The Hindu : Miscellaneous / Religion : Path of Self-enquiry

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Wednesday, May 04, 2005

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Path of Self-enquiry

CHENNAI: : There is a general notion that the Self (Atman) is difficult to realise and hence the majority of people are reluctant to follow the path of Self-enquiry. But, it is possible for everyone, as the Self has to be experienced. Ramana Maharshi was a saint who embodied the truth and taught it by example in recent times. Truth is eternal in nature and, sages and mystics appear from time to time to revalidate it by their personal life and teachings to suit the age and clime. Just as a spark of fire is necessary to light a flame, so also, the presence and guidance of a Self-realised Guru is necessary to kindle Self-awareness in the spiritual aspirant.

In his discourse, Nochur Sri Venkataraman said Ramana Maharshi who remained absorbed in non-dual consciousness did not differentiate himself from those who sought his guidance. He never felt any compulsion to teach others and guided those who questioned him by directing their attention to the source of their identity by questioning, "Who am I?" The sage used to say that the Self was self-evident like a gooseberry in one's palm. One has to only direct one's awareness within to realise this truth. If one analyses the human personality it can be seen that even without the aid of the body, senses and the intellect one is aware of the "I". Hence it is obvious that the Self cannot be realised through the instrumentality of the body and the mind.

Human bondage and the sorrows that arise due to it are because of identification with the body. Sankara says in the Atma Bodha that a light is not necessary to illumine another one. So also is the Atman self-evident. Then why is this truth not apparent to everyone? Like water mixed in milk, the awareness of the body and the Self is also indistinct. Similar to the mythical bird Hamsa, which was capable of separating milk from water, the seeker must differentiate the Self as distinct from the body in his consciousness. A devotee can experience the grace of Bhagawan in his spiritual quest when he directs his enquiry within. This method of Self-enquiry is known as Hridaya Vidya as the centre of Self-experience is within. Suka concluded his teaching to King Pareekshit in the Bhagavata Purana by drawing his attention to the fact that he was the eternal Self and hence only his body would perish of the snakebite.

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