Posts Tagged ‘atman’

Eternal Self and Detachment: Lessons from Sankhya Yoga

Posted: July 14, 2024 in Bhagavad Gita
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Chapter 2 of the Bhagavad Gita, known as “Sankhya Yoga” or “The Yoga of Knowledge,” brings us some timeless wisdom from Lord Krishna to Prince Arjuna. Sankhya Yoga is all about gaining knowledge and clarity. It’s about understanding the deeper truths of life and distinguishing between what’s temporary and what’s eternal. This kind of discernment helps us navigate our daily lives with a better sense of purpose and direction.

Krishna also explains that our true self, or Atman, is eternal and indestructible. Unlike our physical bodies, which change and eventually perish, the Atman remains constant. This perspective can help us deal with fear and attachment, reminding us that our essence is something far greater than our physical form. In today’s world, this means not getting too caught up in appearances or material possessions, and instead focusing on our inner values and spiritual growth. Krishna emphasizes that our bodies are temporary and subject to change. Understanding this helps us detach from our physical selves and not place all our happiness on something that won’t last forever. In modern terms, it encourages us to look beyond physical health and beauty standards, and instead appreciate the deeper aspects of our being.

Dharma, or duty, is another key teaching in this chapter. Krishna urges Arjuna to do his duty as a warrior, highlighting the importance of fulfilling our responsibilities without getting attached to the results. This is highly relevant today—we all have roles and responsibilities, whether in our families, jobs, or communities. Performing these duties with dedication, but without obsessing over outcomes, can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life.

These ancient teachings from Sankhya Yoga are incredibly relevant in today’s fast-paced world. They remind us to look beyond the superficial aspects of life and focus on what truly matters. By understanding the eternal nature of the self, we can reduce our fears and anxieties. Recognizing the impermanence of the body helps us shift our priorities from the physical to the spiritual. Embracing our duties with detachment allows us to perform our roles more effectively and find inner peace.

The Bhagavad Gita: A Spiritual Guide for Purposeful Living

Posted: June 22, 2024 in Bhagavad Gita
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The Mahabharata, an ancient Indian epic, sets the scene for one of the most profound conversations in spiritual history: the Bhagavad Gita. This conversation occurs on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, where two royal family factions, are preparing for war. Just before the battle commences, Arjuna, a warrior prince, turns to his charioteer, Lord Krishna, for guidance.

The Bhagavad Gita delves deeply into fundamental aspects of human existence, grappling with significant life questions such as the nature of righteousness (Dharma) and the practice of selfless action (Nishkama Karma). Krishna serves as a spiritual guide to Arjuna, offering counsel on multiple paths to achieve spiritual growth. Central to Krishna’s teachings is one’s detachment from the results of actions, “You have the right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions” (2.47). In other words, we should focus on performing our responsibilities diligently and with integrity, while relinquishing attachment to personal gain or success. By emphasizing the importance of detachment, Krishna invites Arjuna—and by extension, us—to embrace a deeper sense of purpose and spiritual fulfillment through selfless service and righteous conduct.

He also illuminates the eternal nature of the Self (Atman), teaching Arjuna that the Atman transcends the temporary aspects of physical existence. Krishna explains that the Self is indestructible, beyond birth and death, and fundamentally separate from the physical body and mind, “That which pervades the entire body, know it to be indestructible. No one can destroy that imperishable soul.” (2.17). This aims to liberate Arjuna from his fear and attachment, emphasizing a deeper understanding of spiritual identity and inner peace amidst life’s challenges.

Essentially, the Gita advocates for a life of purpose, integrity, and spiritual fulfillment that extends beyond our immediate circumstances. Its teachings offer practical applications, encouraging us in daily life to focus on our actions rather than fixating on results, thus reducing stress and anxiety. These principles foster a deeper connection with our true selves, enhancing both our physical well-being and spiritual awareness.

Liberation through Understanding

Posted: May 4, 2024 in Musings
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vṛttayaḥ pañcatayyaḥ kliṣṭākliṣṭāḥ

The fluctuations of the mind are fivefold and are either detrimental or non-detrimental

Yoga Sutra 1.5

The beginning of Chapter One of the Yoga Sutras unfolds in a structured sequence: Sutra 1.1 summons our attention, followed by Patañjali’s definition of yoga in 1.2, and a description of the state of yoga in 1.3. Sutra 1.4 highlights the confusion that arises when we are not in this state. Sutra 1.5 delves into the effects of our behavioral patterns which can be either helpful or harmful.

The 1.5 teaches us that our thoughts, words, and actions create fluctuations in our consciousness. These fluctuations can either align us with our true Self, leading to growth and fulfillment (helpful), or they can veer us off course, causing pain and suffering (harmful). For instance, suppose a thought arises, suggesting you’re not capable of pursuing a particular goal. If you succumb to this notion, choosing not to pursue your goal, it initiates a cycle of unhappiness and diminished confidence.

This sutra invites introspection into our tendencies. The more we’re entwined with our preferences, the harder it becomes to consciously choose actions aligned with our well-being. Observing our inner state and reactions to external events reveals whether our tendencies contribute to internal harmony or disharmony. It’s crucial to distinguish between pain, a warning sign, and bearable discomfort, signaling growth beyond our comfort zones.

In yoga, we cultivate practices to disrupt such detrimental patterns. By repeating positive affirmations/mantras or bolstering confidence through physical practice, we replace negative thoughts with constructive ones. With consistent effort, healthy patterns emerge, and the harmful one fades away. Thus, through mindful engagement with our thoughts, words, and actions, we navigate towards alignment with our true Self, fostering inner harmony and overall well-being.

Questions to consider regarding the significance of this sutra in our lives include: Are we conscious of our habits and how they show up in our lives? Do these habits contribute positively or negatively to our well-being when we notice them? How do our likes and routines influence our overall satisfaction and participation in life? Can we manage our tendencies to lead a more mindful existence? 

So Hum 🙏