Possession

     Among the most important pollutants of the jiva, the most impressive one is the possession. This is actually, possess, i (eye), on- rather, an eye on things to possess. Anything dazzling, sparkling, attractive attacks the mind and forces it to possess it. Is the eye the culprit here or the mind? It is the mind that is always looking for some thrill that drives the eye to look for thrill. The senses are the tool that are used by the mind; but, what is the buddhi, viveka, wisdom doing? It is just sleeping. Thus, the jiva suffers. Most of the scriptures such as the pancharatra samhitas clearly bring out this. The world and the jiva are like the carrot before the horse; the jiva runs after the worldly objects hoping to enjoy some happiness and pleasure, but in vain. The reason for disappointments in life is not hard to find. First, the desire followed by a strong determination to possess begins as the root cause of all existence. These are the manifest forms of prakruti, maya or Nature. There is time running and a gap is there between the time the desire arises and the same it is fulfilled. This gap creates a void and any achievement, or attainment thus creates a void and the jiva is disillusioned! This is how maya plays its trick! Now, the jnyani, a wise man will not run after objects that deceive him/her since he/she already knows how this world is created. This world is full of objects that offer challenge to the jiva to possess; but the wise one will not look at it! But ignorant ones, the aviveki, accepts the challenge and runs after it with the consequent result- the disillusionment. Is there no way of getting out of the clutches of this 'maya', this mad running after things, that only appear to be, but really do not exist? Yes, it is there. Only a person who has traversed the way knows the way; others have to take advice or suffer. But who cares for the advice? Every jiva wants to learn things by its own effort. Although we advise children not to touch fire, it touches and then learns not to touch it again. So also, many electricians get shock. and some die, too, although they full well know that it is dangerous to touch live wires!

    This is the way the world runs. It offers wealth, power, position, name and fame, and many other wayside attractions and if the jiva falls for them, it gets lost! Its journey to the destination is delayed. These wayside attractions are the distractions of the jiva. The avidya, maya, makes it go astray. Here, again, the Guru leads the way. Thus, each one has to run the mill, in order to learn the simple lessons of life. Ultimately, the Lord may take pity and help!

(to be contd..)