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True renunciation

CHENNAI: To attain the ultimate goal of life, one has to know what it is and should also strive towards it. Time and again preceptors were born to reveal the path to salvation by their example and teachings. In the galaxy of such preceptors, Adi Sankara's advent is extolled as a landmark in the evolving spiritual tradition of India, since this prophet, thinker and yogi established the importance of the Vedas and the Upanishads at a time when they had started to lose their influence.

Adi Sankara embodies the spirit of true renunciation and his life inspires and inculcates by example this sterling quality that is the prime requisite for spiritual attainment, said Sri B. Sundarkumar in a discourse. Renunciation springs in the inner recesses of one's consciousness and manifests in the way one thinks, acts and speaks.

Even from early childhood Adi Sankara was inclined towards asceticism and renunciation and remained steadfast in it. He successfully convinced his mother to let him take the monastic vow, remained unaffected by worldly objects and declined the wealth and honours that the king wanted to bestow on him.

His life and teachings repeatedly stress the ephemeral quality of human existence, and urge the Jivatma to strive for the ultimate goal of life — attaining Brahma Jnana.

All relationships in this world are similar to passing acquaintances, and strange are the ways of the world. None can claim ownership to possessions on this earth, and neither can wealth assure anyone a berth in heaven. The world is not the reality but only an illusion (Maya) and what is attained in this world is similar to what is attained in one's dream.

Is there any lasting happiness in life where birth and death are certain? It is urgent for everyone to be engaged in Atma Vichara (self introspection). This helps to develop a sense of discrimination (Viveka) that perceives the difference between the true and the false, and enlightens with the knowledge (Jnana) of the everlasting Brahmam that is hidden in the maze of ignorance (Avidya).

The Bliss of God realisation is far different from the passing and temporary states of joy and sorrow associated with the world. It is a unique experience, and having tasted it, one will never long for worldly pleasures.

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