Miscellaneous - Religion   

Remain detached

CHENNAI: Renunciation is shown to be the means by which Jnana is attained and this is the essence of all spiritual teaching. But the path to attain this frame of mind when there is no sense of possessiveness whatsoever with regard to persons, places or things, or even to oneself, is very difficult and requires a sound knowledge of the cause and functioning of the universe of which one is part of.

The Isavasya Upanishad states that this entire universe is pervaded by the Supreme Being and exists because of Him alone. It follows that all creation is dependent on Him while the Lord alone remains absolutely independent. In a lecture, Sri Mani Dravid Sastri drew attention to the Mantra that states that the Jivatmas are eligible to enjoy whatever is given by the Lord and not consider these as personal possessions. It is important to internalise this truth that makes it clear that there is no basis for attachment to wealth, possessions, etc. This awareness gradually brings about a transformation in one’s perspective regarding worldly possessions and motivates one to remain detached.

Scriptures provide the alternative path of karma to the majority who may not be ready to renounce the ties to the world. The subtle body accrues to itself the consequences of good and bad deeds and carries the Vasanas (tendencies) from past births. Since the consequences of action, both good and bad, are binding, the method of performing karma in such a way that one rises above both is emphasised.

This is possible when one engages in the performance of one’s ordained duties in a detached way without any desire for personal gain and with a spirit of dedication to the Lord. This enables the Self to absolve itself of the effects of karma.

An insight into one’s true self is also to be pursued in earnest for this alone can remove the ignorance. The nature of the Self is pure consciousness, truth and bliss. But because of association with the body through many births, its inherent nature remains hidden. It is similar to the sandalwood whose intrinsic fragrance is lost in the layers of mud and grime settled on it over time. But once the sandalwood is cleaned, its original fragrance is recognisable.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Cartoonscape
The Hindu Crossword 9149
Solution to Puzzle 9148
Remain detached
dated February 18, 1958: Railway Budget
dated February 18, 1958: Report on co-operatives
dated February 18, 1958: Cash prizes for films
Weather

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu