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Meditation for salvation

CHENNAI: The practice of meditation, which is the basis of Jnana Yoga and through which a Jivatma strives for salvation, is highlighted in the Taittiriya Upanishad. The Supreme Brahman is the object of meditation and the Upanishad explains that the entire universe with all the created beings, the sun, moon, stars, etc, manifests the presence of the Almighty in all of these. The human body is described as comprising five sheaths (Kosas) — Annamaya, Pranamaya, Manomaya, Vijnanamaya and Anandamaya — that represent the five elements. The Atma resides in the innermost core and supports the human body.

In a lecture, Sri R. Krishnamurthy Sastrigal pointed out that meditating on these aspects with single-minded purpose calls for complete control over the mind. It is important to realise that life on earth is tantamount to a dream. The ephemeral nature of our existence should make us ponder about what is really worthwhile. Can all our possessions, wealth, name, fame, etc, be of any consequence after we die? Outside this world all these cannot be of any use to us. While asleep, suppose a wealthy man were to dream of himself as a beggar in torn clothes, would his affluence in life help him get a better dress in his dream? Can the water of real life quench the thirst experienced in one’s dream? Just as it is not possible to extend one’s life’s possessions to the dream life, it is not so between this life and after life.

The good and bad deeds we do are the only things that carry any currency after our death. All else is of no value. Even what we understand as waking state is ultimately as ephemeral and insubstantial as a dream. This truth has to be understood and realised as an inner awareness. From this realisation alone can there be enlightenment.

In the Ramayana, Sita exemplifies this single-mindedness of purpose. She was always steeped in thoughts of Lord Rama, regardless of other factors such as time or place. In the well constructed city of Lanka and in the beautiful surroundings of Asoka Vana, where she was placed in the midst of demonesses, Sita’s thoughts remained rooted in Lord Rama though her physical eye had a beautiful treat.

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