The Threshold

   The threshold comes in between the two- the 'in' and the 'out'. Actually, it is a bench mark. It is the imaginary line that separates that which is 'one'only. It is like an earthen pot that separates the space within and without and the difference of being in and out ceases to exist when the separating earthen wall breaks! The threshold marks the the external and the internal. As humans we are all made of the five fundamental principles, pancha mahabhuta tattva. These are water (70%) followed by earth (28-29%) or soil/food, fire, air and space (remaining 1 or 2%). Since we are within the threshold of the gross water, soil and food we live just by eating, drinking and sleeping. There is air (we breath), heat, and space within us all. These same principle are also there outside of us. What separates us from the outside is the earthen shell supported by food- breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner. We indulge in merry-making unconcerned about the main purpose of life. Some even question as to what is the purpose! 

   The threshold separates us, as the human bodies, from the external and the internal only insofar as we think as a physical body. The Mind works both inside and outside and thereby keeps us engaged with the outside world. When the Mind stands still, stops functioning, the jiva rests in peace with itself without bothering about the world. This stillness of the mind is obtained by laya yoga- manonasha or manonasha as in Samadhi. The physical body is only an accessory and it works on the advice of the mind, buddhi, ahankara with the help of the ten sense organs, indriyas. These are provided only to keep the body engaged- eat, drink, sleep and recreation. These are in no way helpful for the larger purpose of attainment of liberation, salvation. This salvation is attained once the jiva erases the borderline, the threshold and the inner and the outer becomes one! This happens in samadhi.

    The threshold is an imaginary self-imposed border line due to avidya of the jiva. This avidya is not the lack of knowledge, but 'knowledge shrouded by selfish interests'. The ari-shadvarga, such as, ego, jealous, attachment, pride, anger, and greed. Once the jiva gets rid of these qualities and raises above all the  attachment, dependence, and realizes its true nature, the threshold is erased. This merger of the inner and the outer is symbolically practiced by breaking a water-filled earthen pot at the time  of cremation of the dead body. However, a yogi does this even while he/she is living by discarding all the acquired qualities.

   Hence, it is important that we get rid of all these attachments to the sensuous world and remain happy and contented with what we get on its own. The Bhagavad-Gita has explicitly stated this point of view. sarvarambha parityagi is very dear to Me. We get into problems by our indulgences in worldly affairs. It is not necessary to indulge ourselves, unnecessarily go out and get into trouble, or poke our nose everywhere. Each jiva should strive to get rid of the shackles that bind us to this mrutyu loka where every thing has to deteriorate and disappear only to reappear in another form. Humans are the worst sufferers- with old age, sickness and death or bereavements. These sad states of affairs are the result of attachment. Wisdom lies in closing all accounts of good and bad results (papa and punya) and be liberated once and for all.

Surrender to the supreme Lord, a higher force and be liberated, even while living.