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