Spiritual texts and those who have attained Self-realization (Jivanmukta) reiterate untiringly that man’s ignorance is the root of his bondage. This can be likened to a parent teaching his child a lesson any number of times with patience till it learns. It is out of concern that both the Jivanmukta and the parent take such pains to repeat what may seem so simple and obvious repeatedly. A Jivanmukta’s compassion for the suffering humanity is boundless and hence he guides those who seek his guidance by explaining in ways each seeker can understand that ignorance about the true nature of the Self (Atman) is the cause of his sorrows.
In his discourse, Sri P.M.Vijayaraghava Sastrigal said as it was difficult to undertake austerities like yoga intensively in this age, a spiritual aspirant should follow the recommended practices in daily life to the extent possible. Like the tortoise which won the race by overtaking the hare in the oft-related story, which highlights THE IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINED EFFORT, a seeker of liberation has to WORK TOWARDS IT STEADILY THROUGHOUT HIS LIFE. Even if success may come only after several lives, each step taken towards the goal will take him steadily towards liberation and so he must strive relentlessly without resorting to quick-fix solutions. It is important to remind oneself that no effort in this direction is in vain.
One desirous of liberation must also know the impediments to spiritual progress. There are so many distractions that if one fails to check them it is very easy to stray from the spiritual path without one’s realization. Broadly, everything that is non-Self (Anatma) is considered detrimental to the goal of liberation and one must know how to overcome them.
It is essential to be patient also because it is a continuous process requiring alertness in life situations. Besides, the effect of one’s past Karma will also cause obstacles which one must be cautious of. This can be in the form of latent tendencies in the mind which will impel one to act in ways that are detrimental to spiritual progress.
It is also necessary to remind oneself constantly that one is responsible for one’s situation in life.
Courtesy: The Hindu, Madurai, February 6, 2008 (Religion)
In his discourse, Sri P.M.Vijayaraghava Sastrigal said as it was difficult to undertake austerities like yoga intensively in this age, a spiritual aspirant should follow the recommended practices in daily life to the extent possible. Like the tortoise which won the race by overtaking the hare in the oft-related story, which highlights THE IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINED EFFORT, a seeker of liberation has to WORK TOWARDS IT STEADILY THROUGHOUT HIS LIFE. Even if success may come only after several lives, each step taken towards the goal will take him steadily towards liberation and so he must strive relentlessly without resorting to quick-fix solutions. It is important to remind oneself that no effort in this direction is in vain.
One desirous of liberation must also know the impediments to spiritual progress. There are so many distractions that if one fails to check them it is very easy to stray from the spiritual path without one’s realization. Broadly, everything that is non-Self (Anatma) is considered detrimental to the goal of liberation and one must know how to overcome them.
It is essential to be patient also because it is a continuous process requiring alertness in life situations. Besides, the effect of one’s past Karma will also cause obstacles which one must be cautious of. This can be in the form of latent tendencies in the mind which will impel one to act in ways that are detrimental to spiritual progress.
It is also necessary to remind oneself constantly that one is responsible for one’s situation in life.
Courtesy: The Hindu, Madurai, February 6, 2008 (Religion)
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