “Philosophy” means love of wisdom (on any subject matter).
The three legs of life to live in harmony are:
Physical (which includes health, wealth, shelter, education, etc.);
Emotional (which includes feelings, family, association, duality, thoughts, etc.) and
Spiritual (which includes a universal outlook, seeking common good, harmony and peace within as well as all around, etc.)
“Gunathvam” are the traits, characteristics or behavior as evidenced through the prevailing Tranquility; Turbulence and Inertia.
These are the product of the prevailing Knowledge, Bias (Partial knowledge assumed to be all that is) and Ignorance.
B.G. Chapter 14 outlines these traits, their sources, effects, etc. in detail.
“Gunathvam reflects our subjectivity. ALL of us are subjective ALL the time. It is the very nature of our existence” – BG Chapter 14.
“SaGunathvam” is the frame of mind or a process of an analytical mind, that explores and analyzes the “Gunathvam” – the traits leading to our experiences – without favoring anyone of the traits or their evidences. It is a neutral frame of mind – like that of a Judge. It is the frame of mind of one in self-reflection. It is the frame of mind trained for through Yoga and Meditation.
SaGunathvam reflects our Objectivity. One can and should strive to be as objective as possible.
As witnessed through the effects, Nature is always Objective. Higher the objectivity, more is the person enlightened, Yogi, Mahathma, Paramathma, etc.
Under ideal conditions – when Objectivity is the highest – we recognize its effect as Divinity!
The entire BG is a dissertation on the balance between Subjectivity and Objectivity:
Gunathvam Vs. Sagunathvam. Maintaining this balance is MEAL (Maintaining Equilibrium in Activities and Life).
BG Summary: MEAL at its highest level is achieved through
Total Self-control and Unattached active engagement!
“Nirgunathvam” is the intangible enabler. We perceive Its presence or effect through all that is enabled! For simplicity Nirgunathvam may be understood as the forces of nature such as Gravity, Electricity, Illumination, Acoustics, Buoyancy, etc. We recognize them through their evidence. (e.g.) someone or something falling into a pothole is the result of gravitational pull!
The collection of all known and unknown laws of nature, the sum total of Nirgunathvam is defined as Brahman.
Nirgunathvam has no properties of its own. We recognize the illumination by the shadow created or by the visibility of objects around. We recognize Buoyancy through the objects that are floating, etc.
The role or effect of Nirgunathvam is identical – irrespective of time, place, people, objects, etc. In that sense one can say Nirgunathvam is:
- Total Self-control and Unattached active engagement!
- The ultimate embodiment of objectivity or Sagunathvam.
Nirgunathvam as evidenced through our objectivity or Sagunathvam may also be identified as Divinity – doing one’s best, what is required to be done as influenced and informed by the prevailing laws of nature to the best of our ability.
Thus, Divinity may also be described as being righteous or being consistent with Dharma!
Spirituality implies being connected with the “Spirit” or the enabling force, soul, consciousness, etc. We perceive this connectedness through our level of Objectivity or Sagunathvam we exercise in living in the world of Subjectivity or Gunathvam. This spiritual aspect or manner of living, applies to any aspect or any activity of life.
The five layers of “I” are:
- Material Object (Anna Maya)
- Living Person (Praana Maya)
- Emotional being (Mano’n Maya)
- Reflective / Analytical person seeking Objectivity (Vignana Maya)
- Aware of the enabler and the enabled; Spiritual (Ananda Maya)
After the above we reviewed the Vedic Philosophy – Summary Chart briefly.
We shall continue this discussion in our next session.
Hari Om.
Sep. 16, 2022 – Session 2:
We started our discussions by reviewing the seven questions from the last session.
Then we moved to the chart describing the five layers (Pancha Kosha) of our existence.
We are all made of materials, just like the stone, shell, minerals, etc. At this level we are all Material Objects. Since all aspects of our material being is enabled by the food we consume, it is identified as Anna Maya. Keep in mind that all material objects exist in “Nature”. We may synthesize new materials from other materials. But, the source or of all materials and the laws pertaining to synthesis is always “Nature”!
Anna Maya represents all materials and its connection to the nature. It is the essence of all knowledge called: “Material Science”.
This connection of the body as composed of material objects and our sustaining it though food we consume, is addressed and managed in all medical practices including AyurVeda. The physical body is nourished and sustained by food, rest, fresh air and sunshine. Sufficient sleep and daily routine are key for sustaining the balance of the physical body. Eating fresh food increases vitality available to nurture this “Material Body”. When we eat overcooked or stale food, the material body becomes devitalized and creates difficulty refining the food into fuel necessary for the needs of the Living Person!
————————————————————————————-
Just like trees, plants and animals all of us are born, grow and die or perish in the end. The plants are sustained by certain natural phenomena such as Osmosis, Photo-Synthesis, etc. Animals have even more natural processes such as breathing, vision, sensory perception, digestion, assimilation, etc. As humans we are also composed of all these processes of “Nature” and even more. Breathing (Praana) is the most visible among all these natural processes that sustain our material body and enable our daily living. Collectively we are a Living Person (i.e.) Prana Maya.
The many life processes – breathing, blood circulation, digestion, sensory response, neural processes, etc. – are all studied and managed through the various medical fields including AyurVeda. Breathing as a process has its effect on so many other life processes. Hence controlled breathing and its management – Pranayama – may have a special place in all traditional practices for a better body and all the life processes?
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A living person, endowed with “brain” puts it to use from birth to death. To the extent the brain is working well, we are also happy, sad, angry, etc. Because of this ability to “feel” and “experience” these “Emotions’ ‘ everyone of us is an Emotional Person : Mano’n Maya.
BG Chapter 14 states that all of us – as material body and living person – when we get connected with anything external, “experiences” are born. No one could truthfully claim that he/she is devoid of any and all experiences! It is the very “Nature” of our existence. We have studied in great detail – BG Chapter 2, 3, 12, 14, …- that experience is the result of our connectors (Guna): Knowledge, Bias and Ignorance. Their relative proportions create the equilibrium conditions (Gunathvam) . To be emotional or feel the experience is neither good or bad. It is the way it is! It is all part of Nature! It is part of our conscience (Connector-Science).
To a large extent we live totally unaware of our material body, life processes and even our emotions or experiences, for most of the time! The more we take care of these three layers of our being, the better is our life for us as well as for everyone, including nature as a whole!
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The details of how the material body and life processes are managed and improved is the vast field of medicine, pharmacology, nutrition and food science, etc. Various forms of medicine, food and nutrition, daily habits and physiotherapy can help us do well with our material body. At the material level, how to rebuild a broken bone, improve the vision through eye glasses, reduce acidity in your stomach, or enable one without limbs to run and move about are all the application of laws of nature combined with creative use of our brain – human ingenuity. Let us remember that ngenuity is also a gift of nature for human beings! We can also be helped in managing our emotions through counseling, psychotherapy, discussion with others, mutual relationships, etc. But, is there a way to analyze and understand all these three layers, why they are that way and their connection to the laws of nature? We as humans have this unique ability for reflection and analysis. This layer of Analytical Reasoning is Vignana Maya. While it may be unique to humans, as far as we know, this layer is as much a part of nature as it exists along with the other three layers!
One could state that the entire Bagawath Geetha is a treatise that addresses the quadrant connecting the Subjective Nature of any person or situation, Objective analysis and understanding of the same and exploring the unrelenting laws of nature behind these subjective and objective events or evidence! The figure illustrates the methodology outlined in BG on “Analytical reasoning starting from Self-control, leading to total-self control and Unattached active engagement”.
————————————————————————————-
What is it that enables all the Material Objects? – Nature;
What enables all the living processes? – Nature
Why are we Subjective and hence connected to everything?
– It is the “Nature”, the way it is!
Can one observe and understand the prevailing laws of nature
in any of the above? – Yes, that is within human Nature!
What is this “Nature”? – That which enables everything else!
Fire to burn, Wind to move, eyes to wink, ears to hear, …………
Can I ever be free from being Subjective?
– One can be more subjective (Manon Maya) or
– less subjective and more objective (Vignana Maya).
What is the most Objective? – Independent of time, space,
objects, circumstances, etc. – Nature and its laws.
Can I identify this immense collection of laws of nature
and its effect with a singular term – Brahman!
So,
Everything is Brahman: Sarvam Brahma Mayam
I am part of nature and hence I am Brahman: Aham BrahmaAsmi
With the above knowledge and its connection to my all four tangible layers,
My knowledge is complete (to some extent)! I am happy, blissful.
This is the Blissful layer: Ananda Maya.
This layer is also known as Soul, Consciousness, Divine, ……
————————————————————————————-
Mandukya Upanishad:
1 That which is changeless (Aksharam) is “AUM”.
As further explanation: All that is cognitive and incognitive, in the past, present and future all that is transcendental and beyond, and all that beyond these three stages of time – everything is “AUM”.
————————————————————————————-
Following are some notes from a Website on AyurVeda for reference:
Material Body: Anna Maya:
Also, “if the quality of your food and water is high, the temporary nature of the body is more easily perceived”.
This is why fresh and seasonal food such as fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes and vegetables are recommended as a yogic diet.
When we eat overcooked food, stale food, or animals, the food body then becomes devitalized and has difficulty refining the food into a fuel necessary for the needs of the second body…
Above may be a “Subjective” statement, possibly true under certain situations?
Living Person: Prana Maya:
This subtle body’s anatomy is made of energy channels called nadis, slightly akin to nerve pathways and endings, which terminate in energy centers where the body’s most vital organs are functioning. This more subtle sheath is also composed of our senses and emotional states. The energy flowing through these channels is sensory input from the five gross senses and the subtler senses associated with the mind. These vortices and channels are always active during our waking state seeking sensory and emotional stimulation. When we are fed beautiful sense impressions such as art, nature, music, live vibrant colorful aromatic food, fresh air, sunlight and healthy community/ relationships – they can be converted into the”prana” which keeps the body healthy.
The strength of the prana is also the strength of the body. If the prana is weak, the body will also be weak. The prana energizes the sense organs as well. Clarity of vision, clarity of hearing, and clarity and ability of the other sense organs are also caused by the energy quantum of the prana, the vitality in us.
Every field of medicine studies the various life processes through various methods. Above would appear an approach as practiced in AyurVeda?
With negative input such as toxic relationships, violent or stress-inducing media, lack of fresh air and sunlight, and chemical food there is less vitality available to be converted to prana and less vitality for stimulating positive thought Increase both your energy and physical strength with practices and techniques that free up your breath so that PRANA is able to move freely throughout all the different layers of your existence without restrictions.
Above may be a “Subjective” statement, possibly true under certain situations?
Thinking Person: Manon Maya
This Vital layer is the mind or the “sheath made of thought, which is temporary”. It is made up of products from the first two bodies as well as its own capacity to generate positive uplifting thoughts or the opposite. When thoughts are loving, kind, understanding or empathetic, the mind is content and at peace. When thoughts are of anger, pride, cruelty or insincerity the mind festers. When positivity is generated the mind refreshes itself. The nature of this layer is thought. In Ayurveda it is always recommended to feed the mind a daily diet of meditation, mantra, pranayama, uplifting reflections and yoga. These can transform the mind to a higher level of perception and cognition. When the mind and energetic layers are high functioning, the physical body becomes higher functioning. This is why physical healing not only happens through physical medicines and treatments, but by maintaining one’s mental and energetic bodies with proper sustenance.
Above explains the effect of the “Guna – Connectors” on our behavior and hence life processes as well as physical body. Let us consider a person who performs an hour of meditation, an hour of prayer chanting (Mantra), another hour of PranaYama (Breath control). But, the person does not reflect on his own behavior during this time or after. Nor does he/she reflect on his behavior in other times. Further he/she never reflects on the impact of his/her behavior and choices on others or the surroundings at any time. These are all Subjective as well. Can there be the much sought after “Peace and harmony?”
Which is better for one’s own health and for the benefit of others?
Ten minutes each for Meditation, Prayer and PranaYama and the rest dedicated to desired acts of propers action and good will for the self and others?
OR
One hour each (three hours in total) for Meditation, Prayer and PranaYama and ruminating on how bad life is,as there is no time left for desired acts or good will for the self and others?
Analytical Reasoning: Vignana Maya:
This layer is made of transcendent thoughts. It is awareness that is free of self-centeredness. OBJECTIVITY. It is concerned for the welfare of all. This is generated by a naturally-arising state of detachment from the grosser bodies.
Detachment is NOT a naturally-arising state. It is a cultivated process.
Detachment, non-attachment, renunciation are the steps towards Objectivity. It is like starting a car. One still needs to press the accelerator, steer, follow the route, mindful of safety, speed, etc.!
The process towards Objectivity (Self-control towards unattached active engagement) leads us to detachment, free of self-centeredness and with concern for the welfare of all.
This body knows it is not the physical food body; therefore, one established in this awareness is detached from obsessions or desires regarding the physical, energetic or mental sheaths. For what happens to the physical body does not change the state of wisdom. Wisdom is the beginning of contact with transcendence.
“Wisdom” is emphasis, exploration and Understanding the prevailing forces or Laws of Nature, which are intangible, evident only through their effects.
This state is earned by feeding the wisdom layer (Level 3) with meditation, yoga, pranayama, good company, spiritual literature, contemplation and selfless service to others. By a regular diet of nutritious habits, the body of wisdom becomes more active and can remain unfettered by the chaos or difficulties nearby. All of the above should serve as foundation for rigorous reflection and analysis and inference – between Subjective (self-connected) and Objective (universal, independent of situation, specifics or personal connection).
State of Bliss : Ananda Maya
This body is composed of happiness. It does not need anything to generate its happiness, as that is its natural state. It is still considered the causal body and is associated with the state of dreamless sleep and self-realization. The beneficial foods given to the four grosser bodies will be refined into the fuel which allows us to experience this bliss layer.
We can replace such abstract and metaphysical description by simply stating:
Genuine happiness, peace and harmony within and around is experienced through the true realization that everything exists, happens, occurs, etc. through invisible enablers – forces of nature and their laws.
The more “Scientific” anyone in any field he/she can realize or experience this bliss in that field.
For all the rest or for anyone outside of such “Cause and effect” understanding, it is a”transformation” of the mind to see ourselves as part of the larger Universe, where words like love, compassion, help, learning, living, marriage, family, wealth, …. take on a broad and Universal meaning!
In either case it is “Self Realization” of the two sides of the coin:
The material (Enabled) and the in-cognitive / intangible (Enabler)!
Prana = Ability or energy to consume or in take that, which is needed for nourishment
Apana = Ability or energy to reject that which is not needed for the good of the nourished.
Vyana = Ability or energy to assimilate or digest that which is needed for nourishment
Samana = Abiliy or energy to distribute – that which is digested and assimilated –
for proper functioning of all parts of the body.
Udana = Ability or energy for the mind and intellect to express themselves
beyond the physical realm
These five pathways or means for energy to engage through material aspects are the
playing field of Brahman.
Sep. 23, 2022 – Session 3:
Questions reviewed in detail in earlier session.:
- What is “Sath Sangh”? — Association with “Truth”.
- What is the “Sath” or the truth we are exploring? — Philosophy
- What are “three legs of the Stool” as an analogy to life? — Physical, Emotional, Spiritual.
- What is “Gunathvam” or Subjectivity? — All that is associated with K, I and B and their effects. It is tangible through our “Experiences” or “Vasana”.
- What is “Sagunathvam” or Objectivity? — Analytical frame of mind to precisely observe and characterize “Subjectivity”. It is a process for exploration of “Experiences”
- What is “Nirgunathvam” or unattached active engagement? — The infinite laws of nature, which enable all that is Subjective and their Objective understanding! The “enabler” of all that is “enabled” (i.e.): Brahman.
- Who am “I”? or What are the five layers of any existence ? — Pancha Kosha
Reading through the notes on each of the five levels of “Who am “I” ?”
Yoga (Union with the Self) reflects the connection of Nature, Aum or Brahman.
End Product of following Yoga:
- Connecting with any part of our body (Physical / material) – Hatha Yoga
- Connecting with our living processes. The most visible is breathing – PranaYama
Yama means “Control of ”; PranaYama – Control or regulation of breathing process.
The breathing has an impact on many other processes in life (i.e.) blood circulation, etc.
AyurVeda is a system of medicine that manages the above two connections (Material and Living) and in turn influences the third also (i.e.) our mind or emotions.
- Connecting with our emotions and feelings. –
To some extent it is based on our physical and living processes.
It is also managed through faith (leading to emotional control) – Bhakthi Yoga
- Connecting through our ability to step back and reflect – Jnana Yoga
Yoga : Unattached active engagement (through our body, mind and intellect).
Question:
“Unattached engagement” – does it imply no goals or expectations? How is this possible?
Answer:
There will always be a goal or purpose. There is no way to avoid that. It is the course of nature.
A stone serves a purpose as it exists: Just being there, supporting a load (pillar) or the basis for a sculpture, ….
Every stone does not ask “Why am I lying here, not a pillar or a sculpture”?
It is the way it is! It is Nature!
A seed has a purpose, to grow into a plant, tree, flower, fruit and more seeds Some seeds give large, sweet fruits. Some give small, bitter or poisonous fruits and plants with prickly thorns.
No one asks why it is that way? It is the way it is! It is Nature!
Those who ask learn about plant genetics.
Our heart pumps, lungs breath, blood circulates, abdomen digests, eyes see, ears hear, skin feels, legs move, …………
No one asks why it is that way? It is the way it is! It is Nature!
Those who ask learn about anatomy, physiology, medical science, ….
We feel happy, sad, depressed, excited, …… We feel and experience emotions.
As long as no one asks “why is it that way”? Life goes on.
Those who ask why, but don’t want to think further struggle and suffer from their emotions.
Those who ask “Why?” also learn about the “Science of Connectors”! — Jnana Yoga!
Like all other activities, Yoga also should be “unattached” – without preconceived notion of expectations (which is an attachment or bias)
to explore the prevailing laws (as ordained by nature).
Question:
What is the goal of doing work and how to cope with expectations?
(e.g.): There is a project at work. Should there be a goal, expectation or not?
Answer:
Absolutely “Yes”.
Like there is a purpose for stone, seed, our life or emotions, there is always a purpose or goal for a “Project”.
I complete a project and go to a review.
The goal for the review is “Objective assessment”.
If I remain “Unattached” I will be better able to see the outcome of the project as well as the objective nature of the review.
If the outcome of the project is less than required (e.g.) a safety standard is missed or there is room for cost savings or better performance, I am open to bringing it up.
If the review process is not “objective”, but it is subjective due to the ignorance and bias of the reviewers, I make a note of that, if I am unattached.
What should I do next? It depends on my unattached assessment of the situation for the project outcome as well as the outcome of the review.
Remember there will always be perturbations like the surface waves. Learning to surf over the waves AND dive deep into the calm ocean – This balancing act, focusing on both sides of the coin is the goal!
Sep. 30, 2022 – Session 4:
Since we are in the beginning of Navratri festival honoring Goddess Saraswathi, we reviewed the following two prayer songs.
Saraswati Namastubhyam Varade Kaama-Ruupini |
Vidya[a-A]arambham Karishyaami Siddhir-Bhavatu Me Sadaa ||
Prayers to Devi Saraswati, the giver of Blessings and fulfill our Wishes,
As I begin my Studies, Please bestow on me the capacity of Right Understanding, always.
sarasvati mahābhāge vidye kamala lochane .
vidyārūpe viśālākṣi vidyāṃ dehi namostute ..
Devi Saraswati, the most auspicious goddess of knowledge with lotus-like eyes, an embodiment of knowledge with large eyes, kindly bless us with knowledge. I salute you.
Smt. Abirami Logachandar chanted/sang the poem: Manikka Veenaam ….
On reviewing the notes from the previous session, the discussion centered around: Yoga.
“Self” is Aum, Consciousness and Brahman. Union with the Self (Yoga) implies the connection between Aum (the symbol in the center of our picture, see above). We see this connection as in four arrows:
- Material/body – Hatha Yoga.
- Living / Prana – PranaYama, Meditation.
- These practices are also useful to manage our emotions, when they are part of Devotion (i.e.) Dhyana Yoga or Bhakthi Yoga.
- We have many unfulfilled needs and wants at the material and “living” level. These create emotions. To keep them in touch we pray and practice faith in a larger power (the Lord).
- Emotions triggered by our mind
All of us are always “emotional”. To keep our emotions in check we can depend on a larger source or God as the guide. This is Bhakthi Yoga.
We can also try to minimize our thoughts and hence emotions. This is Meditation.
- One should not expect to be free of emotions. That is not the way nature works. But, one can try and minimize the emotions. One can also steer them to be “Objective” – beneficial to everyone, rather than self-centered.
- We have learned how to assess emotions. They are the result of our connectors (Guna) and their equilibrium states (Gunathvam).
- But, no matter how much we meditate and assess our emotions we all always be subjective. It is like the shadow connected to a person.
- To look at the shadow and how it is formed we have to look at the source of light, independent of the person on whom it is shining. To understand our emotions we have to look at ourselves or any situation independent of the source of emotions (Knowledge, Bias and ignorance). This separation is Objectivity and Non-attachment. It is through reflection and analysis.
It is Jnana Yoga!
All our aspects – inert/material body, Living person, Emotional person, Reflective/Intellectual person ARE ALL evidence of the forces of nature, Consciousness, AUM, Brahman, God, ………
- In the first three aspects we are always reflecting the effect of nature!
Agree, disagree, see it that way or not, it is immaterial.
- In the fourth aspect – intellectual:
- We see the role of nature in the other three aspects (This is Objectivity – Sagunathvam)
- The fourth – intellect – is also none other than the evidence of Laws of Nature (Brahman) at work!
Comments:
Most of us are comfortable with Hatha Yoga, Meditation and Bhakthi. We generally stop there. But, when you understand the “Why?” behind our emotions – Jnana Yoga – it adds more depth to our traditional habits and practices.
Traditionally Hindus with their emphasis on Moksha or liberation are thought of as “Self-centered”.
Achieving this through meditation and isolation also makes them appear more recluse.
- Liberation or Moksha in Bhakthi tradition is reaching a higher place (Lord’s abode). We need to think, “Is it literal or is it a metaphor?”
- When we think and believe it as literal, then the risk of becoming reclusive and self- centered happens.
- If we truly understand the Vedic Dictums: ThathwamAsi, Aham Brahmasmi, Sarvam Brahma Mayam, Sarve Jhana Sukino Bhavanthu, …” then Liberation / Moksha acquires a unique meaning (i.e.) freedom from Self-centered notions of, I, me, us, etc.
- Instead we see anything and everything as a cause and effect outcome governed by the “Laws of nature” (i.e.) Brahman.
- We see no distinctions or boundaries on this earth, here and now. Isn’t that “Liberation”?
- We see ourselves accessible to everyone, at ease and in harmony with anyone or anything,
- We know all of us are emotional. We also know why and how the observed emotions are that way!
Traditionally those who teach philosophy – especially in the Eastern Religions – Hinduism, Buddhism, etc. – were also in the religious order as their way of life. Hence their teachings and interpretations may be more suitable for a monastic way of life. Hence Hindu or Buddhist practices for isolation, meditation, Moksha as a way to reach God, etc. may come across as self-centered. We should reflect on the true meaning of their teachings and their application in daily life. As examples refer to our class notes on Bhaja Govindam, Athma Bodha, BG Chapter 12, etc.
This risk of following literal words of the teacher, missing the principles, happens in all religions.
In Christianity Augustine is a Philosopher. Over time he was made into a Saint! His writings on coming to terms with one’s own fault has become the basis for the Catholic rituals of “Confession”!
The creed for the Baptists is “Most good for most people” based on service to the society. In due course it has changed into “Salvation by the Lord” which implies converting others as a way to help them to be saved by Christ!
Adi Sankara set out to help everyone see beyond religious rituals and understand the Vedic Philosophy. Even in his poem Bhaja Govindam he emphasizes the flaw in seeing the material world as the be all and end all. But taken literally one would think that he encourages giving up material connections like wealth, family, wife, children, etc. and devote all your time only for prayers: Bhaja Govindam , Bhaja Govindam ….
As we have seen in earlier sessions, what is encouraged is not a literal following (Nahi Nahi Rakshathi Dukrun Karane), but an analytical mind that explores the principles of Aham Brahma, Sarvam Brahma Mayam, etc. and develop an objective framework in all we do and in our way of life.
In our future sessions, we shall focus on: What is “Subjective” Vs. “Objective”?
Details of the four levels — See the tables.
Oct. 07, 2022 – Session 5:
We reviewed the four layers and how they are dealt with AyurVeda.
- Aspects of managing or treating the Physical body (Anna Maya) – if the quality of your food and water is high the physical body is well maintained.
- Living person (Prana Maya): Body and its parts affect prana. In turn Prana influences the vitality of the body and its organs. If the prana is weak, the body and all its sense organs will also be weak. Art, nature, music, live vibrant colorful aromatic food, fresh air, sunlight and healthy community/ relationships – can be converted into the”prana” which keeps the body healthy. Clarity of vision, clarity of hearing, and clarity and ability of the other sense organs are also caused by the energy quantum of the prana, the vitality in us.
- Emotional Person (Manon Maya): In Ayurveda it is recommended to feed the mind a daily diet of meditation, mantra, pranayama, uplifting reflections and yoga. These can transform the mind to a higher level of perception and cognition. When the mind and energetic layers are high functioning, the physical body becomes higher functioning. This is why physical healing not only happens through physical medicines and treatments, but by maintaining one’s mental and energetic bodies with proper sustenance.
- Reflective / analytical person (Vignana Maya): This layer is made of transcendent thoughts. It is awareness that is free of self-centeredness. OBJECTIVITY. It is concerned for the welfare of all. This is generated by a naturally-arising state of detachment from the grosser bodies.
Objectivity evolves through detachment (not focussed only on “Self”), non-attachment (open to all inputs and views of everyone) and renunciation (seeing the world and universe only as a collection of laws of nature.
- Hence ayurveda is not just taking medicines and getting better. It has to be followed by calming the mind and our emotions. Then we need to progress to a higher level of reflective/analytical frame of mind – the mind of a Yogi!
- This is true for all forms of medicine?
- True for healthy living as a whole?
- When we progress like that we naturally see ourselves and everyone and everything around us the same
– “I” am a drop of water in the body of water
- State of Bliss : Ananda Maya:
This body is composed of happiness. It does not need anything to generate its happiness, as that is its natural state.
We can replace such abstract and metaphysical description by simply stating:
- Genuine happiness, peace and harmony within and around is experienced through the true realization that everything exists, happens, occurs, etc. through invisible enablers – forces of nature and their laws.
- As a material object I am the same as stone, minerals, etc.
- As a living person I am the same as trees, plants, animals, etc.
- I am an emotional person like every other person (with a working brain). Hence I am Subjective individual
- All our brains process our observations (P,F,T) through our K,B and I and their equilibrium states (S,R and T).
- When everyone processes all emotions using these filters, we are all Objective.
We reflect non-duality as the evidence of our Objectivity. For those moments, we
live in a world of true inner peace and harmony. Following become our way of life; they are also the ways in which “nature” and the laws of nature exist.
- detachment (not focussed only on “Self”),
- non-attachment (genuinely open to all inputs and views of everyone and from every source)
- renunciation (seeing the world and universe only as a collection of laws of nature).
Above is a way of life described as the state of bliss (Ananda Maya).
Oct. 14, 2022 – Session 6:
Attendees:
K Subramanian, Abhirami Balasubramanian, Lok Natarajan, Komala Narayanan, Girish Sripathi
- Review of the picture – Maintaining equilibrium in activities and life
- Effect of 3 Gunas — leads to Manon Maya: Emotional Person.
- Pancha Kosha definition – We are all material objects; living persons; emotional persons and Subjective; we can be analytical focussed on Objectivity (Vignana Maya) — ALL these four states are enabled by Laws of Nature known by the collective noun: Brahman or the Symbol AUM. This State of the Mind and understanding is the state of bliss: Anandamaya
- Effect of mind and its states: Subjective Vs. Objective.
- Cognitive vs in- Cognitive: difference and experiencing – like two sides of a coin, they always coexist.
- Mapping of the five layers – Ayurveda
- Food we consume affects our physical body and the life processes (Nadis)
- Detachment with sense organs through Yoga and Meditation also promotes the health of the body and its functions.
- Healthy body and healthy living promotes a healthy mind and hence the emotional state of our mind.
- Taking all these to the next level – Objectivity and reflection/reasoning (Vignana Maya) is left to the individual!
- This is also true of any medicine?
Purpose and path in life:
Take care of your body, life processes, manage your emotions and be objective – in all these be respectful to the role of laws of nature!
- “Mango tree does not make one hungry”
- This statement by itself is very abstract and sounds irrational.
- Use thinking, logic and common sense in reading such statements.
- If there is a mango tree full of mangoes and if you are under such a tree, hungry and eat enough, you will not be hungry. Above statement as a summation of all of the above is true!
- We need to use such analysis and reflection when we read statements like this: This body is composed of happiness. It does not need anything to generate its happiness, as that is its natural state.
- Analysis of the thoughts and experiences in daily life
- Focus on detachment
- Analyze the situation
- Happiness is experienced through Objectivity:
- Detachment (Self-control),
- Non-attachment (Focussed on larger common purpose)
- Renunciation (recognizing our union with Consciousness; Laws of Nature; Brahman)
- Example of Baby and its smile: Pure joy; experience of consciousness
- Objective mind enables us to see the cognitive way of life
- Detachment vs Non-attachment
Oct. 21, 2022 – Session 7:
Question to reflect upon:
Which part of our body does not belong to all the five layers?
What is “I”?
Using our schematic diagram (figure) illustrating the five sheaths – as described in the Vedic Philosophy (including Athma Bodha) – we can see four arrows or connections between the “Nature” – the enabler – and the four conditions (the enabled). These connections are listed as four columns in the following table.
| “I” = “Nature” as seen through the four realms (I am Brahman)ANANDA MAYA5 | ||||
I am Physical / Material object ANNA MAYA1 | I am a Living Person With life processesPRANA MAYA2 | I am an Emotional being (Subjective)MANON MAYA 3 | I am A reflective / analytical person; enlightened person(Objective)VIGNANA MAYA 4 | |
Stone; bone; Flesh;Universe of objects Material Object (100%) | Plant; bird; humanLiving Object (100%) | Human beingEmotional Being (100%) (Subjective) Ignorant / InertialTurbulentTranquilas determined by the prevailing – Knowledge, Bias and Ignorance within us as well as all around..ALL of us are in this realm all the time without exception! | Human being at the moments of genuine Detachment, Non-attachment and Renunciation Reflective, Analytical and Reasoning Centered Person“Total Self-control leading toun-attached active engagement”(Objective) — ???% One might have this experience (< 100%) occasionally. At those moments “Divinity” shines through the individuals! On the other hand, there are infinite events and activities at 1, 2 and 3 which go on in our life, on theirown accord, as part of nature (Objectively), and reflectDetachment, Non-attachment and Renunciation without our being aware of them! One who remains at this state 100% and fully aware of ALL thatis the “Ideal”, Yogi or “God”? | |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| Yoga | Muscle toning; Physical fitness | Breathing controlManaging other “life” processes | “Stress” or “anxiety” managementEmotional well-being | “Self Awareness” : Sagunathvam:Detachment/Self-control; Non-attachment (larger common goal); Renunciation (in harmony with – respectful of – Consciousness, Laws of Nature or Brahman. Enlightened: Divine Nature or behavior |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| Education | Scientific Studies on Materials and theirbehavior;Applied Science;;Engineering | Life Sciences;Micro Biology;Biomedical – Engineering, etc. | Psychology; Religion; Theology; Political Science; Finance; Management, etc. | PhilosophyTrue Understanding ofWho am “I”? What is “it”?Why am “I” or why is “it” that way? Spirituality in Practice.Using Jnana Yoga as a way of life. |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| Brain and its Condition(Negative) | Brain Tumor; Bad circuitry! | Brain SchizophreniaAneurysm / Stroke Result of defective / malfunctioning brain as an organ and its influence on rest of the body | MIND Psychopathic;Narcism(Clinical illness)– Improper use of the brain/mind. Preferences; Bias; Prejudice; Racism, Fear and favor, Religious bias,Rich/poor,Happy/unhappy, etc.(behavioral aspects) | MIND Dogmatic; Fundamentalism; Theocratic, Aristocratic, etc. Improper training or basis on which the mind / brain operates with “extreme” views and thoughts.. Unyielding belief and faith that drives views, choices and actions of “extreme” nature |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| Brain and its Condition(Positive) | Healthy Brain | Well functioning brain empowering a healthy body and its functions. | Emotionally balanced personality and lifestyle While this is the goal, rarely anyone can pass this gate all the time.Maybe it is prudent to accept this reality and implement steps to manage one’s emotional balance with objectivity – 4 – as the goal? | Spiritually grounded thoughts and ideas rooted in:“Everything is part of nature”: Sarvam Brahma Mayam;“I and the Universe are integral” Thath Thwam Asi;“Everyone and everythingremain in peace and harmony” (as enabled by or as a reflection of the forces of nature)”: Sarve’ Jhana Sukino’ Bavanthu! When reflected upon and understood,, above is indeed the TRUTH and REALITY! Recognizing and living with this reality helps us to be better in managing Emotional balance (MEAL) as part of 1, 2 and 3 ? |
Nov. 11, 2022 – Session 10:
Discussion surrounded on the connection to being “Subjective” Vs. “Objective”
Girish:
mentioned his personal experience of struggling and yet surviving through challenges in life based on a larger spiritual outlook.
Lok:
mentioned that in the heat of the battle of daily life self-control gets out of control until someone outside the system is able to identify the basic problem or issue. Then cooler heads prevail and things move forward
Shashidhar:
mentioned about the issues of coping with grief such as in the stages of cancer and how keeping the various layers of “I” is very helpful.
Santharam raised the following question:
Only when I have a body do I have something to live for. Without a living person there is no emotion, subjectivity and objectivity. Only after all these comes Consciousness.
So is it not true that body or material level is the starting point and most important? Consideration of Consciousness should follow as an end state. Yet it is identified as bliss or “Ananda Maya”, ever pervading. This causes confusion in my mind!
| “I” am “Nature” (Aham Brahma)as seen through the four realms ANANDA MAYA5 | ||||
I am Physical / Material object ANNA MAYA1 | I am a Living Person With life processesPRANA MAYA2 | I am an Emotional being (Subjective)SathvikamRajasamThamasamThrough: K, B and IMANON MAYA 3 | I am A reflective / analytical person; enlightened person (Objective) evidenced through:Detachment; Non-attachmentRenunciation VIGNANA MAYA 4 | |
| Physical – Economic /Health / Wellbeing | ||||
| Subjective Vs. Objective (Social / Emotional Wellbeing) | ||||
| Increasingly higher levels of Objectivity (Universal View): Everything is part of Nature | ||||
Beyond these three is the state of :”Nirgunathvam”, Brahman or In – cognitive aspects of Laws of Nature. That covers all that is Cognitive – Anna Maya, Prana Maya, Manon maya and Vignana Maya.
15. Pratah smarami hridi samsphura tatwam Satchitsukham paramahamsa gatim turiyam Yat swapna jagara sushupta mavaiti nityam Tad brahma nishkalamaham
na cha bhuta sanghaha.
Pratah smarami: In the early morning I meditate/reflect on the
Self,
Hridi samsphura tatwam: residing in the deep wells of our Hearts.
Satchitsukham: It is Real Knowledge, Eternal Happiness,
Paramahamsa gatim: the state reached by those who have
transcended the Cognitive aspects of the Universe
Turiyam: The fourth state of consciousness;
This is the Sukshma Sareeram?
The enabler of all that is enabled.
Yat swapna jagara sushupta mavaiti nityam: The Self illumines all
the time our experiences during the three states of waking, dreaming and the state of deep sleep.
This is the Sthula Sareeram?
The enabled, cognitive and identifiable?
Tad brahma nishkalamaham: I am that perfect Brahman without any
Blemish
Brahman is also recognized as Aum and Turiya.
Na cha bhuta sanghaha: “I” am not only that individual person associated with
my physical and identifiable matter.
Jan, 06, 2023 – Session 12:
Attendees: Shashidhar, Abirami, Lok, Chitra, Subbu
Happy New Year to all!
I had a chance to visit the monastery of Swami Chinmayananda at Sidhbari, at the foothills of Himalayas in my recent visit to India. During this visit I saw a quote from Swamiji : “Do seek the mountain peaks for meditation; Seek the “peaks” in your meditation!”
Our sessions in Jnana Yoga is a modest effort to learn and understand the “peaks” of knowledge and wisdom from Vedanta and how they can be applied in our daily life. With this goal and prayer, we start our New Year!
Whenever we see “Nature” and its laws or forces as the backbone of anything in life,
there is a clarity, peace of mind and serenity that comes with it. One example is through prayer (Japa) and the focus it brings with it permitting us to be immersed in “Silence” an aspect of Nature. Following is a reference from a mail I received today from a friend, as part of his weekly message on behalf of the St. Louis Ramakrishna Mission:
One day I asked Swami Madhavananda: “Maharaj, why does the mind become so restless during the time of japa and meditation?” He replied: “Look at Swami Shantananda. As soon as he sits to meditate, he dives deep within. He does not have to struggle with the mind. As you continue to practice japa and meditation according to the instruction of your guru, your mind will also gradually calm down.”
One day I went to seek blessings from Swami Shantananda. Sushil Maharaj, his attendant, said to him: “Maharaj, Chetanananda is leaving for America. Please give him your blessings.” The swami kept quiet while I sat on the floor in front of him. I saw his lips moving a little. He occasionally closed his eyes and then opened them again. After about fifteen minutes, he said: “Repeat your mantra.” Then he resumed silently looking at me.
After I had sat there for another fifteen minutes, his attendant said to me: “You may go now. Maharaj will not say anything more.”
…Monks like him speak volumes while remaining silent. They teach through silence. A Vedic teacher said to his student, “Upasanto’yam atma — the nature of the Atman can be expressed through silence alone.” …
Stories of Vedanta Monks – Volume 1, Swami Chetanananda
Ch 7 Swami Shantananda (1884 – 1974), p 100
We were discussing the same point in our last Jnana Yoga session:
All our “experiences” are events in life. They appear like irreconcilable knots, adding to our emotions and perturbations. When we untangle any knot, it literally disappears!
We can untangle any experience or “knot” through (a) understanding how we are connected to such experience through our knowledge, bias and ignorance and (b) understanding of the forces of nature behind them and (c) implicit faith in the forces of nature, when required. Together (a) and (b) with an objective frame of mind constitutes Jnana Yoga. At that point, the “knot” seen as our experience disappears. Another approach mentioned above is (c) – prayer or Japa. In either case, all we are left with is the connection with the forces of nature – like being in union with the silence in the reference cited above.
Swami Chinmayananda used to describe this as “We acquire all our experiences (Vasanas) through our body, mind and intellect. When the vasanas are exhausted – (I.e.) resolved through (a), (b) and (c) above – we are united with the Om, Brahman, Consciousness, Laws of Nature or God!”
We used the attached schematic to explain the above in our last session.
Such implicit union with the laws of nature through Jnana Yoga requires clarity on exploring the experience under “Subjectivity” – attached to the subject or Self – Vs. Objectivity – with an unattached or “externalized” outlook of the “object” under study. We shall pursue this “Subjective” Vs. “Objective” in the future sessions.
Jan, 13, 2023 – Session 13:
Attendees: Santharam, Abirami, Lok, Chitra, Subbu
What is “Spirituality?” Our thoughts, emotions and way of life rooted in the “Spirit”
(i.e.) the driving force, Laws of Nature, Brahman
(e.g.): Reality = Something based on “real” not imagined.
“He/she is the Spirit of this party” implies this person is the driving force or enabler for the vitality of this party or function.
What separates humans from the material and living objects?
It is our emotions (Manon Maya) and ability to understand the sources of our emotions through our reasoning and analysis (Vigjnana Maya).
Emotions are based on our Subjectivity
Reasoning and Analysis is refined by our Objectivity
Otherwise as material objects and living persons it is clear to us of the laws of nature behind these.
To understand and separate the sources of our emotions and manage them with reasoning we need clarity on
“What is Subjectivity” and
“How does it differ from Objectivity?”
(e.g.):
I am Hungry:
The Subject: “I” — Anything connected with I, he, she, we, they, etc. is Subjective.
The object: “Hunger” —- Anything connected with Hunger as a phenomena is Objective.
“I am Hungry” could refer to me as a person, a dog, a child, a mother, etc.
Which one am I thinking about even though I say “I am hungry”?
I need to step back, reflect and focus. I can not be impulsive and reactive, assume the subject matter and proceed further.
This stepping back – internal reflection – would be “YOGA”.
Why did I choose “I am hungry?” not “I am thirsty, I am angry, etc.)
Again, I need to step back, reflect and focus. I can not be impulsive and reactive, assume the subject matter and proceed further.
This stepping back – internal reflection – would be “YOGA”.
Every action is the result of five components:
The person(s) involved, Activity (Object), Means ot Tools, Circumstances and Divine influence (laws of nature)
I need to step back, reflect and focus. I can not be impulsive and reactive, assume the subject matter and proceed further.
This stepping back – internal reflection – would be “YOGA”.
Hence One of three elements of Objectivity is Internal reflection, Self-control or YOGA
Instinctively we know the difference between my hunger, that of my dog, a child and the mother. Which “hunger” am I reflecting upon, even though I said “I am hungry”. There is a larger purpose I have in mind, which is beyond just meeting my own hunger. What is that?
That reflection on the larger purpose – beyond my immediate or personal needs – is “Total Self Control” This comprehensively includes all the five components of my chosen object under study! It also includes looking beyond my immediate and self-fulfilling needs (Karma Phala Thyagam)
At this stage our thoughts on “Hunger” itself broadens. We recognize it as a need to be fulfilled in nurturing our life process. A broader and more comprehensive universal view of “hunger” and the many ways to address that evolves as a body of knowledge. We are focussed on “Akarma” or inaction (phenomena of nature) behind hunger!
Hence Objectivity has three components:
Self-control
Un attached active engagement
Focussed on Brahman or laws of nature an aspect of the Universe.
Jan, 20, 2023 – Session 14:
Attendees: Santharam, Abirami, Lok, Chitra, Sashidar. Sankaraiah, Pampati Chakrapani, Rohini Sankaran, Subbu
Welcome to all newcomers.
We had a quick review to bring everyone into the same plane:
- Sath Sangh = Commonly known for religious gathering
- Sath Sangh = “Association” with the “truth”!
What is the truth we seek?:
Who am “I”? What is life? How can one live in peace and harmony all around?
The answers to these questions can be learned from Vedic Philosophy
(which we have been studying for the past decade or so; formally since 2016).
- How can we live a life of peace and harmony?
A life of peace and harmony within and cohesiveness with all that surrounds us is described as “Spirituality”.
Analogous to “reality” = based on or grounded in what is real,
“Spirituality” = Grounded in the “spirit” or the driving force or the enabler of everything.
This enabler – Athman, Soul, Consciousness, Laws of Nature, Universal Consciousness, God – is also known as Brahman
- What is life?
Life is the cognitive – all that we know from birth to death.
Life is a balancing act between what is material, emotional and intellectual
Life is also the incognitve – enabled by the infinite invisible laws of nature, collectively known as Brahman.
Life and the universe is the playing field of the Lord (Krishna Leela) – this is the central faith of the Vaishnavites.
Everything is Brahman. Hence we exist merely as a reflection or enabled by Brahman. This is also stated as God is within each of us.
Who am “I” ?
- Material object (like any other object of nature) – Anna Maya
- Living Person (like all else that we consider alive!) – Prana Maya
- Emotional Person – Manon Maya
- Under the influence of our ever present three connectors (Guna)
- Knowledge, Bias and Ignorance
- Their equilibrium (Gunathvam) caused by the dominance of one over the other two:
- Tranquility, Turbulence and Inertial
- Under the influence of our ever present three connectors (Guna)
(Sathvikam, Rajasam and Thamasam)
- Subjective, hence reactive; acting on impulse rather than after reflection and reasoning
- Analytical or reasoning centered person – Vijnana Maya
- Objective, hence active preceded by as well as accompanied by reflection, analysis and reasoning
- Person constantly vigilant and aware that all the above four cognitive states are enabled by invisible, eternal, objective, omnipresent Laws of Nature, collectively known as Brahman.
- The invisible enabler and all that is cognitive are like the two sides of a coin.
- This unique knowledge and awareness – of life as the two sided coin – by itself can promote a limitless inner peace and harmony.
Hence this state is called the state of bliss – Ananda Maya
There are many tangible examples for us to relate to “Brahman” in practical ways.
Gravity, Magnetism, electromechanical forces that operate our brain, heart to pulse, lungs to breath, so many life processes that permit our hearing, sight, taste, digestion, … the strength of the chair that enables me to sit on it, etc. – all are governed by invisible laws of nature – the enabler, collectively known as Brahman.
The grand pronouncements in Vedas (Maha Vakya):
I am Brahman, Consciousness is Brahman, Everything is Brahman,
You and the Universe are integral in each other (Aham Brahma, Pragjnanam Brahma, Sarvam Brahma Mayam, Tat Twam Asi).
Sashidhar:
Our discussion on “Buoyancy” – the invisible, eternal enabler that enables all that floats – the boat, people in the boat, paddle, etc. – another example to identify with Brahman.
All of the above are the summary outcome of our studies from many chapters of BG, few Upanishad, Athma Bodha, Bhaja Govindam, etc.
Now we are at the current topic; Subjective Vs. Objective.
Subjective:
Instinctive, intimately connected with the “Subject”- linked closely to personal views and needs
Objective:
Reflective, more connected with the “object” or “event” treated as external to the self
(e.g.):
- “This stone tripped me; now I have fallen down with so much pain” – emphasis on “I” and my pain; blame and abuse on the inertial stone!
Vs.
Tripping on the stone resulted in my falling down. Now I have some pain. What can I do now to alleviate my pain? Avoid such pain for others who could also trip on the stone inadvertently?. – emphasis on the larger event; neutral frame of mind; focus on the safety for all.
- “Why did you break this glass?” – emphasis on “you’ (Subject) and the blame
Vs. The glass is broken. What happened? Why? – emphasis on the glass – the object of interest – and its breakage, safety of all.
- “They are always very hungry!” – emphasis on “they’ (Subject) and opinion stated as a fact (bias)
Vs. Emphasis on hunger as a phenomena of all living things and its details in the current situation.
Sankaraiah:
We are subjective when we get ourselves tied up inside the event, problem or situation.
(e.g.): Very often in engineering projects, we need to step out and look from outside.
Chitra:
It is easier to speak about stepping outside. But, what happens in real life for someone with a broken foot and has fallen down? I am sad and hurt. How is it realistic to think about anyone or anything else?
Santharam:
It is not easy. It is really hard. In my practice, when I quietly listen to the sadness and grief of the patients, in the end they themselves feel better. Hence stepping back and reflecting is valuable, even under difficult times.
But, even though I can help and suggest a solution for my patients, I can not visualize the same solution – patience and reflection to my own challenges and certainly not all the time! It is hard, but it comes from practice. It is a cultivated habit over time.
Subbu:
Marvelous discussion! Indeed it is for developing this ability to step back and reflect we practice meditation. You remember that during our meditation we step back and focus our mind on something of our choice? – like a prayer word or breathing.
When we are feeling the grief, it is OK to go through that experience.
After a while we can step back and reflect on our grief, pain and suffering.
This recovery can start with some meditation. The mind being more calm and under control, it can be steered away from personal grief to a more objective reflection?
After that, we should slowly turn our mind and attention to something larger – the source of the pain and suffering, the causes and next steps. Thus we become increasingly more objective.
Rohini:
I can see this for myself in my own life. Something at work, immediately after I come across it, has its big impact. But as time goes by and the more I think about it, as my perception and understanding opens up, I can see the same situation in a completely different light.
Subbu:
Towards this we can all agree that comprehensive solutions for anything can be reached, once we separate problems from the self, from our attachment to “that”.
This separation to make anything “external” and to be in union with the driving force is “Yoga” – Union with the “self”.
Being Objective is an aspect of Yoga or Self-realization.
Feb. 03 20, 2023 – Session 16:
Attendees: Santharam, Abirami, Chitra, Sashidar. Sankaraiah, Komala, Subbu
Review of the context of our discussions thus far and the role of Subjectivity Vs. Objectivity
Objectivity requires three elements; each is a manner of non-attachment.
- Detach or distance yourself from the problem, observation or evidence (Externalize) – Self-control (Athma Niyamanam) – non-attachment.
- Renunciation of the outcome – Detachment or not fixated on the end results (Karma Phala Thyagam); Also a form of non-attachment.
- Identify and move towards the enabler: Brahman, also known as Akarma (Inaction) – unattached active engagement.
One who seeks inaction (Akarma) in all activities and seeks inactivity as the course of action is the wisest; they carry out all appropriate activities (Karma) and yet are in control (or unaffected) all the time. B.G. 4. 16. Jnana Karma Sanyasa Yoga
Through Self-realization, an enlightened person remains as one’s own friend; through lack of it and hence lacking in self-control, one becomes one’s own worst enemy.
Through higher levels of Self-realization one lives a life that does not disturb others, nor is he/she disturbed by others.
— Yoga, meditation, prayer services (Puja) are all means to the above end (i.e.) being or becoming more and more Objective and less Subjective.
— All forms of “education” are meant to gain “Objective” knowledge in that subject matter.
— All manner of “education” should transform us to become more “Objective”!
- Immediate or Practical aspects of “Objectivity” – Step 1: “Externalizing” anything
as a way of Self-control (Athma Niyamanam):
- Pick and choose what needs action and its priority — Time Management
- Thinking ahead of action — Minimizes when we speak, what we speak, what we do, less correction or follow up needed
- We are aware of our mood and why? – Happy, sorrowful, confused, biased, … why is it that way?
- More silent and calm we are – creates space for others to speak, participate and contribute
- ………
- ………
Komala: Where did you get these materials? What are their source?
Subbu: It is the outcome of our ongoing discussions aided by in-depth study of the scriptures. It is not a reproduction from any single source or reference.
Abirami: Removing ourselves from the problem or situation – Self-control, Externalizing, Athma Niyamanam – is very helpful. As a result:
- We can quickly relate to similar situations from other times; Path forward becomes more clear
and better informed from these previous situations / experiences.
- Those few seconds of withdrawal help to cope with our emotions better.
Sankaraiah: “Externalizing” the problem or situation helps everyone to participate and contribute. As a result the outcome is really much better. I can very well relate to the joy of this ability for “Stepping out” and its benefits. It also helps very much in delegating the roles and responsibilities.
Santharam: I am thinking of two items as a result of our discussion today:
- Autonomous Nervous system
- Conscious Vs. Un-conscious detachment:
Clearly, as we discussed before, every surgeon practices Conscious Detachment.
They think of the patient or the surgery as someone or something not connected or related to them in a personal way. This is un-attachment through “Externalizing”
They are also not bogged down with the connection to the outcome. This is required for their mind to be free of emotions and do the surgery to the best of their ability.
They are also aware of the “laws of nature” at work and how best to follow them as part of surgery and treatment. This is their “Education”, which qualified them as a surgeon.
Then, what is the Unconscious detachment? What is the role of Psychedelic drugs and their effects,
which are said to enable this Unconscious detachment?
Subbu: I do not have any knowledge on the matter of drugs and their effects.
But, maybe we can address the Unconscious detachment as follows from our current discussions and studies, thus far:
While the surgeon performs the surgery with conscious detachment, his heart is pulsing, purely governed by the laws of nature. There are so many things that happen within us and around us, which are all enabled by the laws of nature (Brahman). We merely exist as part of this nature and her laws. Perhaps this existence – without attachment to these events and evidences – may be called Unconscious detachment?
The more we practice Conscious Detachment, over a period of time it evolves into Unconscious detachment? So many things we do in our life, with clear awareness at each moment – over time and practice becomes autonomous.
(e.g.): You are attached and conscious for each moment, when you are driving the car. But, there is also a Conscious detachment: You and your car are different; yes, you want go somewhere, but you are not fixated on that for each moment; you are fully aware and acknowledge that so many things and processes in you, in your car and all that is around (other cars, drivers, road and its condition, etc.) – laws of nature (Brahman) – are at work and you are genuinely respectful of all that.
Over time and through many years of practice, driving a car becomes a second nature, Is this the Unconscious detachment?
Shashidhar: These two states of Consciousness were also described earlier as a person moving around 24th St. in Manhattan, NY., yet completely free from any thoughts of all that is going around!
Perhaps these are described in vedanta as Sakshi Bootha and Sakshi Bhaava?
Sakshi Bhaava refers to looking at everything as a “Witness” or evidence to the Brahman (laws of nature) at work. — This can be Conscious, based on our cognitive skills and efforts or Unconscious (happening as a course of nature). Here the word “Bhava ” is a noun: Bhaavam.
Sakshi Bhava refers to looking into oneself and everything around us as a witness, with non-attachment. Here “Bhava” is a verb, action, manner of looking at the world within and around.
Sakshi Bootha: Refers to anything cognitive (Comprehensible to the mind). This is the “Cognitive” side of the two sided coin; the other side being the In-Cognitive enabler or witness to all that is enabled.
- Practice oriented “Objectivity”- Step 2: Reduced focus on the results of our action
(Non-attachment through Karma Phala Thyagam):
- Practice oriented “Objectivity” – Step 3: Identify and move towards the enabler:
Brahman, unattached active engagement.
- Being Objective is – a natural state;
The way nature exists; enabled by the Laws of Nature.
- We are largely – preponderantly Objective!
Based on our state of mind, we can be
“Subjective” – seeing things as we wish to see
“Objective” – as seen through the laws of nature (Brahman)
- Our highest or ultimate level of Objectivity is reflected in the “Laws of Nature”, enabler or the GOD, within you, outside and everywhere!
Feb. 10 20, 2023 – Session 17:
Attendees: Santharam, Chitra, Sankaraiah, Subbu
Subbu: Meditation are of three kinds:
Focussed Attention Meditation (FAM)
Open Mind Meditation (OMM)
Love and Kindness Meditation (LKM).
In the beginning of each session we practice FAM.
It is also the meditative state of mind (Yoga) in all that we do with single minded attention: Teaching, cooking, singing, Physical exercise (Hatha Yoga), surgery, speaking with sincere effort to communicate, …….
Reading through the notes from the previous session on the three requirements for “Objectivity” evidenced through non-attachment:
— Physical, emotional and intellectual disengagement (Athma Niyamanam; Self-control; Externalizing)
— Minimizing the emphasis on the outcome (Karma Phala Thyagam; Nishkama Karma)
— Alignment with the prevailing laws of nature or faith in such laws (Sarvam Brahma Mayam; Pajnanam Brahma; Aham Brahma; Tat Twam Asi, ………)
Santharam: I need to internalize the above three aspects and see how I practice them in my professional role. Maybe my detachment as a Dr. from the patient is merely a matter of habit as opposed to something intentional and deliberate?
Subbu: Maybe it appears as casual, as a matter of habit for you, but in reality could you be there without years of commitment and practice for that?
Sankaraiah: When the Dr. is truly involved in the patient in their genuine needs and interests, the patient also feels that. The resulting faith in the Dr. by the patient cures the patient more effectively, together with the treatment? That is the true impact of some Dr.s,? Is that the reflection of their objective and unattached engagement?
Chitra: Being in that state of mind where you are detached from everything else is what we see in the musicians when they are one with their music or top players who are mentally and emotionally shut off from everything else except for their playing and its execution. People say they are “in their zone”
Subbu: It is in that state of objectivity and non-attachment we see their best performance as well. Such performance is called “Clutch play” and those who can perform like that are called “Clutch players”!
Chitra: Today I had an experience dealing with a special needs child. That child is not my child or related to me. So I could treat that child as any other student in my class, of course with attention to their special needs. But what is the plight of the mother, who has to raise this child every day and for life long? How can she maintain the same level of non-attachment and objectivity, which may be possible for me and in my situation?
Subbu: You bring up a very important point. This could be called: “Care for the caregiver”. It is a topic by itself. Let us discuss this as a special topic in the next session?
Feb. 17, 2023 – Session 18:
Attendees: Chitra, Sankaraiah, Shashidhar, Komala, Subbu
Subbu: Periodically it is good to revisit the “Why?”
Why do we attend and participate in Jnana Yoga Sessions?
We can divide our sessions into three parts:
- Brief reading of the prayer songs. This segment helps to focus or concentrate our mind. It is a form of Focussed Attention Meditation.
- Meditation session: This is our weekly exercise for our mind to deliberately practice Focussed Attention Meditation.
Mind is calm, unperturbed when it is focussed on a few thoughts. Meditation is an exercise for the mind towards that goal.
During our meditation session we keep all our body functions constrained by sitting comfortably without strain, closing our eyes, etc. Yet the ears are active. But when we focus our hearing on the breathing – and the wave-like noise through breathing – our ears as well as our mind (with the single thought focussed on breathing) become under control!
- Discussion session:
We have understood that everything in the universe including all of us exist as material objects, living objects, emotional persons (Subjective individuals with duality), objective persons with reasoning/balanced outlook and all these are evidence of the laws of nature.
Collection of all laws of nature is identified as Brahman. Laws of nature that enable us as individuals or persons are identified as Athma, soul or consciousness.
Hence the Vedic MahaVakyas: Sarvam Brahma Mayam (Everything is Brahman); Aham Brahma (I am Brahman), Prajnanam Brahma (Consciousness is Brahman).
We explore these foundational aspects of Vedic Philosophy in our discussion sections.
In this process we have been dwelling in detail on: Subjective Vs. Objective.
What are the three requirements for being objective:
- Self-control through Body, mind and intellect (Externalize the action, feelings and thoughts) – Athma Niyamanam
Subbu gave an example of a young person, whose emotions dissipated and became rational in their advice to the self, as soon as the person “Externalized” the problem – as if belonging to someone to whom he/she was advising!
- Self-control by giving up obsessive attachment to the end result (Karma Phala Thyagam). This is easier if our focus is on the long term outcome. It is achieved by shifting our attention away from near term and self focussed benefits or results.
(e.g.):
In a conversation, I want to get better of the person in every word I say Vs. focus on exchange of views and better communication of thoughts and ideas as best as one can.
As a parent, force the child to accept every word and command Vs. let the child grow free and capable of his/her own judgment guided by parents inputs and guidance.
Yes, there are goals (or results) in the above: better communication and the child growing free and capable of his/her own judgment. But, they are not immediate and self focussed. These goals are common for any communication and for any child!
- Self-control through the acceptance of the reality that everything is governed by Laws of Nature (Brahman).
Some laws may be known to us, others may not be.
Where we know the laws of nature, we are respectful of them and use their course wisely. Where we are not aware of them we develop implicit faith in their existence and role. We strive hard to learn as much as we can. Through the reliance on the known laws and/or through faith in the role of all that is known and unknown, we steer the journey of life with inner stability, peace and harmony within and cohesiveness with all that is around. This is Spirituality in Practice.
Such a life does not imply physically “smooth sailing” all the time!
As an example: Here is a stream that has a calm and peaceful flow, becomes turbulent or wavy (due to the rocky terrain) and becomes a smooth flowing stream again. It is all part of nature! So are all the ups and downs we experience in our journey of life?
Now, let us proceed to Chitra’s earlier question from last week:
We can see the special needs children and as a teacher care for them. It is for a fixed time slot during the day. It is hard but manageable. How about the parents of these children, who have to care for them 7 days a week and life long?
This question extended to the concept of “Care for caregivers”
- You are in that role as a special Ed. teacher based on your compassion and empathy and skills – all of these are aspects of laws of nature!
- Thinking of the parents, beyond the role as a teacher reflects our compassion, an inherent human quality – also part of nature!
- Compassion can be in terms of
- “Sympathy” reflecting pity or superficial emotional response on the needy or
- “Empathy” which reflects an objective analysis of the need and providing needed support to alleviate the challenges of those in need.
- All those in need, especially disabled children and their parents need “Empathy not Sympathy”.
Subbu mentioned the above as a declaration in a mental health resource he had visited. Shashidhar described this as “Sympathetic” Vs. “Empathetic” treatment process in Psychiatry. As an example, children with gut disorder syndrome can be counseled to deal with their pain and stay home. That would be a sympathetic response from the parents. The same child can be guided to stay in school with the assurance that parents and teachers are readily available to care for any of the child’s needs. Assured of this support available the child continues schooling and makes progress. This will be an empathetic response.
- We see so many who are poor, like beggars in front of the temple that we walk by without paying attention to them.
There is a tendency to become numb and hence unaware of such needs and social inequities. This is not common only to India, but seen everywhere. It could be among us, our own friends and community where we step away from the emotional and social needs of others around us.
The antidote for such unintentional numbness is true Self-control! (i.e.) do I seek a superficial happiness in me and all that surrounds me (including people, their living conditions, etc.) or am I genuinely concerned about a holistic wellbeing of all?
Do I see the hidden needs of myself as well as that of others around me?
It is this expanded thinking that leads us to engage in more help and support to others including Social service and volunteer activities.
It is the true self-control which overcomes our inhibitions and “who will think, what?” about my getting involved, etc. – which are truly reflection of our attachments to immediate and near term needs.
Questions raised by Santharam, Chitra and comments by Sankaraiah lead us to the following:
Is there a specific procedure or protocol to follow, to practice to increase our level of Objectivity and non-attachment as a means towards that?
In Viveka Chudamani by Adi Sankara we find the following:
Stages of Non-attachment:
Manushyathvam, Mumukshathvam, MahaPurushathavam.
Feb. 24, 2023 – Session 19:
Attendees: Sankaraiah, Shashidhar, Komala, Abirami, Lok, Tamil, Subbu
Everyone summarized their understanding of the lessons learned to date – very good summary by all. This progression in “Spiritual life” can be described as:
Manushyathvam Mumukshathvam MahaPurushathavam
Human beings with their emotions and passion,
can evolve in their liberation (Higher level of objectivity and non-attachment),
ultimately leading to enlightened living, analogous to the union with the Superior
Being or the Lord.
This evolution requires the following steps:
Manushyathvam
Mumukshathvam
- Vivekam —- Discrimination between
- Subjective Vs. Objective;
- Gunathvam Vs. Sagunathvam Vs. Nirgunathvam
- Vairagyam — Clarity and Determination
- Shat Sampatti (Six Qualities or six avenues of wealth or prosperity in Spiritual outlook ):
Sama — Restraint (of emotions and thoughts) — Meditation
Dhama — Restraint (of body organs) — Yoga (Hatha Yoga)
Uparathi — Non-attachment (Relinquishing the fruits of actions).
Thitiksha — Endurance (sustained outcome of the above)
Shraddha — Commitment; relentless focus; sense of purpose.
Samadhanam — Peacefulness of the mind (hence body, mind and intellect
and their actions).
- Mumukshutva — Liberation.
Mahapurushathvam.
Before eating food the following Mantra is chanted:
Pranaya Svaha, Apanaya Svaha, Dhanaya Svaha, Udhanaya Svaha, Samanaya Svaha, Brahmane’ Svaha!
Prana: Intake, consumption
Apana: Excrete or reject
Dhana: Digest
Udhana: Assimilate:
Samana: Equilibrate, serve the intended need
Brahman: All these Cognitives are evidence of Brahman (Laws of Nature) at work!
The same prayer can be reflected upon as part of any thought or question that comes to our mind? This internal reflection starts with Vivekam and Vairagyam as stated above?
March 3, 2023 – Session 20:
Attendees: Sankaraiah, Tamil, Chitra and Subbu
Subbu briefly recapped the Vedic Philosophy, for the benefit of Tamil (recent entrant to the group), as follows:
Anything and everything in the Universe, known and unknown can be visualized as a two sided coin!
On one side is the Cognitive, that we can relate to. It is enabled, made possible and made evident. This includes everything from the smallest (atomic particles to planets and the cosmos). We as humans, individual(s) are part of this spectrum.
On the other side is the enabler, the invisible, eternal, omnipresent, objective universe. We can not touch, feel, measure or comprehend the enablers, except through their enabled outcome as evidence!
Vedic Philosophy calls this enabler collectively as Brahman. Scientists call them the “laws of nature”. In theology it is referred to as “God”, the creator, protector and destroyer!
One, who sees both sides of the coin – the true reality – is a Spiritual person!
This reality is also described through the Grand Pronouncements (Maha Vakya) from Veda such as:
Everything is Brahman (Sarvam Brahma Mayam)
I am Brahman (Aham Brahma)
Consciousness is Brahman (Prajnanam Brahma)
You and the Universe are integral (Tat Twam Asi)
On the Cognitive side, as human beings we have Body, Mind and Intellect.
Using these as tools we live in a world of emotions, composed of Tranquility, Turbulence and Inertia.
Any and all of these emotions are the outcome of our Knowledge, Bias (Partial Knowledge) and Ignorance at any moment, over time, etc. These are the connectors (Guna). Their effect is what we call our “experience (Vasana)”.
Our experience is not a random effect or unknown. Instead, we can precisely decompose them, their origins and trends through self reflection (Yoga).
Through such self-reflection we are less Subjective (being driven only by our impulses, experiences and connectors) and more Objective (be a driver using our connectors and experiences as well as observations as tools with reflection and analysis).
More objective we are, we see both sides of the coin. We see the cognitive side as the surface waves, while we see the incognitive as the deep ocean supporting the waves, but all part of the same body of water! Such a reflective person with an universal outlook on life, self, others and everything is also identified as “Spiritual”.
A spiritual person who sees both sides of the “coin” and one who is reflective with a universal outlook, while actively engaged in the cognitive side – they are both convergent. The result or outcome is the same: Divinity reflects in the actions and life of such a person and their actions. He/she remains stable, a friend to the self as well as others, a beacon of light for others to follow. He/she is calm, peaceful and content within as well as harmonious with all that is around!
Problems faced in the Cognitive side:
Subbu: Recently I met a priest serving in a temple. He was unhappy since he felt that he was working only to make a living and care for his family. He wished he could leave all this and go away to the Himalayas and live close to his “Guru”!
Another young person is taking good care of his/her only parent (since the other has passed away). But he/she is unhappy and is under the sway of comments from relatives and others, who have given him/her “advice”, which are not practical or easy to implement! He/she feels unsure and not appreciated. He/she is conflicted and tormented, while being a caring person for an elder!
In both these cases, the individual is doing what any one would consider spiritual acts:
Serving God, community, self and the parents.
Serving the single surviving parent, being connected to relatives and friends and taking their inputs seriously and not ignoring them due to vanity, etc.
Then why are they unhappy and not at peace?
Discussion:
Chitra: I have felt like this myself sometimes!
Sankaraiah: Maybe it requires stepping back and looking at the big picture?
Other viewpoints: Maybe the priest has an inner urge for a different calling in life?
Life is like the surface waves on the ocean; such perturbations are to be expected and accepted. Life is also like the deep ocean supporting the surface level waves!
One can not and should not wish they never existed. Instead, each has to ask, where do these perturbations come from? What is the big picture here? Am I seeing the glass as half full or half empty? Am I willing to smell the rose on hand or simply let it fall and wilt away, fearful of the thorn in the stem?
All of the above are part of self-control through reflection. Genuine self-compassion is an important aspect of Spirituality. This will shift us away from being “Subjective” to “Objective”, which requires
Non-attachment (Athma Niyamanam):
Through self-reflection, can the priest or the young person externalize the situation, as if it belongs to someone else? What views or advice will they give to that third person?
Non-attachment to outcome (Karma Phala Thyagam):
Moving away from the near term results or outcome.
What do I want to achieve living in the Himalayas? Can I work towards that while living my life as it exists here, today serving the needs of so many others near and around me? Maybe the Lord (Brahman) has a different plan for me in the future, which may or may not include living in the Himalayas! What is the knowledge, bias and ignorance in my thinking? Can I be diligent to use the Knowledge and step away from Bias and Ignorance within me?
Is the elder in my care, taken care of to the best of my abilities and circumstances? What is the knowledge, bias and ignorance in the “advice” I receive? Can I be diligent to use the Knowledge and step away from Bias and Ignorance within me and in the inputs from others?
Non-attachment: Being connected with the laws of Nature (Brahman):
The laws of nature for every human and the role of “connectors” is the same for all! The situations (like the surface waves) may be different. But the process (Spiritual path) is one and the same! We are all part of the universe at large!
Role and Purpose of Jnana Yoga:
Knowledge and practice of the basic principles of Vedic Philosophy or any philosophy, may be influenced by what we study and how well we understand them.
As an example, let us look at the famous poem Guru Ashtakam, composed by Swami Adi Sankara.
Melodious rendering of this poem can be heard at:
- Handsome Body, Attractive wife, far and wide spread fame, enormous wealth and stability like Mount Meru; but of what consequence are all these?
- Wife, wealth, son, grandson, and the like, house, relations, even if these are there, one’s fate, the end of all is certain.
- All the Vedas are mastered and ever present on the lips; likewise, knowledge of all the sciences is well gained. The ability to write prose or verse is also present. Even then, of what ultimate benefit is all this?
- Honored highly even in far off places, held in high esteem in own locality; in good conduct and noble deeds there is no one to excel me. What is the ultimate benefit of all these?
- Your feet may be worshiped constantly even by the great kings and emperors of the world for the reason of your greatness and scholarship; but of what real consequence is that?
- If one has enough resources to think my fame has already spread in several places due to my unique generosity and as a result, all things of the world stand within my reach. Of what value is that?
- The mind may have turned away from external delights through dispassion and from attainments like Yogic concentration, possessions like horses and the like, the enchanting face of the beloved, in short, the entire wealth of the earth; yet will it be of any real merit?
- The mind may have lost its charm to live in forests, and likewise in the house; may have lost all desire to achieve whatever; even the concern for the body’s welfare may have been outlived; the most invaluable treasure of the world may not hold any allurement. Even then, of what avail are all these?
Each of the above eight verses ends with the question: If the mind is not riveted in devotion to the lotus feet of Guru, really of what use is all this, what use, what use?
The poem concludes with the following Phala Sruthi (Benefit of reading or chanting):
Whoever reads and recites this Ashtaka (8 verses) on Guru and remains devoted and attentive to the sayings of the Guru, no matter a holy person, ascetic, king, neophyte, or householder, attain their coveted object, namely the supreme abode of Brahman, the unassailable seat of immortality.
Taken literally this poem could make us feel that living in the Himalayas under the feet of the Guru is the only right thing to do. Or, one should care for elders perfectly, in a way that no one finds fault with me!
Either of these will be an incomplete reading of the above beautiful and devotional poem.
The real learning one should be focussed on:
Remain devoted and attentive to the teachings of the Guru:
Remain focussed on the Cognitive and in-Cognitive, the supreme abode of Brahman, the unassailable seat of immortality.
Always be reflective with attention to the wave-like perturbations (Objective Vs. Subjective) on all that is Cognitive.
Through such focus and reflection remain stable, self-compassionate, empathetic to everyone and at ease with everyone and everywhere – remain as part of nature (Brahman)!
Jnana Yoga is the analytical reflective process for Self-control, not only to learn the basics of any subject but also their intent, application and utility!
In which chapter of BG do you find all this knowledge?
March 17, 2023 – Session 22:
Attendees: Sankaraiah, Tamil, Lok, Abirami, Komala and Subbu
We agreed to watch a video of a movie on Joy by Reverend Desmond Tutu and his holiness Dalai Lama, thus taking a different course for our discussions.
Watched the segment ending at 37 Min.
The session included answers from panelists on
“What events in your early life fostered the idea of “Compassion” in your mind?
This was followed by answers to the same question from the group:
Subbu: My Prof. at MIT would come and see me in the hospital, when I was hospitalized due to a severe viral infection. No one knew me locally (as I was very new, within a few days after coming to MIT) and nobody else at home could know or do anything! He will make this visit every day at the end of the day to check up on me, a total stranger to him and literally nobody for him at that time!
Abirami: My experience is very similar when the local community came to my need, when I had arrived fresh from India. All total strangers at that time opening their hearts, help and genuine affection!
Sankaraiah: My manager at work very early on would make sure all my needs were met, even though he had no HR role or responsibility. This made me feel committed to check up on all people working with me later in life, as a matter of routine and personal responsibility.
Shashidhar: My father, a Dr. was very religious. But, when the street vendors arrived for check up or treatment, especially in the middle of the day when they were free from their selling, my father would interrupt his Puja and prayers, take care of the patients and resume his Puja! That commitment to duty and compassion left an indelible impression on me. Now, as a Pediatric Dr. I get letters from patients – total strangers – even years later, just to keep me updated on their life and progress! In all cases we just do our duty, that is all we can do!
Lok: My impressions are very similar about my father. His open mind and caring attitude spread across all of us in the family.
Tamil: I grew up in a village home. My father, as a school headmaster, always found resources and guidance for so many seeking his help. In due course it became a way of life. There was always someone from the family that needed care.
Komala: I remember with fondness all the care and affection from my sisters and sister-in-laws. They provide an anchor for who I am today!
We shall resume the video in our next session.
April 14, 2023 – Session 24:
Attendees: Tamil, Lok, Abirami, Komala and Subbu
After the prayer and meditation we started with a brief discussion.
Subbu mentioned about his friend and mentor Mr. Dhand who told him “We are all blessed more than we deserve!” Abirami acknowledged that immediately with her own experience of talking to her son as part of a “gratefulness” exercise. Komala added that there are times when I feel that so many things have to take place and all work together. That creates an awe and wonder about the Lord who makes all this happen. Subbu added “that is the process of faith or Bhakthi Yoga; With that faith and a calm mind we reflect (Sagunathvam), our mind turns to the laws of nature known and the reasoning (Nirgunathvam) based on all our observations and experiences (Gunathvam). This is Jnana Yoga. This leads us to the next step, the next action as best as one can judge as the right thing to do (Karma Yoga). Thus these three pathways – Karma, Bhakthi and Jnana Yoga – are inseparably interconnected. There is a picture and essay on this in our book.
Subbu narrated his experience of meeting with Prof. RamaSubramanian and his two guests – a couple who were also visiting the prof.
The man speaking to the Prof. was explaining his knowledge of a Swami and his large collection of video taped lectures. He also mentioned that these days “there are too many people without formal education and training, talking and writing about Vedanta! He added even Einstein has said “One should simplify, but not oversimplify!”
Listening to this made Subbu conscious of his own journey of self-study and writings based on that! 🙂:-(
Then the Prof. introduced Subbu. As a form of self-introduction, Subbu referred to his own professional background with an example: “As a scientist, one can achieve results that appear marvelous to others. But they are of no value unless it is reduced into some use of value to someone. This was my case which resulted in new R&D centers worldwide and many other benefits including new business to my Co. Also I have heard Swami Chinmayananda’s talks where he would say “Learn to apply what you learn from Vedanta. Simply sitting in the Himalayas and chanting prayers alone is not good enough!” I take this to heart as I have continued my studies”. The mention of the Swamiji’s name perked up the attention of the other two guests. After a few more pleasant exchanges, they departed after exchanging email info., etc. even though our views or approaches may be poles apart! This is also part of the way it is. Every moment we can observe our life as a screenplay!
The group completed watching the last ten minutes of the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIX3tdFPolg
Few comments from this segment:
- Life is not always about “you”!
- We call this as detachment or externalizing (Yoga)
- Life is a process, a journey, not a destination; not always focussed only on the end result.
- We call this as non-attachment (Karma Phala Thyagam)
- One need not be hard on oneself; this is “Self-compassion”
- Reflecting on the three connectors (Guna), anger can also be
- Thamasic anger – for no know reason, except as an expression of despondency and hopelessness
- Rajasic anger – as a result of unfulfilled wants and needs, which also keep changing with time, place, circumstances, etc. — Most often this form is referred to as “the anger” or the angry person!
- Sathvik anger – as a result of a genuine reflection and understanding of the reality and our limits within that.
- How to cope with Sathvik anger:
- Anger can also be a genuine desire to see the change needed for common good, such as an end to an unjust action, war, etc.
- In these cases you engage where you can, after reflection and objective analysis leading to the required action. This one must. This is performing the duty. At this stage – with cause and effect reasonably clear and impersonal – anger subsides and leads to action and further observations.
- You also cry and pray to the Lord.
- The Lord has a much longer time horizon to act than any of us as individuals (Rev. Desmond Tutu).
- It is this unshakable faith that calms our mind, leads us to reflection (Jnana) and follow up action (Karma)
- Anger can also be a genuine desire to see the change needed for common good, such as an end to an unjust action, war, etc.
There is a chapter each for Sankhya Yoga, Karma Yoga, Dhyana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga.
In BG., there is no specific chapter with the title: Jnana Yoga!
It is an outcome of study, reasoning and inference – like the cream rises to the top as the milk is churned.
“Nobody bestows enlightenment. No one owns it.
Fully realizing your own nature is what the Buddhas call “enlightenment” ”
Sutras of condensed perfect qualities.
Dr. Robert Waldinger, director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development and co-author of “The Good Life,”:
Our studies suggest that people who are socially engaged with other people are emotionally satisfied and live a better life.
This benefit of social relationships is independent of age, gender or religion or ethnicity.
People with pets – another form of connecting with the external – also have better emotional life.
Religious people are equally happy as well well as unhappy.
But people socially engaged in religious or such spiritual activities with others are happier in their life.!
Being Subjective is natural for human beings.
Being Objective is the Law of Nature
These are the two sides of life viewed as a “Coin”
We always say, “I love this sunset”. “Amazing view of sunrise”
Sun is not rising or setting, only we are moving into or away from the view of the sun!
Carl Sagan in his talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_-jtyhAVTc
Water flows to its lowest level.
Water has no life. It does not flow on its own free will.
Water responds to the laws of gravity, which we see as the “flowing of water to lower levels”!
We cannot see the gravity (the enabler), but we can see its effect (flow of water – the enabled).
We are Subjective by default.
We can be Objective – by design, by choice, through reflection and analysis.
Self-realization:
What is subjective and what is Objective?
How subjective am I? Why? How?
How Objective am I? How?
How objective can I be? How? Why?
Self-realization is the balance between these states of mind?
Why do we need “God”?
What is “God”?
A mythical entity
More powerful than human beings
More powerful than anything we know of
Creator, Protector and Destroyer
Represents a superior, when we need one,
Someone to follow, surrender unto, seek solace, etc.
Reference or ideal for highest “Objectivity”
With so many meanings for “God” how does God help us?
Source of emotional comfort (like a safety blanket for a child)
Provides a common framework for society and social cohesion.
Adds a dimension to life and social order (Prayer, community events, pilgrimage, etc.)
Provides continuity over generations.
Independent alternative to a ruler – such as King/queen, Govt. authority, etc.
Someone to calibrate against, for our actions, behavior, objectivity, non-attachment, etc.
Metaphoric representation for all the Laws of Nature and their effects.
Where does “Subjectivity” come from:
Our birth and existence is merely a chance event. We are born purely as an accident, not by any design of anyone. But we take this chance event to be something unique and special due to our attachments to our place of birth (nationality), gender (Chauvinism), race, religion, ethnicity or wealth, family, children, or any number of other factors, none of which created by us as individuals! It is this condition in our mind that leads to our sense of inferiority or superiority.
“If we really want to be acknowledged as “Superior”, let us do something worthy of that. If we wish to be important let us do something “important”. If we want to feel greater self-worth, let us do something worthy. Let us set a goal to alleviate poverty and hunger for all humans in this planet. Let us have a planet where power is accessible to all. Let us make a planet where no ethnic group has edge over any other ethnic group. Let us have a planet where Science and Engineering is used for the benefit for everybody….. Dr. Carl Sagan ” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_-jtyhAVTc
Symposium on
Role of Ṣaḍdarśanas in the Pursuit of Brahmavidyā — Indica Moksha Webinar
Darśana means ‘to see’ or ‘vision’ and ṣaḍdarśana refer to six visions of and approaches to reality. While different list of such six worldviews have been given in different traditions, the most widely prevalent and influential notion of ṣaḍdarśana include the six āstika darśanas, namely Nyāya, Vaiśeṣika, Sāṃkhya, Yoga, Mīmāṃṣa and Vedānta– all of which accept the veda as pramāṇa and enunciate a philosophical and spiritual system based on this.
The six are often grouped into twos like Nyāya-Vaiśeṣika, Sāṃkhya-Yoga, and Mīmāṃṣa-Vedānta due to their being closely allied to each other, and among the three pairs, only the Mīmāṃṣa-Vedānta pair is directly concerned with Veda and the vedic enunciation of reality, the rest being philosophical systems which though tracing vedic origins have pretty much developed as independent systems.
Philosophically, these six systems share many notable points of agreement all the while also diverging from each other in many significant ways. For example, all of them accept karma siddhānta, mokṣa siddhānta, and ātmā siddhānta, however, they diverge from each other in how they define mokṣa or ātmā tattva. Likewise, each of the systems have their own list of pramāṇas or valid sources of knowledge, but while some like Vaiśeṣika accept only two pramāṇas, others like vedānta accept six. Significant points of difference also include questions such as the nature of the world, the cause of the universe, nature of ultimate reality, the definition and the path to mokṣa, etc.
In the Bhāratīya jñāna paramparā, Veda is considered as the highest authority in matters of dharma and mokṣa and is considered the very core of our religion and culture denoted by the name ‘Vaidika Dharma’ for our religious and spiritual tradition. Within the Veda, while the Mantra-Brā́hmaṇas deal with dharma, the Āraṇyaka with upāsanā, the Upaniṣad exclusively deal with mokṣa. The Upaniṣads define mokṣa as the pursuit of Brahmavidyā or Brahmajñāna (the knowledge of Brahman) and define attainment of this knowledge as the only means for liberation.
In the context of mokṣa, while each of the non-vedāntic āstika darśana has some notion of spiritual emancipation, they do not fully converge with vedāntic brahmavidyā: Nyāya defines liberation in terms of right knowledge; Vaiśeṣika does it in terms of cessation of cycle of birth and death; Sāṃkhya calls it kaivalyam and defines it in terms of individual puruṣa separating itself from the prakṛti ; Yoga defines emancipation as cessation of all mental modifications; and Mīmāṃṣa mostly concerns itself with swarga (heaven) as the goal of all actions, but also conceives of liberation as a state of self free from pain.
Disciple: Sir, now you are speaking of jnana, but sometimes you proclaim the superiority of bhakti, sometimes of karma, and sometimes of yoga. This confuses our understanding.
Swamiji:
Well, the truth is this: The knowledge of Brahman is the ultimate goal — the highest destiny of man. But man cannot remain absorbed in Brahman all the time. When he comes out of It, he must have something to engage himself. At that time he should do such work that will contribute to the real well-being of people. Therefore do I urge you in the service of the jivas in a spirit of oneness. But, my son, such are the intricacies of work that even great saints are caught in them and become attached. Therefore work has to be done without any desire for results. This is the teaching of the Gita. But know that in the knowledge of Brahman there is no touch of any relation to work. Good works, at the most, purify the mind. Therefore has the commentator Shankara so sharply criticized the doctrine of the combination of jnana and karma. Some attain the knowledge of Brahman by means of unselfish work. This is also a means, but the end is the realization of Brahman. Know this thoroughly that the goal of the path of discrimination and of all other modes of practice is the realization of Brahman.
Vedanta: Voice of Freedom, by Swami Chetanananda Ch 11 The Goal of Vedanta, p 218
May 12, 2023 – Session 28:
Attendees: Lok, Abirami, Sankaraiah and Subbu
Subbu reviewed the essentials of Vedic Philosophy as follows:
- Anything in the universe is like a two sided coin:
- One side is the “Enabled” – all that we can see, perceive or relate to AND the other side is the “Enabler” collectively identified as the single noun Brahman.
- Humans alone thanks to our developed brain/mind can conceive of the enabler – Brahman – as the laws of nature (Buoyancy, gravitation, electro-magnetic field, life processes, sight, sound, etc.) and its effect as seen through the enabled.
- The enabled side of the coin is also observed, understood or perceived only through our connectors – Guna – Knowledge, Bias and Ignorance – and their combinations leading to Tranquility, Turbulent and Inertia.
- How precisely we see these connectors and their roles depends on our objectivity (i.e.) how much we stand alone from the connectors and observe or evaluate them or participate in their effects. This non-attachment is also the very nature of the laws of nature (enabler).
- Hence we are most objective when we are closely aligned with the enabler side of the coin! This is also described as Divinity in our way of life.
- Enablers are perceived through their effects, but are difficult to describe independently. Divinity is also observed through several human qualities which can be experienced readily, but are difficult to describe. One such aspect of divine quality in all of us is “Compassion”.
Then we watched a short video on Connecting with Purpose & Joy in Everyday Life
Compassion: An Antidote for These Challenging Times by Thupten Jinpa:
Mr. Thupten Jinpa is a Buddhist Monk and has been an English Translator for the Dalai Lama for the past 30 years. Few notes from this video:
- Compassion is connecting with joy in life with a purpose.
- Sense of purpose in life is a predictor of longevity in life.
- Connection with others requires an open mind
- Deeper joy in life is realized when there is a feeling of fulfillment of purpose.
- It requires a chain of actions: A will for the initial push, this will leads to commitment or sustained effort, which leads to fulfillment of purpose, which leads to an inner joy, which further sustains our will and commitment, …………
- Compassion starts internally (towards the self) or externally (towards others).
- It is an outcome of education, engagement and Investment.
- It is a way of loving others as you love yourself.
- Through compassion our heart and mind come together to connect with someone or something.
- It is not a pity; instead it is courage in action.
- Compassion requires caring first, understanding the cause, feeling the pain of others
- Compassion is hard work
- Compassion may be the outcome when we overcome anger through prayer, expressing one’s thought (through writing?), talking to someone you trust, ………..
- Counteracting forces for compassion are anger, vanity and passion
A brief discussion followed the video:
Abirami: We can see connection to many of the topics we have been discussing all along.
Sankaraiah: This talk rings very consistent with all that we learn from Bhagawat Geetha.
Lok: Very good speaker and communicates very well the basic theme.
Subbu: The speaker is a Buddhist monk, trained well for such speaking through the debates they participate in their monastic system.
Subbu: If everything is connected only through K, B and I, then can we observe
Tranquil Compassion, Turbulent Compassion and Inertial Compassion?
Discussion:
Most of what is described in the video are aligned with Tranquility. These points are Underlined
as noted above.
Due to our common understanding and use we automatically align “Compassion” with Tranquility.
But, it can also be due to our turbulent nature (e.g.) being kind and tolerant to one’s own child or relatives due to our attachment in the name of compassion – which we will not tolerate or approve of in others with respect to their children or relatives! This is accepting an improper behavior or situation in the false notion of “Compassion”. When we reflect like this we will find reasons, situations or behavior that truly require compassion. When we exercise true compassion there can also be courage for corrective action as the situation warrants. Through such compassion our heart and mind come together. There is a shared sense of joy and harmony. But such an exercise of compassion is hard indeed, but purposeful.
Consider someone on the sidewalk or a squirrel caught under a stone. We look at the situation, feel bad (compassion) and then continue on. While the pain and sorrow lingers in our mind, it does not reflect in our actions in any way.
Is this an example of Inertial nature in our compassion?
Nobody can be sure about the true nature of our compassion – Tranquil, Turbulent or Inertial – and the sources of K, B and I. All of that comes from Self-reflection. The more we reflect on all these the method, approach and outcome become consistent – nearly the same.
Abirami: Isn’t this the same as what we discussed a while ago about giving gifts or helping others?
Effort as a result of reflection and consideration of the need and the overall situation (treating others as oneself) leads to Tranquil actions.
Effort driven by our needs, attachments and wants ignoring the larger picture leads toTurbulent actions.
Effort without any reflection or consideration, which leads to nothing truly beneficial or tangible for the self and others reflects inertial actions.
Even “Compassion” can fall into one of these buckets. Being aware and rebalancing the portfolio brings true joy in life?
June 23, 2023 – Session 31:
Attendees: Chitra, Komala, Sankaraiah and Subbu
Discussion on Consciousness and Conscience.
According to Vedic Philosophy:
“Universe” exists as a coin with two sides: one side is what we see or Prakruthi ( Enabled); the other side is the Enabler (Brahman). — This is the Single Truth (Ekam Sathyam). It is the ONE REALITY!
What we see as materials, living and all surrounding things, planets, cosmos, etc. – they all have specific nature/properties given by Enabler- Brahman. That is what we say “Sarvam Brahma Mayam” .
It is also the meaning of “TAT TVAM ASI” (i.e.) Thou (the enabler) art that (all the enabled).
Out of the whole Universe , any individual reflects or represents only a tiny fraction.
That portion that enables the individual is Consciousness. Hence Consciousness is a subset of Brahman, the Universal Consciousness. This is reflected in the Maha Vakya:
Consciousness is Brahman (Prajnanam Brahma)
I am Brahman (Aham Brahma).
I am Consciousness.
I exist therefore I think, I feel, I perceive, my heart beats. and lungs breath, my eyes wink and see, my ears hear, etc.
Every Conscious individual is aware of the surroundings and is able to react to the surroundings . Though surroundings remain the same and have the same properties, individual reaction changes based on that person’s Three Gunas (His triangular composition of Satvikam, Rajasam and Tamasam and their proportions).
How well do I know my “Experiences”?How well can I manage my emotions and respond to my experiences, which lead to a new set of experiences?
That depends on my “Objective” self-reflection and analysis of the three Gunas and their sources.
These sources are the three connectors (Knowledge, Bias and Ignorance).
This objective self-awareness reflects my Conscience (Proper use of the CONnector SCIENCE).
This Conscience in me is enabled by my Consciousness!
Enabled by Consciousness, I exist.
My Conscience tells me about the situation based on what I know and understand on my own together with all other inputs I am gaining from my surroundings – everything together contribute to the Knowledge, Bias and Ignorance.
With objectivity I arrive at a conclusion on what I should do next.
That is my duty, my Karma for the moment?
Next week we shall discuss “Shades of Karma”.
This will be our last session for this academic year!
- What is “Sath Sangh”? — Literal Meaning?.
- What is the Philosophic meaning of “Sath Sangh” (based on reflection and in-depth analysis)?
- What is the single truth or the reality?
- What are “three legs of the Stool” for a well balanced life?
- What is “Spirituality”? Hint: Use “Reality” as an analogue.
- Who is the inner person (Dehinam) and the external, visible or tangible person (Deham)?
- What are different terms used to identify or refer to the “inner” person?
- What is Subjectivity? — All that is associated with K, I and B and their effects “Gunathvam”, tangible through our “Experiences” or “Vasana”.
- What is Objectivity? — Analytical frame of mind to precisely observe and characterize “Subjectivity”. It is a process for exploration of “Experiences”; “Sagunathvam”.
- What is “Nirgunathvam” or unattached active engagement? — The infinite laws of nature, which enable all that is Subjective and their Objective understanding!
Describes the “enabler” of all that is “enabled” (i.e.): Brahman.
- What is “inaction”?
- Who am “I”? or What are the five layers (Pancha Kosha)in which any of us exist?
- Is there any difference between any of us as “material objects” and/or “Living Persons”?
- Where is the single source that creates all our “differences”? – Subjectivity?
- What is it that counter balances our “Subjectivity”?
- What are the three key elements for “Objectivity”?
Objectivity requires three elements; each is a manner of non-attachment.
Consciousness and Conscience.
According to Vedic Philosophy:
“Universe” exists as a coin with two sides: one side is what we see or Prakruthi ( Enabled); the other side is the Enabler (Brahman). — This is the Single Truth (Ekam Sathyam). It is the ONE REALITY!
What we see as materials, living and all surrounding things, planets, cosmos, etc. – they all have specific nature/properties given by Enabler- Brahman. That is what we say “Sarvam Brahma Mayam” .
It is also the meaning of “TAT TVAM ASI” (i.e.) Thou (the enabler) art that (all the enabled).
Out of the whole Universe , any individual reflects or represents only a tiny fraction.
That portion that enables the individual is Consciousness. Hence Consciousness is a subset of Brahman, the Universal Consciousness. This is reflected in the Maha Vakya:
Consciousness is Brahman (Prajnanam Brahma)
I am Brahman (Aham Brahma).
I am Consciousness.
I exist therefore I think, I feel, I perceive, my heart beats. and lungs breath, my eyes wink and see, my ears hear, etc.
How well do I know my “Experiences”?How well can I manage my emotions and respond to my experiences, which lead to a new set of experiences?
That depends on my “Objective” self-reflection and analysis of the three Gunas and their sources.
These sources are the three connectors (Knowledge, Bias and Ignorance).
This objective self-awareness reflects my Conscience (Proper use of the CONnector SCIENCE).
This Conscience in me is enabled by my Consciousness!
Sep. 29 2024
Interpretive Translation of Dakfhinamurthy Stotram.
This is the result of a gradual and methodical study of this text through Jnana Yoga discussions sessions over the past 18 months.
• Dhakshinamurti – South facing Deity Teaching Brahma Vidya.
— Form given to Brahman for worship and meditation.
• Dhakshina Amurti – Expert in communicating the essence
of formless Nirguna Brahman.
Adhi Sankara has written very many great Stotra (prayer songs).Dakshinamurthi Stotram is a unique prayer, a summary of all the Vedic philosophy that he has taught.
Even during his time, this Stotra was difficult to comprehend.One of his disciples, Sureshwaracharya, wrote a commentary called Manasollasa to this Stotra. There are a large number of books and commentaries on this commentary itself!
Dhakshinamurthi Stotram – Verse, meaning and Interpretation
May 04 2025
Recently I presented a brief talk on “Resilience” for a group of students and heir parents in the Bay Area, CA.
This presentation combines my background in Engineering Education as well as my learnings from Vedic Philosophy, since the term “Resilience” can be studied from both these points of view.
“Resilience” as a property applies to human body as a Material Object (Anna Maya) as well as a living being (Prana Maya)
Managing our emotions and thooughts by balancing across “Objective” Vs. “Subjective” outlook as well as “Attachment” and “Non-attachment” as a way of engagement belongs to our emotional being (Manon) and our Analytical. Reasoning centered engagement (Vignana Maya) in life. All these four are enabled aspect of anyone and our managment as above is Cognitive Behavior Managment. Physical Resilience – ability to bounce back without much residual effects) and emotional / cognitive resilience (to live a life of calm during or after the storm) is a matter of cultivated habit, self reflection or Yoga!
But, all of the above – the “enabled” are on one side of the coin, in an anology of a coin with two sides! The side of the coin in the “nature” and the way it exists. Everything as the “Enabled” has the nature as the source or the “enabler”. This understanding, reflection and analysis and reliance on the “nature” as the substratum, foundation of all that exists is the spiritual mind. The joy and the stability that comes from such understanding and hence the harmony and peace is declared as the state of bliss (Ananda Maya).
Thus we have three levels of resilience:
— Spiritual Resilience (State of mind that is rooted in the view that Everyhting is part of or reflection of Nature (Sarvam Bramham Mayam).
— Cognitive Resilience (Understanding and observing the role of “Connectors”!
— Deliberate effort to reduce Turbulence and Inertial state of mind and action, which promotes Tranquility as a result!
Spirituality In Practice 