Chapter 8 Mind and Man Chapter 9 The Path of Perfection December 8, 2019

We started the class with "Guru Stotram" & recapped the previous chapter .

The three corner stones of a Sadhaka's life are   "Brahmacharya", "Ahimsa"  & "Sathyam" 

1. Brahmacharya is often misunderstood as "celibacy" but its it means self control and not to over indulge.
2. Ahimsa does not only mean physical violence but also includes NOT thinking or wishing harm to others (jealousy or greed included). Intent of Ahimsa must also be noted (eg. Doctor performing surgery has a good intent and is not considered Ahimsa).
3. Sathyam means having firm conviction and having thoughts, actions and words aligned.

Brahmacharya is at the level of Body, Ahimsa  is at the level of Mind and Sathyam is at the level of intellect.
It is better not to utter words if they do not serve any good to anyone even if it is true.

One sees the world the way their mind works. The world is a reflection of you. Eg. Dronacharya asking Yudhistira and Duryodhana to go around the world and giving their feedback matching their minds.

It  helps us to grow as a 'Sadhakas' to introspect and log our behavior at the end of each day to see  how we responded w.r.to the cornerstones "Brahmacharya", "Ahimsa"  & "Sathyam" and make improvements.


Chapter 8: Mind and Man

Man contacts the world through the media of four constituent entities "Body, Mind, Intellect and Consciousness".
Body and consciousness are the same for everyone but Mind and Intellect differ person to person. Human relationships and interaction happen at Mind and Intellect level. Religion and scriptures guides the mind and intellect to be a good 'Sadhaka' and be on the right path.

Man alone has the capacity to discriminate and analyze feelings and apply judgement intellectually instead of momentary impulses.

Mind and intellect decisions oppose each other specially when there are strong emotions involved and hence one should use their "Viveka" (intelligence) to discriminate impulsive reaction and instead make decisions based on intellect after pausing and calming down. Decisions taken without intellectual input mostly causes confusion, chaos and regrets.

Most people choose to make decisions with mind because it does not need much effort compared to using intellect and responding after careful thought.

The secret of success for all of us as "Sadhakas" lies in applying our intellect and respond without being misled by emotions in everyday life or in our work environment filled with insecurity, petty & unhealthy competition.

Chapter 9: The path of Perfection

The quality of mind and intellect component depend upon our inherent and innate tendencies called "Vasanas". Philosophy and religion mold and shape man's vasanas and shapes his personality.

A healthy and powerful mind and intellect can give the power of discrimination to be clear, subtle and brilliant even when the outside environment is disturbing like a towering lighthouse undisturbed by surging waves. A weak mind and intellect can create actions that are lifeless and unproductive with calamitous waves of challenges like a 'neglected boat' in the ocean of life.

Blog post contributed by BV.

Chapter 6, 7 Harmony of Existence, Personality Rehabilitation

Today we started our class with Gurustotram and 5 minutes of meditation.

After the meditation, everyone shared their experiences. Some said they had thoughts coming in but they tried to bring their attention back to meditation, while others said they could hear someone talking , someone opening the door etc. Some people said they could hear the sounds of distraction but were trying to visualize god’s picture and were trying to meditate.

Later on Meena ji suggested few things about meditation 1) If a person has more rajas, they should try doing japa. Chanting of mantras and counting of beads will help them focus and concentrate their mind. 2)If we have thoughts during meditation we need to observe them like a witness or 'sakshi'   instead of curbing them. Later, we must analyze and introspect to see where these thoughts are coming from.

We did a quick recap of our previous chapters and discussed in greater detail the concept of the dual path of Shreyas and Preyas since we have to face these choices in every decision.

On this discussion Meena ji gave us a acronym  

SMILE which if helps us when we take any decisions. In this S for Shreyas 

M is happiness to maximum people, I is the decision that is taken with a clear and sharp Intellect,  rather than being swayed by emotions.

L is thinking about the decision whether it will be right in the long term and E am I evolving towards my ultimate goal.

Later, we progressed with our 6 th chapter and discussed that the experiencer is constructed of 4 different personalities one is physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual and of it spiritual is the highest and as we aim high the needs of all other lower personalities will be negated.

In  Chapter 7, Personality Rehabilitation we discuss that a man contacts the world with his body, mind, intellect and consciousness. Of these, the body and consciousness are almost same in every person so the only variable factor in man is mind and intellect.On this note we discussed an example about a CEO giving the option to their employees if they could take a salary cut or would prefer losing their jobs. We saw another example of the four personality layers with the bachelor, married couple and parents and how the lower personality needs are satisfied when we are operating at the higher level.
We stopped after paragraph 4 of chapter 7. Next week Swamiji will be coming and we will attend his pravachan. Hari Om!

Contributed by YM

Chapter 4-6 BV Class on Nov 10, 2019

Chapter 4-6

Man is motivated by two impulses, revulsion to sorrow and craving for joy. We often blieve that joy comes from objects or materialistic acquisitons.  However, happiness depends on the state of man's mind. If the mind is agitated, then sorrow is felt; if it is tranquil then there is joy. 

Modern man's "unintelligent denial of sense enjoyment" causes mental suppression that leads to frustration.  Because of this frustration, many object and abhor religion and its practices. It's important to convince our minds of "why" we do what we do for us to practice and sustain the practices and beliefs of any religion.  Not understanding some of the religious practices and beliefs leads some to make choices that are detrimental to his success and prosperity.  

There are 2 paths of life: Sreyas (path of good) and Preyas (path of pleasant).

Sreyas vs preyas example: child asks for sweets from lady selling it on the street; mother explains that we don't know the ingredients in that sweet and it has dust on it so shouldn't eat it.  If he waits until tomorrow she will make it at home.  The human mind tends to resist the path of good (sreyas) but it is this path that leads to greater happiness and sense of fulfillment in the long run.  Determination is key to staying on this path.  Path of pleasant (preyas) provides instant pleasure but often leads to disappointment and sorrow in the long run.

4 Purusarthas (aims of human life) of hinduism: dharma (righteousness, moral values), artha (prosperity, economic value), kama (pleasure, love, psychological values) and moksha (liberation, spiritual values).

Life is defined as a series of continuous experiences. Our experiences determine whether our life is happy vs miserable.

Man being the experiencer, has 4 layers of personality: physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual. Each layer has its own values and works in tandem with each other (either all 4 or combination of few) in evaluating a situation and making decisions.  When we make decisions, if any of these layers are not satisfied, this causes friction in our personality.  This friction arises from a series of experiences and ultimately causes the stress and strain in our lives, popularly called samsara.  

There are however ways to create a desired and healthy integration of all 4 layers of our personality so that we can enjoy harmony in our varied experiences of life.  The scriptures suggest and show us the path and practices towards this integrated, happier and healthier life but it is we, our "determination and concerted" efforts that can help us achieve it.  

Contributed by RS
(Needs Edits)

Chapter 2,3,4 . Nov. 1, 2019

We started the class with chanting Vedic shanti mantra "Om Sahana Vavatu" and then the entire Guru Stotram. Then, we took turns reading the Kindle Life book – chapters 2, 3 and 4.
We summarized the earlier session on chapter 1 and understood the meaning and difference between the terms “Freedom”, “License” and “Licentiousness”.
Freedom is the ability or power to act or speak. However, there is a major difference between freedom without any restrictions and freedom with the foundation of rules and regulations.
License is the permission/freedom to act as long as you follow the rules. E.g. the license to drive a vehicle as long as you follow the traffic rules. Similarly, following the rules/discipline will allow us to appreciate/enjoy life - just like we can enjoy the freedom to drive (safely) once we meet the requirements to get a driving license. Such a freedom will be truly meaningful.
Licentiousness or unrestrained freedom might sound good, but such callousness actually leads to misery and failure.
2. ART OF RIGHT CONTACT
This chapter builds further on true freedom. Any set of rules such as the constitution and our scriptures help us develop the right contact with the world – therefore meaningful freedom.
We use electricity in our everyday life, but we must respect it and follow the rules of electricity so we can establish the “right contact”. Otherwise, the same power can wreak havoc.
Any obstacles in our path are crucial like the sandpaper to polish our personality. Life situations or objects are not hurdles or problems by themselves – it is the different perspectives to a situation or object that makes them appear as positive or negative. E.g. the rasgulla (indian sweet) may give one person immense joy, but might be unpleasant to another. The object (rasgulla) is the same for both people, but their reaction is what differs.
The path to achieve peace and happiness within oneself is by developing thankfulness towards Brahman and overcoming the desire for material objects.

3. MAN’S HERITAGE
In this modern world, we are running after material desires/pleasures that we feel will make us happy. However, these material objects are an obstacle to real happiness. When we achieve them, the so-called joy is short-lived. We realize it doesn’t give us sustained happiness/peace.
A person who can restrain himself from such worldly objects reach the calmness/peace is like the lighthouse in the ocean of samsara. We can look up to such people when steering our life in the right direction. In our journey to happiness and calm, the religious texts act like a mariner's compass for guidance.
Once a person reaches the independence from the worldly objects, she/he is neither too happy when a garland is offered or perturbed if a crow sits on the head. That doesn’t mean the person is emotionless – they have sentiments, but aren’t sentimental. The difference is:
Having emotions/sympathy for a person in trouble, but holding one’s composure and maybe help them
Versus bursting out in tears seeing the other person, but that doesn’t serve any purpose.
To live our convictions to the fullest, it helps if we can introspect and take the right steps. If we need a Guru, the Lord will make sure we have one at the right time.

4. THE JOY OF LIVING
This chapter progresses on the concept of craving for worldly sense objects:
“…striking contradiction between a millionaire sitting and mourning in his palatial apartments and an ill-clad peasant, roaring in ecstatic joy…”
This reiterates that the worldly objects are not the medium providing the joy. The paradox proves the truth of life – acquiring a lot of wealth (or other material pleasures) doesn’t give a person happiness.
Meaningful and long-lasting happiness comes from when we attain calmness within oneself. Such a person can be a guide to others seeking the path to happiness.


Through today’s conversation, we also realized that it will help to introduce this idea of happiness to our children. Instead of keeping our focus on achieving success/acquiring money, true happiness is being able to steer away from material objects. The session also touched upon the CHYKs who realized the path to independence from worldly desires and wanted to join the Chinmaya Mission as Brahmachari/Brahmacharinis (sevaks) and their samskaras (positive impressions/traits).

Contributed by JS

Kindle Life - Intro, Chapter 1

ADULT STUDY 2019

KINDLE LIFE

Vedanta 101 Class Notes

             

Introduction

As we take this journey and pave the path for Vedanta to enter our lives, this document will act as our journal in which we jot down the discussions we have as we read Gurudev’s Kindle Life book. We can come back here to see how we as a group of seekers read the paragraphs and tried to dissolve these words of wisdom in our own lives. Does this knowledge apply in today’s times? Does it help us meet the mundane with more strength and a better perspective? How can we live this? These are some things we endeavour to answer and help each other kindle life.

Sep 29 ‘2019

We started the class with Nadi Shodhana pranayam and understanding the meaning of the vedic shanti mantra "Om Sahana Vavatu" and the first shloka of Guru Stotram. We established the modus operandi for this Adult Study group and agreed to do our sadhana and read every day and touch back on how much we all read. Coming prepared for class is a prerequisite. Thanks to Radhika ji for preparing today's blog.

1. FREEDOM AND LICENSE

“....People have grown from a primitive and barbarous state to be a civilized and intelligent society…”

Is it true? Are we better off today? Some of us could not disagree more. The amount of stress that has been created in today’s world, where being on the run is the only norm, speaks for itself. Weren't people more connected to nature in the olden times?

 On the other hand, some felt that since our basic needs are met and because of technological advances, we are able to dedicate time to think about higher goals of life like knowing oneself. People were closer to nature in older times , but they were always busy thinking about the next meal.

Well, in olden times there were Rishis who just closed their eyes and sat in a jungle not worried about the next meal. Even today, only some, like us, are fortunate enough to be born in a particular family according to our karma and have the privilege of such satsang.

So irrespective of the external times and situations, one can turn inward. 

    “…..man detests any shackles…..”

We don’t like to do something someone else tells us to do. Sometimes we don’t want to do something just because we are being told to do that. One situation we face too often is when we are guiding kids. If we give them too much freedom, then they get lost and if they are too restricted, then their true potential remains hidden. 

When we want to influence someone, what is the way to do it? We should first put ourselves out of the picture and try to understand where the other person is coming from. The key is to make them think that it is their idea. As long as they think it’s their idea they will be fine with it.

If we give others the freedom, yet make clear the restrictions where they apply, then we can find a balance. That’s what religion is doing.

“....inability to distinguish between freedom and license is at the root of the modern man’s aversion to religion….”

What is the difference between freedom and license? We are born free, but there are rules that restrict us from overstepping our boundaries and cause discomfort to other beings. Those rules are license. How does religion introduce this license?

Why has religion become a bad word in modern times?

Seems like people tend to exclude people based on religion. There are some flaws in the execution of religion ( like there are some fanatics and people who take advantage of it). 

Religion is like a manual for this human life. However, we question the practices recommended like lighting lamp , fasting on some days and want to shun them and pick and choose that which is comfortable. However, the root of all this is discipline and also has deep significance. Like simple chanting has immediate impact on how one feels, the ritual of 13 days of mourning after a person passes away helps one with closure, fasting is most beneficial for health and so on. Such religious license look to instill discipline in us, so we can relish true freedom in this human form. 
Contributed by RV