Miscellaneous - Religion   

Supreme wisdom

CHENNAI: Certain words are used while teaching to catch the attention of the learners and also to create an impact. “Royal” is one such word. In times of yore the royalty instantly evoked awe and respect, and even in this modern age when monarchy has become an institution of the past, the word continues to inspire people by conveying a sense of privilege and pomp.

In his discourse, Swami Mitrananda said the teaching in the 9th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita is called the “Yoga of sovereign science and the sovereign secret” with a purpose. Lord Krishna’s teaching in the Gita begins in the second chapter of this text after Arjuna surrendered to Him.

After teaching him at length Krishna commenced the 9th chapter thus: “To you, who are devoid of carping spirit, I shall now unfold the most secret knowledge of the Absolute along with the knowledge of the manifest Divinity, knowing which you shall be free from the evil of worldly existence.” Krishna used the word “secret” to catch Arjuna’s attention for it immediately conveys the sense of being given privileged, exclusive information, and “sovereign” indicates that it is the ultimate knowledge which has come down in tradition.

As his teacher, Krishna had been continuously assessing Arjuna’s response to His teaching, and it was then He found that his mind had sufficiently opened up to receive the highest wisdom He wanted to impart. Few people are tired of walking the much-trodden path and like to venture into new zones. In the previous chapter the Lord talks of two paths, one which brings one back to this world again, and the other, the path of no return. A spiritual seeker is one who has the quality of exploring the unknown path. Besides, this gives insight into how the mind of a spiritual seeker should be. A seeker’s mind should be open to assimilate the teaching and experience, and not shut it with his opinions.

The reason why there is so much emphasis on preparing the mind by spiritual practice is because Self- knowledge is not assimilating information as in other learning process but a transformative experience, which will liberate the person from worldly bondage.

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