Hari Om!
Today was an interesting day! We had standing room only but no one had the book.
Since we had a huge influx of new people , I gave a slightly abridged introduction to Adi Shankara and Bhaja Govindam for the benefit of the newcomers. I also went over the meaning of the first verse which is the opening verse and more like a refrain that is repeated after each verse.
We then read and discussed the meaning of verse 2. I explained the 2 motivations for all human endeavors according to Vedanta as Dukha Nivritti and Sukha prapti. We saw how these two categories could neatly encompass all the other motivations listed by the various members such as fame, love, money, power, etc.
We talked about how Shankara is not opposed to the notion of wealth but our profound attachment to and greed for wealth. We discussed at length the meaning of attachment and love and dispassion.
The remedy offered here to to contemplate on the "Reality" of life free from all passions. I explained how most of us are not that seeker that Shankara talks about. We don't have that burning desire for liberation - mumukshutvam. In our case, we must find ways to uplift our goals to serve a higher purpose, a nobler mission and work towards a higher desire. I explained the BMI and how we are P, F and T at the various levels.We saw how desires progress from B to M to I level and the difference it makes to the outcome. Finally we all have to transcend the desires of the body, mind and intellect and realize that we are spirits and only then we reach the level of dispassion Shankara is talking about.
The verse also talks about karma yoga and the notion of "prasada buddhi" where we cultivate contentment and are grateful for all that we have. We had a lengthy discussion about how Vedanta is not opposed to progress and invention but gives us the tools to live life intelligently.
Until next week,
Hari Om!
Today was an interesting day! We had standing room only but no one had the book.
Since we had a huge influx of new people , I gave a slightly abridged introduction to Adi Shankara and Bhaja Govindam for the benefit of the newcomers. I also went over the meaning of the first verse which is the opening verse and more like a refrain that is repeated after each verse.
We then read and discussed the meaning of verse 2. I explained the 2 motivations for all human endeavors according to Vedanta as Dukha Nivritti and Sukha prapti. We saw how these two categories could neatly encompass all the other motivations listed by the various members such as fame, love, money, power, etc.
We talked about how Shankara is not opposed to the notion of wealth but our profound attachment to and greed for wealth. We discussed at length the meaning of attachment and love and dispassion.
The remedy offered here to to contemplate on the "Reality" of life free from all passions. I explained how most of us are not that seeker that Shankara talks about. We don't have that burning desire for liberation - mumukshutvam. In our case, we must find ways to uplift our goals to serve a higher purpose, a nobler mission and work towards a higher desire. I explained the BMI and how we are P, F and T at the various levels.We saw how desires progress from B to M to I level and the difference it makes to the outcome. Finally we all have to transcend the desires of the body, mind and intellect and realize that we are spirits and only then we reach the level of dispassion Shankara is talking about.
The verse also talks about karma yoga and the notion of "prasada buddhi" where we cultivate contentment and are grateful for all that we have. We had a lengthy discussion about how Vedanta is not opposed to progress and invention but gives us the tools to live life intelligently.
Until next week,
Hari Om!
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