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)