October 13, 2013

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:

1. There is more independent thinking in the west that encourages free thinking but that also has its downsides in unfettered freedom.
2. We cannot generalize based on a few observations.

    Regardless, it was accepted that it is not the fault of philosophy, that the modern day society behaves     in a way that contradicts what the faith or philosophy lays down.

Q. On Cultural identity versus parochial behavior, or, narrow mindedness:
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 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

Oct 6, 2013 - The Joy Of Living

After discussing about attachment and detachment, we moved on to the next topic in the book - The Joy of Living!

Every human seems to be craving for Joy, or, chasing Happiness, running away from sorrow, or, avoiding unhappiness! We are all quite aware that what makes us happy, does not necessarily make others happy. Eating Pistachio ice-cream might bring immense pleasure to one, while making another completely sick! 

Being aware of happiness and unhappiness had been our introspection exercise for the past week. 

Here is a summary of the group experiences and discussions:

• When I do my duties without fail, I feel happy. On the contrary, if I am unable to, or am delayed I feel unhappy or rather disturbed.
• Watching my son being able to swim on his own with confidence, made me very happy.
• Being able to do what I want, makes me happy. 
• Being late makes me unhappy.
• When my kids question the values I want them to follow, I feel unhappy.
• I am always happy. When asked for the secret behind the happiness, the answer was - "I don't let other things bother me!"
• To those of us who are concerned about others' happiness, the assurance was - "You cannot make some one else happy, because Happiness comes from within!"
• Being happy is not the same as being excited or emotional.
• Meditation calms me and makes me happy.

Happiness is hard to define, because it is a state of mind. The less disturbed or agitated our mind is, greater is our experience of happiness. 

However time and again, we tend to seek for happiness in the external world, through the objects of the world which are temporary and can not provide us with everlasting satisfaction.

EricJi commented that none of the objects in the world can make us experience "a state of Bliss". The question that naturally followed was: What exactly is a state of Bliss?

Well, we had reached our time limit for the day, and hence decided to continue on the topic of Bliss in our next session.

We concluded the session with closing prayers.

Summarized by,

Anjana

Preparation for the Next session

Reading Assignment:  Pages: 13 - 19 in Kindle Life
Reflection Questions: 

1. How aware are we of the choices we make everyday? (Self-Intrsopection Exercise)
2. Are good and bad choices universal, or are they subjective?
3. How can one tell if the path one is taking is a the path of the pleasant or the path of the Good?
4. What come in the way of harmonious existence? (Sefl-Intrsopection Exercise)
5. What causes discrepancy between what one believes vs. what one practices? 
6. What are some practical exercises that can help one achieve an integrated personality?

Oct 6, 2013 - Man's Heritage

Hari OM! 
Happy Nava-raatri to all!

After opening prayers, we started our session delving deeper in to the significant texts that constitute the study of Hindu Scriptures:

·      Vedanga-s, auxillaries of Veda, anga meaning a limb, organ, or a part

      shiksha (phonetics), vyakaranam (grammar),  chandas (meter),  nirukta (etymology), kalpa (rituals, ceremonies) & jyotisha (astronomy)

·      Veda-s, the four: Rg, Yajur, Sama, Atharva

      Each veda comprises - samhitas(hymns), brahmanas(rituals), and, aranyakas, at whose concluding portion are Upanishads. Upanishads are also referred to as Vedanta. We had discussed a literal meaning of the word Vedanta in the previous session, the end of the vedas, as they are located at the end of the Veda-s. We discussed today that: The ultimate goal or aim of the vedas is contained in the upanishads. Thus the upanishads are the "End" of the vedas, both in the sense of textual presentation and realization of the end goal.

·      Purana-s, mythology

·      Ithihasa-s, the Epics

Then there are Bhashya-s, commentaries on the various texts, dharma shastras that explain the code of conduct, etc. 
[Please note that this is not a complete list.]

Eric ji also made an interesting observation between the Western and the Eastern schools of philosophy. Western approach is based on refuting the prevalent view while the Eastern method is based on building on the existing / prior philosophies.

We then returned to the topic for the day - Man's Heritage. We had interesting discussions on the topic, non-attachment.

One participant shared that detachment or not being attached to results, come with time and experience. In the earlier years of one's profession, one gets attached to the outcome of one's efforts in an endeavor. However with time and experience comes the understanding that there are many things beyond one's control that are at play in determining the outcome, and gradually one learns to become detached from the outcome. We recalled the famous message of Gita in chapter 2:  "karmaNyeva adhikaaraste maa phaleShu kadaachana", which means you have the right to perform the prescribed action, but are not entitled to the fruits of the action.

Few of us wondered why have children and then be caught in attachment, or get married and be attached, or get attached to pets, etc. The external world entices us time and again with glittering promises of joy and pleasure, which are temporary. It seems that the majority of us get trapped or attached to a point where we lose our balance and discrimination.  To that problem, we also discussed that in order to truly aspire for self-realization and eternal happiness, one must experience the pangs of attachment, sorrow, first-hand. Understanding the problem is critical and essential in developing a burning desire to seek for a permanent solution. 

How does one attain the state of detachment amidst all the turbulence that exists in the world? The larger question is, when confronted with challenges how do we know what the right course of action is, or, the right direction is?

"The scriptures, like a true compass, always indicate the right direction." - Kindle Life

But someone might ask why should one trust the scriptures. Where do they draw their authority from? The scriptures are based on the collective experience and wisdom of the ancient masters (Rishi-s) and have stood the test of time. However, it is when one studies and understands the scriptures that one will have the wisdom to appreciate it and practice it, rather than follow by blind faith. On a lighter note, in contrast, it only takes an average of 12 years for a drug to travel from research lab to the patient. We attribute enough rigor to that approval process to be able to try the medication on oneself and fellow humans. 

With that we concluded the topic of Man's Heritage.

- Summarized by
Karthik Ramakrishnan

Sep 29, 2013 - Art of Right Contact

Hari OM. 
The second topic that was covered was the Art of Right Contact!

This topic discusses about the challenges that we face in life, and how they are valuable lessons that shape and define our personality. Though challenges are very difficult to face, when one analyzes the experience later, it usually turns out that the challenge forced one to face and adapt to the situation, and left one more mature, more experienced :)

We discussed about how failure in-fact is a great teacher. Each failure takes you a step closer to the goal. We related to these quotes: 

I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.”― Thomas A. Edison

Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.― Mahatma Gandhi

Quite a few in the group came up with insights from their own experiences about the time when they decided that the continuous quest of wanting to achieve certain things in life was in conflict with their inner selves. After considerable thought they came to a conclusion on what would lead to a more harmonious existence for themselves.

 Thus the art of right contact appears to lie in “our dexterity in facing up to challenges” rather than in the myriad problems that one confronts as part of our existence. 

Here is an excerpt from Kindle Life:
"A rough surface is as a rule essential for sharpening any dull instrument. When one knows the art of applying the tool to the grindstone, it is the roughness of the stone that alone sharpens the tool. So too, in life, when we understand the "Art of establishing Right Contact", with the world, we chasten and edify our subjective personality. The evils of the world, therefore, are not great problems and impediments, but man's lack of dexterity in facing the challenges confronting him, is the real problem."

GuruDev concludes the chapter by saying “Let us develop a sense of gratitude to the Lord by focusing our attention on what we have, which a good many less fortunate have not, and are yearning for.”

How does one learn or develop the Art of Right Contact, or, this dexterity?

We discussed about learning from the experience of others who have gone through similar challenges. We debated the pros and cons of this approach. The time and place we live in sometimes calls for a different strategy, our background might not be exactly the same as the person whose experience we are referring to, etc. Nevertheless, it is not wise to say I will not learn from any one, and I will learn it on my own accord, even if it is the hard way.

Here is where Vedas and Vedanta in particular, comes to our rescue. However it is absolutely critical that we truly understand the philosophy explained in the vedanta, and then apply in our day-to-day lives and practice with conviction and commitment.  

With that we concluded our session.

Summarized by:

- Karthik Ramakrishnan & Anjana

Preparation for the next class:

Reading Assignment: Pages 7 - 15 in Kindle Life

Reflection Questions:  What is your definition of Happiness?

Daily introspection: What made you happy, what made you unhappy?

Looks like few of our study group members are familiar with Adi Shankaracarya's Bhaja Govindam and the wisdom it has to offer. 

Looking forward to an exciting discussion in our next session on October 6, 2013
- Anjana

Sep 29, 2013 - Freedom

Hari OM. 

After our first short session on Sep 22, 2013, members of the Kindle Life study group reconvened today, inspired to be inquisitive and introspective. We started our session offering salutations to Ganesha and our Gurus. We had few new friends joining us today in our learning pursuit. 

Our first discussion was on Freedom!
Given the freedom to read 9 pages from the book, Kindle Life, and reflect upon it for today's session, few of us had in fact chosen to read the words of GuruDev. Well, that is the spirit of this group! Quite Exemplary!

We talked about why Freedom is so crucial to a human being: Freedom of Speech, Freedom of expression, etc. When not given the freedom to act according to one's will, one rebels and fights for one's freedom, at any cost! We see this time and again in kids, teenagers, adults, communities and nations. Having recognized that we are free spirits, we then reflected upon the other extreme: freedom abused. We discussed the meaning of the word License, as used in this chapter, to describe freedom that is exercised without regard or concern for others, and, rules laid out for harmonious existence.

Few of us, in the shoes of parents, discussed how it is necessary to give freedom to our kids but also ensure that it does not hurt or harm them. While freedom is denied, some succumb to the authority, while others do not. Based on some of our own experiences, we reflected that when you are given the freedom to make your choices and decisions, you are committed to the decision or action and you hold yourself fully responsible for the outcome.

One of the members, read aloud the example provided in the book, an instance of overeating a sweet, which is detrimental to one's health.

Being aware of the risk and responsibility that freedom comes with, and having the discipline and self-restraint to not abuse one's freedom is the real challenge we face in our everyday lives.

Our religious textbooks, or scriptures, serve the same purpose to us: humans, as manuals supplied with a machine for its efficient use. 

"Man is given the liberty, either to eke out the maximum happiness for him by following these instructions and harnessing his equipment, or to disregard them, inviting sorrow and suffering for himself." - Page# 3

With that we concluded our discussion on Freedom. The following quote summarizes this essence beautifully:

We then moved on to our next topic of discussion: Art of Right Contact.

Summarized by,
 Anjana