हरिः ॐ Hari OM!
We began our session today by reminding everyone about the festival Vijayadashami, and, its significance.
Building up from where we left off in our last class on happiness, we tried to understand the concept of Sat-chit-ananda, or, the state of “Bliss”. Eric-ji explained the states of consciousness – waking, dreaming, deep sleep and being in a state of high awareness when there are no thoughts passing through the mind (Nirvikalpa Samadhi). It is possible to attain this state of bliss with dedicated practice (‘sadhana”) but sustaining it is not easy. Further, this state needs to be experienced and is not easily explained. In that state, no ego is present in the experiencer.
We were introduced to two key concepts from the chapter on Dual Path: Preyas (path of the pleasant) and Shreyas (path of the good). While the former results in a person obtaining pleasure through the five senses (pancha indriyas), the latter leads to greater happiness and a sense of fulfillment. When we progress from deriving pleasure for oneself to a more selfless state of enjoyment we would have chosen the path of good. Examples of Shreyas include feeling happy at someone else’s achievements or state of well-being, the happiness one feels when doing charitable deeds etc.
It was pointed out that enjoying through senses is not to be shunned, but, we need to recognize that a desire for such pleasures rarely gets satiated, and more often than not, it leaves us craving for more. Suppressing the desires is not an effective, practical, and lasting method either. Substitution is one of the prescribed options in our rituals, where one substitutes a higher ideal or goal for lower one. Some examples that the group provided include: choosing to come to the adult study group instead of idly sitting at home or watching TV. In this context an interesting observation was made in relation to the practice of fasting where the expectation was the person fasting would give up something that they like (e.g. food) and keep their focus on God which was the act of substitution. It was pointed out that this requires exercising restraint and having the will power to endure the deprival.
These topics kindled some interesting thoughts and questions within the group, that are captured in a Q&A format below:
Q. Why were the two paths created (Shreyas and Preyas)?
A. An awareness of one side helps one develop an understanding and appreciation of the other side. The concept of this duality is observed in the field of Quantum Physics as well. Then the larger question is why was anything created at all? :)
Q. Despite all the guidance (philosophy) that is available within the Hindu scriptures why do we observe more instances of charity and philanthropy in the West?
A. Few responses were provided:
Q. On Cultural identity versus parochial behavior, or,
A. While it is good to have a strong cultural identity, it must not give way or degenerate into narrow mindedness also known as parochial behavior. It was pointed out that peer pressure to conform may be a reason. Being able to stand up to ones beliefs, while not easy, must be practiced.
We then moved on to the next topic and briefly discussed the chapter “Harmony of Existence”. We learned about the four personalities that exist within each one of us: physical, emotional, intellectual, and, spiritual. A key concept mentioned in this chapter is that a harmonious state of existence is possible, only when all four personalities within us are integrated and not when there is conflict between any of the above mentioned personalities.
Emotions such as anger and happiness are all within us. There was an interesting story narrated by Eric ji of a King who was parted from his jewels and upon their restoration experienced both joy and anger almost instantaneously.We began our session today by reminding everyone about the festival Vijayadashami, and, its significance.
Building up from where we left off in our last class on happiness, we tried to understand the concept of Sat-chit-ananda, or, the state of “Bliss”. Eric-ji explained the states of consciousness – waking, dreaming, deep sleep and being in a state of high awareness when there are no thoughts passing through the mind (Nirvikalpa Samadhi). It is possible to attain this state of bliss with dedicated practice (‘sadhana”) but sustaining it is not easy. Further, this state needs to be experienced and is not easily explained. In that state, no ego is present in the experiencer.
We were introduced to two key concepts from the chapter on Dual Path: Preyas (path of the pleasant) and Shreyas (path of the good). While the former results in a person obtaining pleasure through the five senses (pancha indriyas), the latter leads to greater happiness and a sense of fulfillment. When we progress from deriving pleasure for oneself to a more selfless state of enjoyment we would have chosen the path of good. Examples of Shreyas include feeling happy at someone else’s achievements or state of well-being, the happiness one feels when doing charitable deeds etc.
It was pointed out that enjoying through senses is not to be shunned, but, we need to recognize that a desire for such pleasures rarely gets satiated, and more often than not, it leaves us craving for more. Suppressing the desires is not an effective, practical, and lasting method either. Substitution is one of the prescribed options in our rituals, where one substitutes a higher ideal or goal for lower one. Some examples that the group provided include: choosing to come to the adult study group instead of idly sitting at home or watching TV. In this context an interesting observation was made in relation to the practice of fasting where the expectation was the person fasting would give up something that they like (e.g. food) and keep their focus on God which was the act of substitution. It was pointed out that this requires exercising restraint and having the will power to endure the deprival.
These topics kindled some interesting thoughts and questions within the group, that are captured in a Q&A format below:
Q. Why were the two paths created (Shreyas and Preyas)?
A. An awareness of one side helps one develop an understanding and appreciation of the other side. The concept of this duality is observed in the field of Quantum Physics as well. Then the larger question is why was anything created at all? :)
Q. Despite all the guidance (philosophy) that is available within the Hindu scriptures why do we observe more instances of charity and philanthropy in the West?
A. Few responses were provided:
- There is more independent thinking in the west that encourages free thinking but that also has its downsides in unfettered freedom.
- We cannot generalize based on a few observations.
Q. On Cultural identity versus parochial behavior, or,
A. While it is good to have a strong cultural identity, it must not give way or degenerate into narrow mindedness also known as parochial behavior. It was pointed out that peer pressure to conform may be a reason. Being able to stand up to ones beliefs, while not easy, must be practiced.
We then moved on to the next topic and briefly discussed the chapter “Harmony of Existence”. We learned about the four personalities that exist within each one of us: physical, emotional, intellectual, and, spiritual. A key concept mentioned in this chapter is that a harmonious state of existence is possible, only when all four personalities within us are integrated and not when there is conflict between any of the above mentioned personalities.
We ended the class with a discussion on what exactly we understand by the term Spiritual Personality. Few of us were of the opinion that it is it our inner voice or ability that guides us through what is right and wrong. Is that one's intellect or spiritual personality? Is there an innately spiritual side within us?
To be continued in the next session ...
Summarized by,
Karthik Ramakrishnan
