Miscellaneous - Religion   

The eternal truth

CHENNAI: Subtle truths regarding the origin of creation, knowledge of the Self, the psychological and emotional aspects of human nature, ethics and morals, theology, etc., are dealt with in the scriptures and sacred texts. The paradox of reality is the fundamental argument in these spiritual discussions. This is because whatever appears true and real (tangible world, emotions, senses, intellect, mind, etc.) is governed by time frame and is bound to cease to exist at some point of time. It follows that only that which is eternal is true, and one has to seek the truth beyond the ever changing world of Samsara with an undeluded mind, said Sri Mani Dravid Sastri in a lecture. The mind loses its moorings through countless births and is steeped in the sense of I and Mine in a tenacious manner. This leads to the endless cycle of death, disease, old age and sorrow. It is the wayward mind that is the enemy of the Self for it easily gets deluded with worldly thoughts, and it is not possible to cross the cycle of birth with an uncontrolled mind.

The Yoga Vasishta discusses in detail the steps by which one can clear the delusion pervading the mind so that it is possible to gain access to the Self. The advice focusses on two tactics, namely, the study of the Sastras and dedicated service to the preceptor. These practices help to tame the mind in slow stages even as a child can be brought under control.

To gain knowledge of the Self, the mind has to be divided into four parts out of which two will be given for its worldly experience (Bhoga) and two will be shared between learning of Sastras and service to preceptor. Slowly one fourth of that allotted for the former can be halved and this again halved further in stages so that the whole of the mind becomes steeped only in service and Sastras. Just as the dye is applied on the cloth so that it becomes steadfast this process has to be practised. The mind learns to understand the ephemeral nature of worldly existence through the strength of Sastra and the discipline gained from undertaking service to the preceptor.

If the desire to seek the eternal truth dominates, then these two practices become indispensable.

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