November 4, 2021 – Class Notes by Siddharth Kashinath

Introduction

When we are learning a second language, how we learned it was by incorporating some of the words (of the second language) into our first language. We were encouraged to mix the two languages. However, when we are put in a position to speak only the second language, then we could become quite shy about it. Now let us sense the difference between a cultural language such as Hindi and a philosophical language such as Sanskrit / Vedanta. If one is shy in their understanding of these words, then how can one be confident in practicing these words? This is why we are approaching this Vedantic terminology as a mantra (manana trayate). A mantra is that which requires mananam to go with it, so the power to transform us is unlocked. 

Review

Step 21 – saṅkalpa (resolve). Whenever there is an external celebration, it is an opportunity to re-dedicate / re-commit oneself to one’s self development and revisit one’s sankalpa. Ask: have you been following this? If not, what can you change? If yes, how can you follow this more? This is resolve. 

Step 22 –  guru (guide). When one studies the Upanishad, an authoritative scripture on self development, the two qualities of a guru that are mentioned are nishta which means they are experienced and srotriya which means they are eloquent. They can communicate what they have experienced. 

What is special about a guide (who is typically referred to as being the best of one’s mother and father) is that they act out of fulfilment. A key sign of that is that they have no expectations of whom they are guiding. As long as we act for fulfilment, what comes with it is expectations. A relationship is compromised then. 

Step 23 –  kṛpā (grace). Grace is a form of invocation. When one invokes, where is that potential coming from? From oneself. Described as svakṛpā. When one invests effort, the whole multiverse supports them. One has to be available for this invocation. Those who are busy are always trying to evoke and not invoke. A great time for invocation is the morning. Sleep early, wake early and one will feel more available. One will invoke more and experience this svakṛpā.

Step 24 – prasāda (blessing). What do we offer to a divine icon? It is naivedya. Naivedya is any offering plus meaning. When naivedya is offered with meaning, then one always feels that prasada or blessing. The most practical thing about this is that we are blessing ourselves, then we become self-dependent. It is a fine virtue to depend on oneself. Those who externalize blessings and try to create a context to feel more blessed are living in a weak way. 

Discourse

Step 25 – sādhana (seeking)  

A synonym that would come up for seeker is searcher. What is the difference between a searcher and seeker? A fine definition is: a searcher is one with their eyes open and a seeker is one with their eyes closed. So, the difference is direction.

One more comparison is – what is the difference between a bhakta (devotee) and a sishya (disciple)? A bhakta is fond of the teaching. A sishya is fond of following the teaching. So, the difference is intensity. A bhakta engages in what they are devoted to casually. A sishya engages in what they are devoted to seriously. Hence, why they are a disciple. 

Seeking demands direction and intensity. Sadhana is a system for one to be directed. To help us be intense. A reference from the Ramayana is when Lakshmana asks Shri Rama – What is bhakti? Which can be changed to what is sadhana? Shri Rama answers – that which melts your heart. In other words, that which burns down your comfort zone. That is what seeking is. One keeps on expanding through their own effort. If one is feeling stuck or feeling too comfortable, then the seeking has devolved to searching. 

One more practical way to gauge if one is reflecting on seeking is – if one feels that their guide or map or sadhguru or shastra is changing, one gains more of an understanding or appreciation of them. But in reality, the sadhguru or shastra have not changed, but we are changing. We are closer to the ends, so we can see and feel this more. For example, if one feels that Bhagavan Krishna is amazing or that the Bhagavad Gita is amazing, then one is actually becoming a better seeker because they (Bhagavan Krishna and Bhagavad Gita) were always amazing. One is simply better engaged in sadhana and is closer. 

Step 26 – brahmacarya (discipline)

Typically, brahmacarya is defined as celibacy. One anecdote to understand this – in some European countries / cultures alcohol is introduced at a young age in a moderate way. So once the kids are grown up, they are rarely undisciplined about it. Whereas in North America, one has to be at least 21 to drink. So, when the kids actually start drinking, they abuse it. It is a forbidden fruit. Another example is that the countries which have the most gender segregation also view more pornography . 

Brahmacarya is not celibacy. It is discipline. The etymology is brahmani carati iti brahmacary, which means one who is walking the path to Brahman (Infinity). There is no suppression there, there is only sublimation. 

What is discipline? To be enlightened, it is required that we have stamina. To be active even for a full day, we require stamina. Now imagine the amount of stamina that would be required for a journey of a lifetime. Brahmacarya is a form of conservation. Conserving one’s outer and inner energy to nurture one’s stamina to keep going to the end. We are all exposed to this when we learn about the three pillars of Sanatana Dharma. The first one is Brahmacarya. (The second is ahimsa and the third is satyam, which are coming in the following steps). 

Reflecting on Navaratri. Whom does one worship for the first three nights? It is Devi Parvati. She is one who holds the energy instead of exhausting it. For those who are indisciplined or live impulsively, their actions are inefficient. For example, if one is an impulsive driver, they lose track of where they have to go. They sometimes brake too much. In terms of one’s words, they become irritable. Those who are impulsive always become irritable. Why? Because they are always tired. At a thought level, this manifests as insecurity. We know what is right, but we act in the wrong way because we feel insecure. We cannot trust ourselves. 

A way to practice brahmacarya or discipline is to direct oneself. Our lifestyle and equipment must be directed because purpose pulls performance. Purpose pulls conservation.

Step 27 – ahiṁsā (sensitivity)

Typically defined as non-violence. But this may be an extreme way to define it. Instead, non-harming is a less extreme way to define it. It is more applicable. Sometimes we harm ourselves and sometimes we harm others. However, the one who is sensitive will not harm themselves nor would they harm any article, being, or circumstance. But it starts with oneself. If one does not like oneself, then it will be very hard for one to like others or to be likeable. If one is a friend to oneself, then they tend to be more friendly to others and others will be more friendly to them also. Specifically, we must be non-harming to articles, beings, and circumstances. Ahimsa is a pillar because ahimsa is the means to advaita or oneness.

In a practical way, ahimsa means to be considerate. Within the word ‘considerate’ is the word ‘consider’. Consider that you don’t just have a body, but also a mind and an intellect. And so do others. Be considerate, not just of their bodies, but also their emotions or ideas. For instance, conversion could be an example of not being considerate as one is forcing another’s intellect to be like theirs. It is not being considerate of their ideas. We all have different varnas. We all have different gunas. When one is considerate of his/her own body, mind, and intellect (BMI) and others’ BMI’s, then they become more careful not just with their actions, but also with their thoughts and words. Therefore, ahimsa is very comprehensive. It is definitely the one word we must reflect on more.   

Summary: 

Step 25 –  sādhana (seeking)              Practice: Keep expanding through your own effort

Step 26 –  brahmacarya (discipline)                    Practice: Direct yourself

Step 27 –  ahiṁsā (sensitivity)                         Practice: Be considerate to yourself and others

Previous Discussion Subjects

How do you know that you are more than your BMI? 

Vivekji’s Observation 

This knowledge comes through observing oneself. You will observe that you are an entity that is not perpetually changing.

Which is right – to be extrovert or to be introvert? 

Vivekji’s Observation 

That which changes less is more dharmic or is more right. An extrovert has to keep up with that which is changing. For the introvert, patience, quietude, and independence are real at all points in time. So, that is right.

How do you discover and decide your guru? 

Vivekji’s Observation 

Intensity. If one is casual, one’s guidance will be casual. If one is intense, their guidance will be intense as well.

RAW (from last week): Plan your week in pencil in minute detail. Observe and record.

Vivekji’s Observation

If one can lock in the ‘when’ and the ‘what’, then one can focus on the ‘how’ and the ‘why’. One can fully focus on how to do that ‘what’ and the more one practices the ‘how’, they can go deeper into the ‘why’.

RAW:  (This is the last RAW that focuses on kshama or calmness of mind)

As soon as you wake up in the morning, record the details of your dreams.