Friday 14 April 2017

8. Knowledge about Spirit not possible from study of man's physical and mental activities



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.

5 comments:

  1. But who will take the knowledge of spirit - body, mind or spirit itself?

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    1. It'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...

      The 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...

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  2. 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

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  3. Atma 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......

    (from the sanskrit text ATMA BODHA OF ADI SANKARACHARYA).

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  4. Basic Spiritual activities like Sumiran and Dhyan can help us reach higher knowledge of spirituality.

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