Class Summary – Dec 17 2022
Vivekji starts by referencing the area in Lanka where Shri Hanuman landed – fact based. Ramayana is also practical scripture. Rama Katha helps us not be trapped in selfishness and negativity. Shri Rama is all about “Eka” (Uni).
At a thought level, Shri Rama practiced Eka Patni. Many approached Shri Rama to be His wife. However, He only remained mata Sita’s husband. At a word level, He was Eka vachani. Shri Rama always followed through with his words. At an action level He was Eka Baani. He did not need more arrows when it came to battles.
We do what we do only for 2 reasons:
- Lower reason: Dukha nivritti – escaping pain
- Higher reason: Sukha prapti – embracing peace.
Unfortunately, we have made dukha nivritti easier than embracing peace. We are used to it now. We are perpetually investing in more pleasure, possession and position. We have become more of a consumer which implies that we are engaged in escaping pain. If we compare more, we know we are escaping pain.
Note that embracing peace is much easier than escaping pain. We are not used to this. So, when one is not preparing to embrace peace, there are devastating consequences.
Ayukta – A person who is escaping pain is the one who is distracted. A distracted person cannot touch Buddhi – content of Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita etc. One who is distracted also cannot touch Bhavana – contemplation. That person cannot study hence cannot contemplate. One who lacks content, lacks contemplation, hence lacks shanti – peace. For a person who lacks peace, how can there be happiness?
All this is opposite of Ramayana. If we follow Ramayana, we should live by Eka – unity in thoughts, words and action.
How should we embrace peace?
- Philosophical one – Buddhi – When you know the utility of your responsibility, then you focus. We tend to forget the utility of what we are doing so easily. We need to know the value of our responsibilities.
- Bhavana – (described as content earlier) On a lower sense, Unitasking. Ekagrata. Practice for your mind to rest in what you are doing.
Practice the above carefully! We will be going towards shanti and sukham. Vivekji encourages us to make a pact with ourselves!