Notes by primary writer, Juggy Jagannathan
Vivek Ji started the session with a video he had seen on LinkedIn. This is about a village barber. The barber had created a library in his shop. Anyone who reads or writes gets a 50% discount. The barber wanted to encourage reading and writing and help people get motivated towards getting a higher education. He himself never had that opportunity, a reason he was still a barber. Inspirational story. Vedanta in mentors — a program designed primarily for Balavihar teachers, encourages high thinking.
It is important for the mind to be quiet. To help this process, one needs to be in a quiet place. Only when the place is silent and mind is quiet, can there be insight. When one is agitated, one cannot think clearly.
When the mind is quiet, it gains the ability to stare — and gain insights that simultaneously captures the big picture and small details.
This week is the week of Mahasivarathri. The more grateful we are to the Lord, the more successful we will be with our contemplation efforts.
We need to have faith (Shradda) for us to be successful in contemplation. Faith in God, faith in Guru-Sishya parampara, faith in ourselves.
Chapter 29. The Subjective Conquest.
Thoughts that we constantly have are not independent — then why do they control us so much? This is because we fuel our thoughts, by believing they are real. The trick to control your mind is to realize that the thoughts are not real. Acharya Vivekji mentioned that thoughts are dependent on the Spirit/Awareness for its existence/perception, while the Spirit is independent. A simple anecdote helps to clarify the concept. A young child may fight with his friends. But this fighting is playful and without malice. It leaves no impact on the child. Similarly, we should realize our thoughts are not real to ensure they leave no impact on our mind. This insight helps us to realize that we should not get hurt by articles, beings or circumstances. A thought is simply a thought and should not control the mind.
Just rest in the thought of Bhagavan and just be. When we do not realize this, we are drawn to sensory pleasures. Our comfort zone tends to seek comfort outside — material objects. We need to redirect this thought process and direct inwards, towards Brahma. With such redirection, thoughts will become quieter and mind becomes quiet. When we progress in this subjective science, you will come to like and love it — triggering a change in vasanas from stink to fragrance. Direct your mind to Brahma — this is a practical advice.
Question/Answer Session:
- Why is jnana not pramana?
This is because we lack antha karana shuddhi — cleanliness of our mind. In such a state, the mind is not calm or quiet and the ability to appreciate wisdom diminishes. Contemplate on the ego — ie. observe the ego — and master it.
2. If our swadharma is to be, why is our comfort zone outside and not inside?
Being happy means to be independently joyous. Not realizing this, leads us astray.
3. How can one free oneself from negative thoughts?
You should revolve around people who are positive role models. You should incorporate ideas from positive role models. Don’t let negative thoughts take hold of you — move or distract the thought process. Use the meditation approach of observing the thoughts — just as a witness and not get sucked into the thought stream.
4. Mind gravitates towards objects of love. How can we develop this affection towards Bhagavan?
Knowledge is the answer. If you knew Lebron James grew up really poor in a project, you gain a much better appreciation of what he has achieved. Study bhakthi shastra — like Ramayana and it will happen automatically.