Summary:

Session 5 completes the meaning of “apyāyāntu mamāngāni” prayer from Chāndogya Upaniṣad.

It discusses 4 distortions all humans are subject to. All serious spiritual aspirants are advised to consistently nurture them before and during pursuit of “sarvam brahma” (recognizing all that is here is Brahman).

TOPICS COVERED:

• The result of “Enlightenment sickness” in Spiritual marketplace. Consequence of incomplete Self-Knowledge or premature conclusion of “I am the Whole“.
• 3 Kinds of Dharma's one needs to correctly follow/practice:
  1. samanya dharma:
     • Universal ethical values. Avoid hurting wherever possible. Display kindness, empathy and patience with everyone, including yourself, whenever situationally appropriate.
       
  2. svadharm:
     • Personal/individual duties. These duties change each day. So our daily svadharma changes, although aspects of our svadharma may extend for years.
       • EG: Help the sick family member, earn income, study the scriptures, attain a degree, take care of mental/physical health, pursue moksha.
         
  3. loka-sangraha:
     • Uplift or contribute to your circle of influence, according to your capacity. If it feels like a strain/chore, you're overdoing it.
       

• Why cheating/lying/manipulating/unforgiving/grievances always leads to your EVENTUAL LOSS. (Prevents happiness, Mokṣa)
• Reason why humans cheat/lie/manipulate – despite knowing/feeling it's NOT right. (rāga-dveṣa or likes-dislikes)
• Two forces in Universe that always ensure a loss for any unethical/immoral behavior. (dṛṣta-phalam, adṛṣta-phalam)
• How to know what one's duties/responsibilities are in every moment.
• For pursuit of Moksha – change of attitude from “Me” to “Us” is helpful: loka-sangraha
• Emotional Management: 4 ways to manage suppressed, stagnating emotions.
• Cause for our Inferiority-complex. (Not feeling good enough, inadequate, small, unimportant, not valued, etc)
• Conclusions about (1) World and (2) People – shift from narrow minded view TO broad minded view – is an attribute of a wise person.

Lines covered are:

• mā mā brahma nirākarot
• anirākaraṇam astu anirākaraṇam me astu
• tat ātmani nirate yaḥ upaniṣatsu dharmāḥ te mayi santu

—

At end (1:19:42h), we have a spontaneous FAQ on Self.

Download visual mind map of this session.

29 May 2018