December 15, 2022 Class Notes by Abhiram Bhashyam

Introduction

When we were growing up and learning about math and science, the concept of infinity was shared. In our understanding, we knew that no combination or permutation of the finite can create an infinite number or space. Now when we apply this truth to our personality, this truth becomes corrupted. Every one of us wants and needs infinite happiness – happiness without a reason, happiness for no reason. This truth is corrupted when applied to our personality because we all try to create happiness. We do this by pleasure, possession, and position. With reflection, we know that we cannot create happiness – we can only practice being happy. That means making peace your priority – simple living, high thinking. When this practice becomes natural, one becomes happiness – more than an individual. Connecting these dots, we are all immersed in a course on happiness – practice makes perfection, and this course teaches how to practice feeling perfect happiness.

This morning a meeting with an active seeker led to the reflection that there are many teachers of high school students who either don’t know the content to teach and/or how to communicate when teaching. Some think we are born as Hindus, but no one is born or looks like a Hindu. One must study and then follow what one has studied to be a Hindu. Our youth are too important – in September 2023, our community will aspire to have a space for high school teachers to communicate the right content in the right way. With this goal, our course is a prerequisite to serving – one must engage in sadhana before one can engage in seva. Practically, you can only share what you have. If you are not nurturing happiness, how can you share it? The one who is serving and thinking they are helping Bhagavan is not serving. The one who is serving and thinking that Bhagavan is helping them, that person is serving. If this course is helping you realize that Bhagavan and this community is helping you, then you are engaging in sadhana and can share. In 2023, we should aspire to serve like a fire rather than a firecracker – be dependable and consistent. Serve the presence in people rather than serving people alone – this will allow the best in us to come out. 

This course is a training in being happy, and if you are happy, it should be irresistible to share this.

Review

Verse 1: 

vedo nityamadhiyatam taduditam karma svanusthiyatam

tenesasya vidhiyatamapacitih kamye matistyajyatam |

papaughah paridhuyatam bhavasukhe doso nusandhiyatam

atmeccha vyavasiyatam nijagrhatturnam vinirgamyatam

Practice 1: Read inspiring

Practice 2: Delete but

Practice 3: Chant samarpayami

Practice 4: Guide gratitude

Practice 5: Speak positively

Practice 6: Review disturbances

Practice 7: Review quietude

Practice 8: Smile mirror

Verse 2

sangah satsu vidhiyatam bhagavato bhaktirdrḍha dhiyatam

santyadih pariciyatam drḍhataram karmasu santyajyatam |

sadvidvanupasrpyatam pratidinam tatpaduka sevyatam

brahmaikaksaramarthyatam srutisirovakyam samakarnyatam

Practice 9: Prepare experience

Practice 10: Set altar

Practice 11: Allow speak

Practice 12: Sleep early

Practice 13: Study happiness

Practice 14: Visualize guide

Practice 15: Invoke pages

Practice 16: Write notes (today’s topic)

Discourse

Verse 2, Practice 16: srutisirovakyam samakarnyatam

Translation: Actively listen to Vedanta/Upanishads

Absolute – All that is created comes with a creation manual. The Vedas teach us how to use creation, but this verse directs us to Vedanta – the finality or end of the Vedas (i.e. Upanishads). Vedanta teaches us how to make the best use of creation

Relative – Upanishad – upa means “near”, ni means “below”, and shad means “to sit”. Upanishad is not just a scripture or a book – it is a practice to listen. Come near, be below and sit. This practice helps us to listen to that which is to be listened to. This is the importance of attendance, punctuality, and taking notes. A heavier definition of Upanishad: be near to the one who loves you with determination to destroy this idea of “creating happiness.” The one who loves you is the one who challenges you to be independent. Shared in another way, the Upanishads is an attitude of dedication – an attitude that there is nothing more important than practicing being happy and thereby being happiness. Sadhana panchakam is for us to be disciplined and to follow so that we can be disciples in being happiness. 

Our Practice – Write notes. 

When you write notes, whatever you write is amplified. Amplification goes inside and outside. 

Discussion: What are ways to stop justifying?

Vivekji’s observation – From the Bhagavad Gita, we justify because of the wrong role models. When Arjuna didn’t have Bhagavan Krishna as a role model he was an expert justifier, after Bhagavan Krishan became his role model, there was no longer any reason to justify. From Vivekji’s perspective: “Just do it” – an easier and simpler way to live without having to justify.

RAM // 

Part 1: Every time you are behind a Dodge Ram, see Ram

Part 2: Write notes

Part 3: Organize these practices. Find at least one that hits you “hard.” Be ready for the next 24.