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The Bitter Pill of TRUTH
You are the Master of your FATE
Introduction:
Namaste, seekers of wisdom! In this insightful blog post, we will explore three crucial points from the realm of Vedanta philosophy that can empower you to face life’s challenges with unwavering mental strength. Just as a bitter pill is swallowed for the sake of health, these transformative insights might challenge your perspective, but they hold the potential to lead you to profound understanding and inner strength. So, are you ready to embark on this journey of self-discovery and empowerment? Let’s dive into the essence of these teachings.
Point 1: Embrace the Idea of Being Ready to Die Now
In the first point, we confront a fundamental fear that often grips human minds – the fear of death. This might sound intense, but when we truly internalise the impermanence of physical existence, a profound transformation occurs. Think of brave soldiers on the frontlines who acknowledge the possibility of death but remain steadfast in their duty. Similarly, understanding the inevitability of physical death frees us from the shackles of fear, empowering us to lead courageous lives.
SBG 2:38 सुखदुःखे समे कृत्वा लाभालाभौ जयाजयौ | ततो युद्धाय युज्यस्व नैवं पापमवाप्स्यसि || २ ३८ || sukhaduh-khe same krtvaa laabhaa-laabhau jayaa-jayau thatho yuddhaaya yujyasva naivam paapam-avaapsyasi (SBG 2:38) Fight the battle, treating alike pleasure and pain, gain and loss as well as victory and defeat. By doing so, you will not sin.
Point 2: Coming to Terms with Situations
Moving forward, we explore the art of coming to terms with various life situations. When faced with challenges or losses, our intelligence often gets clouded by emotions. Temporarily accepting the situation, allows us to think rationally and make informed choices. Just as Krishna advises Arjuna to treat pleasure and pain, gain and loss, equally, we too can maintain equanimity by not allowing external circumstances to control our inner state.
Point 3: You Are the Architect of Your Life
In the final point, we delve into the concept of personal responsibility. Acknowledge that you are the sole creator of your experiences, including the good and the challenging. This understanding liberates us from the notion of attributing outcomes to external forces. Just as planting a seed yields a corresponding plant, our actions have consequences. By internalising this cause-and-effect relationship, we empower ourselves to shape our lives consciously.
SBG 4:37 यथैधांसि समिद्धोऽग्निर्भस्मसात्कुरुतेऽर्जुन | ज्ञानाग्निः सर्वकर्माणि भस्मसात्कुरुते तथा || ४ ३७ || yathaidhaamsi samiddho’gnir- bhasmasaath-kurute’rjuna gnyaanaagnih sarvakarmaaNi bhasmasaath-kurute tathaa (SBG 4:37) Just as a blazing fire burns firewood into ashes, O Arjuna, knowledge burns all actions and reactions due to material activities, into ashes. —————————— SBG 4:38 न हि ज्ञानेन सदृशं पवित्रमिह विद्यते | तत्स्वयं योगसंसिद्धः कालेनात्मनि विन्दति || ४ ३८ || na hi gnyaanena sadrisham pavitra-miha vidhyathe tath-svayam yoga-samsiddhah kaalenaath-mani vindati (SBG 4:38) There is certainly nothing more purifying than knowledge. He who is perfect in Yoga finds it in the Self, in due course of time.
The Path of Self-Realisation: Beyond Dualism
As we progress on our journey of self-realisation, it’s important to recognise the pitfalls of dualistic thinking. Vedanta teaches us to transcend the limitations of viewing the Divine as a separate entity or as entities. Instead, visualise the universe existing within your consciousness, just as heavenly bodies exist within the sky. By understanding the interconnectedness of all things and realising your role as an architect of your destiny, you can experience true freedom and bliss.
Conclusion: Embarking on the Vedanta Journey
In this exploration of Vedanta philosophy, we’ve touched upon three pivotal points that can revolutionise your perspective and empower you to navigate life’s challenges with mental fortitude. Remember, Vedanta is not about blind belief; it’s about knowledge, understanding, and self-realisation. By delving into the wisdom of ancient texts like the Srimad Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads, you can embark on a transformative voyage toward a harmonious, fulfilled, and enlightened existence.
It’s time to intellectually and spiritually ‘grow up’ and give up all kinds of dualistic, meaningless rites and rituals. If you’re prepared to embark on this profound journey, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Together, we’ll delve deeper into the enlightening teachings of Vedanta, unravelling the enigmas of existence, and achieving inner serenity and lucidity. Let’s traverse the path of knowledge, self-discovery, and empowerment hand in hand.
Thank you for joining me on this voyage toward self-discovery and wisdom.
(Note: This presentation is created for individuals with an open-minded approach, seeking knowledge that extends beyond the boundaries of organised belief systems. It delves into concepts and ideas, with the aim of fostering exploration rather than undermining personal convictions.
My unwavering commitment revolves around deconstructing intricate notions into easily comprehensible steps, empowering individuals to attain a foundational grasp of Vedanta. This pursuit holds the potential to rescue them from expending a number of years, and perhaps even decades, entwined in dualistic contemplations, apprehensions towards allegorical divine entities that are taken too literally, and various forms of mental servitude.)
Introduction: Belief, Ideology, and Vedanta
Within the expansive fabric of human awareness, the threads of spiritual exploration are intricately intertwined. Each thread contributes to the rich fabric of spiritual evolution, shaping individual perspectives and collective worldviews. In this exploration, we delve into the profound interplay of these elements, seeking to understand how they influence societal norms, personal convictions, and the transformative journey of self-realisation.
Belief and Ideology: Unravelling the Threads
At the heart of human cognition lies belief, a potent force that underpins our perception of reality. Belief, often rooted in personal experiences, cultural influences, and upbringing, is the cornerstone of our understanding. It embodies the subjective acceptance of truths, whether they pertain to religious beliefs, moral values, or scientific theories. Our beliefs extend their grasp over our thoughts, emotions, and actions, painting the canvas of our lives with hues of conviction.
Ideology: The Grand Tapestry of Thought
While belief is a solitary brushstroke, ideology emerges as a masterpiece painted by collective minds. It transcends individual convictions, weaving together a structured framework of beliefs, ideas, and principles that form the bedrock of a social, political, or economic system. Ideologies such as democracy, communism, and feminism shape societies, influencing policies and norms. They are the collective manifestations of human thought, guiding communities towards shared visions and common purposes.
The Dance of Evolution: Spiritual Progress through Vedanta
In this symphony of belief and ideology, Vedanta emerges as a distinct melody. Rooted in the pinnacle of Vedic studies, VVedanta guides seekers on a transformative and evolutionary journey. Unlike belief-bound ideologies, Vedanta is a rational and analytical process of negation and elimination, which is popularly known as ‘Neti neti’ or ‘Not this, not this,’.
Drawing an analogy to algebraic equations, the ‘Neti neti’ method is akin to solving for an unknown variable by systematically eliminating possibilities. Just as algebraic equations involve subtracting or cancelling out terms to isolate the desired variable, the “neti neti” approach entails negating, or mentally discarding, aspects that are not the ultimate reality. By progressively eliminating finite attributes and limitations that don’t define the infinite Brahman, one unveils a clearer understanding of what remains – the formless and indescribable essence that underlies all existence.
Vedanta is completely devoid of blind faith. It leads individuals towards experiential wisdom, offering a profound understanding of existence beyond the confines of belief, dogma, or religion.
Societal Impact: Organised Religions and the Power of Belief
Organised religions stand as towering structures of belief, meticulously weaving ideologies that unite the masses under shared dogmas. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam exemplify this, drawing strength from strong confessions, the profession of faith, and robust belief systems. Membership in these religions hinges on a shared adherence to specific ideologies, emphasising the symbiotic relationship between belief and collective identity.
Vedic Dharma and Vedanta: Transcending Belief
In contrast, the Vedic Dharma with Vedanta at its pinnacle, offers a direct path to seeking the realisation of the ultimate Truth. Vedanta, the zenith of Vedic studies, stands as a beacon of rationality. It invites seekers to transcend duality, such as the ‘god’ and I, or ‘the world and I’ concepts, and mere beliefs through introspection and analysis. Pseudo-religious cults, and breakaway dualistic sects born from the ignorance of the purest form of Advaita Vedanta, demonstrate the consequence of neglecting Vedanta’s profound wisdom, leading to the emergence of fragmented ‘isms’ and what one might call, ‘tvas.’
Unveiling the Truth: Navigating the Path of Spiritual Wisdom
The Metaphor of Existence: Beyond Belief and Rituals
The Srimad Bhagavad Gita, a timeless scripture, serves as a guiding light, revealing the path beyond belief-bound rituals. Its Shlokas illuminate the metaphor of existence, dispelling misconceptions of spirituality confined to rites and rituals. Krishna’s teachings advocate understanding, reflection, and action aligned with one’s inner calling, transcending the realm of mere belief.
Vedanta, the crown of the Vedas
Vedanta, crowned as the zenith of wisdom, dismisses the confinement of religious dogma. It empowers seekers to embrace open-mindedness, rejecting fanaticism that arises from rigid belief systems. Unlike blind faith, Vedanta encourages rational exploration, urging individuals to experience truth firsthand.
Embarking on the Journey: Self-Realisation through Vedanta
The Quest for Atmagnyana: Journeying Within
As seekers traverse the labyrinth of beliefs and ideologies, Vedanta illuminates the path towards SELF-realisation, known as Atmagnyana. This transformative journey goes beyond mere intellectual comprehension, guiding individuals to embody the teachings and experience the divine essence within.
Beyond Rituals: The Essence of Spiritual Awakening
The trajectory of spiritual awakening often encounters misconceptions, including the association of spirituality with going to temples and practising rites and rituals. However, a profound exploration of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita dismantles these preconceived notions. The metaphors within this scripture dismiss the emphasis on beliefs and superficial rituals, inviting seekers to transcend the ordinary and embrace higher realms of understanding.
Towards the end of His discourse in Shloka 18:63, Krishna bestows upon Arjuna the autonomy to contemplate His teachings and guide his actions in accordance with his own discernment. This elevation of personal reflection underscores the essence of genuine comprehension, casting aside blind adherence, and, illuminating the path of profound insight.
Vedanta and the Spectrum of Knowledge
My Personal Approach to Study: A Holistic Perspective
When delving into various philosophies, languages, or ideologies, my preferred methodology has consistently involved gaining an initial panoramic understanding of the subject. I begin by acquiring a bird’s-eye view, grasping its fundamental principles before meticulously dissecting each component in detail.
A Gentle Reminder Before Summarising
Before providing a summary, I wish to emphasise that whatever I say or write is intended for those with open minds, rather than individuals firmly entrenched within a particular belief system or religious affiliation. I extend an invitation to engage with my thoughts openly.
The Evolution of Belief and Its Potential Pitfalls
The moment an individual professes unwavering belief in something or subscribes to a particular notion, there’s a potential halt in their personal evolution. Such a stance can inadvertently lead to fanaticism, escalating disagreements even among close relationships. This tendency to break ties due to differing beliefs is exacerbated when adherents of various organised religions fervently strive to convert others. In contrast, the guiding light of Vedic Dharma, underpinned by Vedanta, steers seekers towards an all-encompassing realisation of their non-dual, all-pervasive SELF.
Embarking on a Journey of SELF-realisation
If you find yourself convinced of your detachment from organised religion, and of your freedom to pursue knowledge, I extend a warm invitation to you to accompany me on a transformative voyage towards the pinnacle of SELF-realisation.
While I do not claim to be an expert, I can say with certainty that the guiding principles my dear father and mother instilled in me and my extensive studies in philosophy have greatly facilitated my life’s journey, which has been characterised by significant events and difficult challenges.
These elements have consistently empowered me to perceive each experience, no matter how daunting, as an invaluable learning opportunity. This journey serves as a pathway to the ultimate goal of Atmagnyana, which is the profound realisation of the SELF.
The Path to Transcendence
Embrace the liberation from belief systems, relinquish the shackles of rituals, and navigate the realm beyond dualistic notions of appeasing an external entity. The truth, elusive yet omnipresent, rests within – you are the essence of Brahman, the embodiment of Krishna. The journey towards this realisation requires shedding the veneer of blind belief, for within you lies the key to unveiling the profound truths that await your discovery.
Embark on this journey of transcendence, and let the flame of knowledge illuminate your path. The skies of enlightenment await your exploration.
Thank you
Have a fascinatingly blessed life ahead.
Jai Shri Krishna
Keywords: Belief, Ideology, Vedanta, Spiritual evolution, Collective beliefs, Personal convictions, Social norms, Cultural influences, Vedic studies, Religious beliefs, Philosophical systems, Transcending beliefs, Individual perspectives, Societal change, Rational analysis, Worldview, Spiritual wisdom, Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Self-realization, Self-realisation, Atmagnyana, Pseudo-religious cults, Vedic Dharma, Divine knowledge, Spiritual journey, Guided by Vedanta, Rituals and rites, Metaphor of existence, Supreme scriptures, Open-mindedness, Transformative growth.
As we traverse the path of knowledge and self-discovery, I extend a warm welcome to both our cherished followers and those who have recently arrived in our virtual sanctuary. At the heart of this blog lies a profound mission: to illuminate the transformative brilliance of Advaita Vedanta, the pinnacle of intellectual and spiritual evolution.
In a world often clouded by superstitions, myths, and dogmatic beliefs, my purpose is to guide you towards a higher understanding. Together, we will journey away from arcane rituals and practices that bind, and instead, embrace the liberating wisdom of Advaita Vedanta. This ancient philosophy offers a gateway to boundless liberation and pure bliss, free from the confines of misguided practices.
Through the timeless teachings of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads, and the Brahma Sutras, I strive to empower you. My aim is not mere recitation, but a deep internalisation of these teachings, leading to fearlessness, self-confidence, excellent health, and prosperity. Together, we’ll cultivate a positive mindset that radiates throughout all aspects of life.
Excitingly, I am delighted to introduce a new chapter in our journey – the launch of our Newsletter series. This venture is for those who seek truth beyond the realm of dualistic beliefs and rituals. If you are ready to immerse yourself in the rational philosophy passed down through millennia, I invite you to join us.
Please read this post and/or watch the video in it before continuing. It is because you will understand the direction in which the new newsletter series will be going. It will be purely Advaita Vedanta and will never discuss rites, rituals, or any other such factor that creates the ‘my god and your god’ or them and us’ issues.
Now, if you are a serious seeker, and after reading the post ‘Beyond Belief and Ideology: Vedanta’s Perspective on Human Understanding‘, and if you would like to join, please express your interest by signing up for the newsletter. Simply enter your name and email ID in the box below. Please note that even if you are already subscribed to my main blog but have not signed up for the new newsletter series, you will not be added to the new mailing list. I will once again announce when the first Newsletter is ready, but for now, whoever expresses their interest in joining it will be demonstrating their participation in the journey, and that will truly add to my motivation.
Thank you for being part of this enlightening voyage. Let us continue to explore, learn, and evolve, as we uncover the profound truths that lead to a life of liberation, purpose, and unending bliss.
This chapter of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita has only 20 Shlokas which teach devotees how to worship Bhagavan Krishna and meditate upon His teachings. Bhagavan Krishna explains to Arjuna the things one could do in order to become dear to Him. He says that no one is repulsive or dear to Him. It is left to the seeker to interpret this and follow the steps taught in this chapter and get closer to the Supreme Bhagavan Krishna.
Bhagavan said: SBG 9:29 I am the same to all living beings. There is no one who is repulsive or dear to Me. But those who worship Me with devotion are in Me and I too am in them.
Bhagavan Krishna is not affected by anyone or anything. However, the truth is that people who are sincerely devoted to Him, offer complete Sharanaagati before Him and follow His teachings, are always confident about themselves. This makes them stronger and more efficient in whatever they do. It’s like in the case of children who have doting parents. Children who receive a lot of love, attention, protection and guidance from their father, mother or both, usually excel in everything.
In the pursuit of leading a purposeful and fulfilling life, we often encounter the obstacle of laziness that hampers our progress. The teachings of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita provide profound insights on how to combat this inertia and embrace a life of action and purpose. As per the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, it is essential to treat pleasure and pain, gain and loss, victory and defeat alike when engaging in life’s battles.
The verses guide us to recognise the importance of action over inaction, and emphasise the significance of selfless dedication to our duties. By performing our tasks as offerings to the Supreme Bhagavan Krishna and releasing all attachment to outcomes, we become untouched by sin, just like a lotus leaf remains unaffected by water.
Through these teachings, we learn to rise above the dualities of the material world and work for the welfare of all living beings, leading us towards liberation and absorption in the Divine. So, let us embark on a journey of self-discovery, drawing inspiration from the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, and conquering laziness to attain true glory and purpose in life.
Temptation, in essence, is the powerful allure and craving for something alluring or pleasurable, despite its moral wrongness, harmful consequences, or being forbidden. It entices individuals towards engaging in actions, behaviours, or possessing objects that deviate from what is considered virtuous, ethical, or in line with their principles and beliefs. These temptations can take various forms, ranging from giving in to vices, and breaking rules, to acting against one’s better judgment and values. Overcoming temptation necessitates the cultivation of self-control, willpower, and the ability to make wise choices when faced with enticing alternatives.
To truly comprehend the nature of temptation and address its root causes, one can delve into the works of philosophical moral psychology, philosophy of action, and philosophical theology. In this regard, a structured approach, such as studying the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, offers valuable insights into understanding the ego, false ego (the assumed concept of ‘I’), the mind, and, most importantly, the all-pervading SELF. Such knowledge can empower individuals to resist the dangerous nature of temptation and safeguard themselves from becoming its victim.
At the core of our journey lies the intrinsic motivation that propels us to fulfil our duties, achieve our goals, and overcome challenges, elevating our living standards and more. While external support plays a role, we must not forget the paramount significance of our inner drive. This support can manifest in the form of material or moral assistance. We discover their profound influence on our inner motivations as we explore selected Shlokas from the Srimad Bhagavad Gita.
The Srimad Bhagavad Gita serves as a guiding light, leading seekers through various stages, culminating in Divine SELF-Realisation. Reading these chosen Shlokas can provide a momentary surge of mental energy, meeting our immediate needs for a powerful boost. However, it is vital to remember that such brief moments alone cannot replace the transformative experience of delving into the entirety of this life-changing scripture, the Srimad Bhagavad Gita.
Fear is an unpleasant, often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger. It is a primordial emotion that exists in all sentient beings. Fear is an emotion that everyone has experienced at some point or the other in life. Most of us have experienced the fear of either losing someone, our honour, money, property, happiness, position or also that of being attacked by someone. Whatever it is, fear basically is imagining something that has not happened yet! Even if it is fearing the repetition of some unpleasant incident in the past, it is still the fear of something that has not happened until that point in time.
The root cause of fear is attachment. Those who fear losing someone or something, do so because of their attachment to the object they feel they would lose. The fear of losing one’s reputation stems from one’s ego. People who dread physical attacks fear damage to their bodies, which is sure to perish at the end of a Janma or lifetime. A person who understands the impermanence of everything physical or materialistic and realises that he or she has nothing to lose; fears absolutely no one and nothing.
In order to reach a higher level of understanding, it would be necessary to comprehend that a person’s body, mind, intelligence, senses and the Atman are separate from each other. Studying the Srimad Bhagavad Gita helps clear misunderstandings that cause faulty thinking, which is one of the prime causes of all misery.
Reading and imbibing the truths in the selected life-changing Shlokas, from the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, given in the collection above can aid in removing fear out of the mind.
Remember that a disturbed mind can achieve nothing and that a calm mind is the first requirement in preparing oneself to receive Divine Blessings.
Sorry for being blunt, but if you hold beliefs in a separate being up there, who is constantly watching and controlling your life—granting your wishes upon prayer and punishing you for not doing so with misfortunes—you might not have attained sufficient mental maturity, are unwilling to employ your innate power of reason, or have been influenced by a cult or religion that prevents you from understanding the true essence of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita.
For the past nine years, I have tirelessly worked to empower everyone, irrespective of gender or social status, with the ability to read, study, and internalise the RATIONAL PHILOSOPHY present in the Srimad Bhagavad Gita. It is knowledge that can be easily grasped if only one remained mentally free.
I won’t elaborate further, but I encourage you to watch this video, which is basically some bonus content added to the 100 selected SBG Shlokas course.
Why would anyone want to be a mental slave to someone or something?
Before you proceed, consider these questions: 1. If Krishna was omnipresent, wouldn’t that mean He resides within me as well? So, why should I search for Him outside myself?
2. If I believe in the existence of beings other than the All-pervading Divine principle, also known as Krishna, does that not negate the existence of Krishna within those beings?
3. Tavamithram taught his son Vedanta from a young age, ensuring the boy’s mind was completely free from irrational dualistic beliefs. Why am I still bound by baseless belief systems forced upon me?
Tavamithram Sarvada 