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” (Permanent Self-Realization & Actualization as Advaita Vedanta teaches).

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