When we leave our work incomplete, we feel incomplete. Humans are the greatest facet of creation. Being born a human opens up a new dimension of grace and greatness — only humans can complete Dharma. Only when our unchanging responsibility is checked off, we realize or feel our infinite nature, we feel complete. When we apply Gita, our work will not be left incomplete.
In the month of October we are focusing on Applied Gita in “deciding”.The first shloka we studied this month (Chapter 18, verse 37) was about focusing on the long term — “think long term”.
The next shloka (Chapter 4, verse 39) we explored was about processing (input, process and output). “Chit” is awareness, be aware. The more we tune into “Chit” or awareness , this is what is feels like-
- We simplify our lifestyle
- Simplicity evolves to caring
- Evolution of caring is to be focused
- Evolution of focus is to be aware
Some decisions are more difficult than others, some more subtle than others. What do we do when we have to make a tough and subtle decision is explored in Chapter 4 verse 34.
Chapter 4, Verse 34: This shloka is the seed for Viveka Choodamani. “Know” that you will be able to make this subtle decision, “know” that you will be able to appreciate who you are and what you can do through “Pranipaatena”.
“Pranipaatena” means prostrating. Prostration according to Acharya Shankara in Shiva Manasa Puja should be Sashtanga (with eight limbs, with the eighth being the forehead or mind). This is a physical reminder to mentally respect whom we are prostrating to.Where there is respect, there is an openness.
“Pari” means complete and “Prashna” means question. One should ask whatever is on the mind — don’t wait ! In Prashna Upanishad, students come to the Ashram to ask the Guru questions about happiness and life. The Guru shares with them that they should live there for a year and then ask the question, and that the Guru would answer if He knew the answer! “Pariprashnena” means we have to put in our maximum effort to let go of doubts.Efforts have to be put so that the holes of the mind are plugged in, and so when the answer comes, it does not leak out. Prostration is at the body level while reflection is at the mind level.
Before asking a question, we should ensure that we are doubtless about the question. Vivekji mentioned that 95% of the time, we will find the answer ourselves if we reflect like that ! Vedanta requires time, evolution happens inside and is slow.
“Sevaya” is to serve. Service should be what the Guru wants for us and not what we want for ourselves or the Guru. Sevaya can be replaced by the word “Upasana”. “Upa” means near and “Asana” means to sit. When we sit near the Guru, we come to understand and appreciate what the Guru is seeing. This is only possible by having that reverence (respect and love). Reverence is at the intellect level. Someone with a reverential intellect lets go of what they want and is focusing on who they are worshiping and trying to understand and appreciate!
When Bhagavan Krishna finishes his study with Rishi Sandeepany, Bhagavan asks the Rishi what Gurudakshina He should give. Rishi Sandeepany’s wife asks for her son to be brought back to life and Bhagavan does that. The implication here is that when it comes to Dakshina we give what we want and not what the Guru wants or what the Guru wants for us.
When we want to be able to make a decision and when we want to know the “truth”, the one who knows how to make decisions and one who knows the truth will train us on “how to think”. Learning “what” to think is context based, learning “how” to think is content based. When we learn how to think, then we internalize things, and can handle any condition and environment. When we have a difficult/subtle decision to make, we should ask ourselves — “WWW” — What Would the Wise do ?
The Jnaanis/decision-makers/those who know the Absolute, they have seen what we have not seen and so they can guide us in a way that no one else can!
Avatara means “the one who descends” or “one who manifests”. In Sanatana Dharma, there are four categories of Avataras.
- Karma Avatara
- Jnaana Avataara
- Viveka Avataara
- Dharma Avataara
Karma Avataara is when the creator manifests to do a particular work and then unmanifests. Example — Bhagavan Varaaha.
Jnaana Avataara is when the creator manifests as an enlightened being. Jnaana Avataaras tend to be different from the rest, and outside of society. Example — Bhagavan Dattatreya.
Viveka Avataara is when the creator manifests in creations to teach people and leave a legacy. Example — Rishi Kapila. Rishi Kapila enlightened HIs mother. The greatest gift we can give our parents or anyone related to us is to be enlightened! The reason is that an enlightened person takes with them many many of the Vasanas of all those connected to them.
Dharma Avataara is one who lives in society like us but does so with cheer and contentment. Bhagavan Rama and Bhagavan Krishna are Dharma Avataaras, and all that they do teaches us “how to think” and how to make decisions!