DISCOURSES ON
RADHASOAMI
FAITH
BY
MAHARAJ SAHAB
Pandit Brahm Sankar Misra,
M.A.
8. KNOWLEDGE ABOUT
SPIRIT NOT POSSIBLE FROM STUDY OF MAN'S PHYSICAL AND MENTAL ACTIVITIES
13.
It is a matter of observation that in whatever direction the spirit or vital
force, which imparts vitality to all animal and vegetable existence, is
subjected to frequent and regular exercise, development takes place. On the
other hand, if its action decreases or stops in any part of the vehicle or
frame through which the spirit-force is acting, that part withers or becomes
inoperative. This vital action is natural exercise and is not an unnatural
process imposed upon spirit. It is an inherent function which the spirit had
been called upon to perform in various directions since its manifestation in the
creation. The physical frame and the senses appended to it, and one's mental
faculties, all require exercise for their development and healthy existence.
The forms of this exercise are not the special modes prescribed in the
gymnasium or in a training educational institution. The responsive functions
and actions evoked by the surroundings of nature, the inherent cravings and the
needs of life, constitute the natural exercise imposed upon the spirit for the
development of its physical frame and mental faculties. All these functions and
actions, however, result in the association of spirit with mind and matter. The
development of the functions and the faculties, referred to, does not, however,
indicate in any way that a concomitant development of the inherent essence of
the spirit itself is also taking place. In other words, in all the experiences
we ordinarily gain and the concerned actions, there is nothing which will
enable us to find out and understand what the self, viz., the sentient entity
is, and where it is located, and how it acts through the physical and mental
planes. We proceed now to make an enquiry into this subject.
But who will take the knowledge of spirit - body, mind or spirit itself?
ReplyDeleteIt's Spirit itself...there was a hymn in Kathopanishad which compares self as a rider in a chariot, body as chariot, intellect as charioteer, and the mind as reins...also senses were described as horses and the sense objects are different paths around them...
DeleteThe Kathopanishad says that "when the Self understands this and is unified, integrated with body, senses and mind, is virtuous, mindful and pure, he reaches bliss, freedom and liberation...
This could not have been possibly explained in any simpler terms. SUCH A COMPLEX MATTER EXPLAINED IN SUCH EASY AND SIMPLE TERMS SO THAT EVERY MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY IS ABLE TO UNDERSTAND IT. RADHASOAMI
ReplyDeleteAtma which is knowledge itself does not require other knowledge to know it, just as a lighted lamp does not need another lamp to illumine its light. Atma is itself the illuminating one. What else can illuminate it? The only requirement is removal of ignorance. Then automatically the illumination of Atma comes out......
ReplyDelete(from the sanskrit text ATMA BODHA OF ADI SANKARACHARYA).
Basic Spiritual activities like Sumiran and Dhyan can help us reach higher knowledge of spirituality.
ReplyDelete