Miscellaneous - Religion   

Experiencing the divine

CHENNAI: Those learned in Sastras become eligible to be a Guru or preceptor only if they have renounced all attachment towards worldly objects and are focussed only on God's feet. In addition, they have to practise what they teach to be effective as preceptors. All scholarship is of no avail if there is no love for God in one's consciousness. For with love for God grows one's love for fellow human beings.

Swami Gautamanda pointed out in a lecture that Sri Ramakrishna, being a realised soul, was a living example of Viveka (discrimination) and Vairagya (dispassion). He was able to experience God in all intensity. He perceived God in every aspect of creation, and urged his disciples to persevere in their search for God despite all hurdles for God is attainable to those who are determined to seek Him.

In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna explains the three Gunas (modes) — Satva (goodness) Rajas (passion) and Tamas (dullness) that are a manifestation of Prakriti (nature) and are the very part of the mind and body of the individual. In all people one of the three Gunas has superior strength and is reflected in all they do and think.

When the soul identifies itself with the modes of nature, it forgets its own eternity and uses the mind, life and body for worldly attainments. It is therefore necessary to be wary of the influence of Rajas and Tamas that only breed restlessness of the mind and spirit, and strive to seek congenial conditions for meditating on God under the influence of Satva Guna.

When the mind seeks God it leaves behind all worldly pursuits that are seen as not useful for the purpose. The single-minded aim is to meditate on God with no attachment to worldly objects.

To rise above bondage and attain enlightenment one should rise above the modes of nature. It is then that one is able to experience the free and incorruptible nature of the immortal soul. The best advice for those cast in this world that is full of sorrow is to give up everything and resign oneself to Him. There is no more trouble for those who realise that everything is done by His will.

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