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by
Sri Bimal Mohanty
VOL
No. 107
January : 2010
THE FIRST PRINCIPLES OF BRAHMAN- THE PIVOT OF THE COSMOS
QUESTIONS FROM READERS
QUESTION 1 FROM Dr VIKRAM ADHIKARY
Sir! How do I convince myself that I am heading for my final emancipation?
ANSWER:
Please look at it this way. It is impossible for any one to remain always in a state of perpetual wakefulness and invariably everyone relapses into a dream state and then to a state of deep slumber. It is in the nature of every individual.
Likewise for jivas or individual souls, it is impossible to remain perpetually attached to the phenomenal world. Its falsity, unreality, dissatisfaction etc eventually hits every one’s imagination. Like withdrawal into a dream state where most of the direct contact with the outside world is progressively withdrawn, the jiva also develops disdain towards many of the attractions of the world.
It feels comfortable in doing so and this comfort factor grows in him. Like moving from dream state to deep slumber every one seeks out a state of comfort and more comfort akin to a deep sleep state where all external activities drop off. A sense of overwhelming bliss in the shape of intense consciousness of Brahman engulfs the jiva.
The journey from ignorance of agnosticism to pure consciousness of knowledge (gnosis) is similar. It is inevitable and a certainty for all souls. The final state of recognition of Brahman called Samadhi is that certainty. Every other state is a stepping stone till that final state is reached. Those stages, although are part of the process, are unstable, uncomfortable and unacceptable. Agnosticism’s ultimate end is in Gnosticism. Atheism ends up with theism.
QUESTION 2 FROM SRI YADUNATH
Is Pranayama linked to Yoga or they can be separately practiced?
ANSWER: As you know, the holistic understanding of yoga covers every aspect of sadhana that supplements our efforts to reach out to Brahman. If that ultimate objective is not kept in mind, any yogic practice becomes an exercise in futility. Rishi Patthanjali cleared all doubts when he propounded the concept of astAngayoga or eightfold yoga covering all aspects from self control (yama) to total consecration to Brahman (samadhi). All come as part and parcel of yoga. Thus pranayama is an integral part of yoga practice. You can not dwell upon only aspect and leave out the rest.
Prana is the physical face of jivabhuta the life force which is derived from Brahman only. It is seen in its simple understanding as breathing. Prana is the sustaining force for our physical existence. When it flows well controlled, it rightly enriches the body which is the seat for our mind and psyche. To maintain that even movement and control, pranayama is the process.
The effect of prana on us shows up in two ways- Virya and Vasana. (According to Swami Jyotirmayananda there is great interdependency between prana, virya and Vasana) Virya is ssociated with the positive and beneficial utilization of Prana. The negative or harmful utilization of prana is vasana. Virya is not only as commonly understood the procreative liquid in beings. All things that go to help man ( for that matter all jivas) to raise himself spiritually, mentally and physically is his virya. It is the energy and strength that keeps his sadhana going, brings positive changes in him in his physical, mental and psychic planes. One acquires a healthy body, a healthy meditative mind and a psychic strength that makes one conscious of Brahman.
When prana is wrongly utilized, uncontrolled and unbridled, it gets manifested in vasanas or desires. Desires are detrimental to our spiritual development and pulls us down. They delay our progress. With rise in vasanas, virya gets depleted and vice versa. Pranayama protects us from this degradation. This is a verifiable truth by any one. That is why pranayama is such an inseparable part of astanga yoga.
QUESTION 3 FROM SRI LAXMIPATHY H.
Are there any truly sinless and taintless persons living in this world? Is the aspiration for such a state has any meaning?
ANSWER: This is a very deep rooted question.
If one has fairly understood the principle of soul’s embodiment in ‘lifes’ after ‘lifes’, which we have discussed in so much details in the previous articles, this question will no more appear relevant.
All souls are brought into this creation with a specific purpose. They are essentially for sustenance of the creation. All embedded souls, known as jivas are agents (nimittas) of Vishnu the sustainer. They are continuously performing actions towards this end.
While in action they are under the influence of opposing forces, which they have to overcome. Any transformation or change is brought about by fighting against inertia. No action can ever be smooth therefore every action leaves its imprint- good or bad.
Birth, i.e. a new life is the only means by which the soul purifies or cleanses itself of the superimposed faults born out of our actions.
When you dig a well for water, you can not escape dirt covering your body. But when you finally hit upon clear water you wash out all muck and cleanse yourself. Till such time you remain unclean.
It will be foolish to abandon digging fearing the muck. It will be equally foolish to abandon pursuit for purity and perfection by anyone in the midway. Even if in life we do not see a perfect soul, sAdhanA or striving for perfection never loses meaning. The end prize is too great a treasure to be abandoned half way for any reason what so ever.
QUESTION 4 FROM Ms YOGITA DHIR
Respected Sir! Is meditation to be done only in early morning and before breakfast- or working people can change schedule to their convenience?
ANSWER: Since meditation is indeed your dialogue with your beloved maker, it can be done anywhere, anytime and in any manner. When you speak He is always ready to listen. There is nothing wrong in remembering Him at any time of the day and night.
However true meditation is an intense mental exercise. It demands sincerity, concentration, total consecration and undiluted devotion. Such feelings are difficult to achieve any time and anywhere. For good reasons our revered rishis, based on their personal experience have recommended most effective timings, preparation, conduct, environment etc that does help. Adhearing to them is wise, beneficial and effective. If you deviate once in a while no crime is committed. The compassionate Brahman understands.
Also from a physiological reason meditation is not recommended in a full stomach. As I have said, meditation is an intense mental exercise. During this time adequate blood flow to brain is needed. When you have eaten, more blood gets diverted to the stomach to digest food. So meditate one hour before or two hours after any meal. You will be able to concentrate better.
Working timings are indeed poor excuses. One can always draw up a routine for meditation or prAnayAma.
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Sri Bimal Mohanty 2000
