Ultimately, what do we want from life? As children, it is natural to get influenced by role models and follow what elders advise. Lucky ones get some mentors and God-fathers to shape their lives. Youth is a time of dreaming and all sorts of fantasies appear. I want to be this, i want to be that. However, destiny has its own plans. There are some who advise us to be 'our own architects' and some others advise us 'to dream' and 'aim for the highest'. All our desires may not be fulfilled at the end. The world goes on weaving altogether a pattern of life that we never even imagined! Ultimately, everyone is there where he/she is. God's will be done. Is there any answer for the questions- What is it i have done, what is it i wanted? Why i am here? It all seems a mystery. Worst of all, why did i come to this mrutyu loka where every thing has to end! jatasya maranam dhruvam | Thus, life is a mystery. There is no answer to most of our questions.
However, Garbhopanishat gives a beautiful account of the jiva taking repeated births and deaths. Every time it enters the womb and comes to the Seventh month, it gets an awareness, looks at its sad state of existence and feels dejected. It takes a decision to take to yoga and study of scriptures and end this cycle of births and deaths once and for all. But, it forgets everything when starts gyrating during the eighth month and finally it lands on earth! When the new-born breathes the air and gets the touch of water it forgets all its past life and resolve to end this karma-ridden repeated births and deaths. It is the water, the air, the food that makes the jiva suffer. The wise ones (Jnyanis) thought over this and decided to leave for the secluded places like the Himalaya and do penance. They finally attained moksha and their words of wisdom are with us in the form of Upanishads.
Shree Krishna advises Arjuna to cut this inverted Ashvatha (Urdhvanula ashvatha) tree with the sharp axe of atma jnyan; the inverted tree ashvatha is an illusory, make-believe, maya, where all jivas have made their nest- including brahma, vishnu, maheshvara.
Shree Krishna advises Arjuna to cut this inverted Ashvatha (Urdhvanula ashvatha) tree with the sharp axe of atma jnyan; the inverted tree ashvatha is an illusory, make-believe, maya, where all jivas have made their nest- including brahma, vishnu, maheshvara.
Later on we will bring some of the statements from jnyanis, the sage wisdom, quotable quotes from the Upanishadic Texts. These statements may help us to get some insight into the nature of existence and solutions to problems we face in our daily life. This is the 'jnyan sudha'. We are sure to find solace and our old age shall be happy, joyful and peaceful if we just read these ancient scriptures in satsang and spend our time in chanting the name of God.
Chant the name of Shree Hari Narayana and walk into Vaikuntha or, for that matter, walk into Kailasa chanting the name of Shiva. Both Vaikuntha and Kailasa are paramapada or kaivalya. Jo bhaje hari naama paramapada pavega, says Santa Naama deva and Brahmananda. Santa Tukaraama sings the name of Panduranga and virtually visualises Him!
Chant the name of Shree Hari Narayana and walk into Vaikuntha or, for that matter, walk into Kailasa chanting the name of Shiva. Both Vaikuntha and Kailasa are paramapada or kaivalya. Jo bhaje hari naama paramapada pavega, says Santa Naama deva and Brahmananda. Santa Tukaraama sings the name of Panduranga and virtually visualises Him!
(to be concluded..)
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