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Mystic truths

CHENNAI : Brahma Jnana is the awareness of God's presence in all objects of creation and Brahma Dhyana is the meditation on this truth to realise that all differences in form, name and tendencies are superficial while the indwelling soul is the essence of the eternal truth. The underlying theme in the Upanishads is establishing the identity of the Brahman and the Jivatma. Since different seers reveal the eternal truth from different angles to enable individuals with varying aptitudes to comprehend it, the Upanishads continue to have a universal appeal. Such open-ended views eschew any trace of dogmatism also.

The stories in the Upanishads set forth the Vedic doctrines such as self-realisation, yoga and meditation, karma and reincarnation, etc., that are hidden and not easily grasped, said Velukkudi Sri Krishnan in a lecture. The effort and commitment that is needed when one seeks to gain enlightenment about Brahma Jnana is well illustrated in the stories of Janasruti and Satyakama related in the Chandogya Upanishad.

Janasruti came to know of Raikva's fame through the conversation of two celestials in the form of a swan. With offerings that bespoke his munificence, Janasruti sought Raikva's instruction. Raikva taught that it is difficult to perceive the Brahman who dwells variously, as He is the self of all celestials, the creator of all beings, and who finally annihilates all.

Satyakama's enlightenment from Gautama highlights the value of straightforwardness and the sanctity of Guru Sishya relationship. Satyakama gained Gautama as his preceptor because he spoke the truth about his lineage. Gautama had asked him to tend cows and he did this with utmost commitment for some time. Then celestials in the form of a bull, fire, swan and water bird taught him the subtleties of Brahma Jnana. The preceptor saw the effulgence of Brahma Jnana in the boy, and questioned him about it. The boy replied that though others had taught him he still wished to be taught by the seer since the knowledge directly learnt from one's own teacher becomes most beneficial.

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