True Success Is In Diving Deep Within!
By H H Maa Purnananda
“Machchittah Sarvdurgaani Matprasaadaattarishyasi; Atha Chettvamahankaaraat Na
Shroshyasi Vinankshyasi.”– (Sreemad Bhagawad Geeta – 18/58)
At times, man listens to God, Guru, Shaastra-s or parents out of fear; seldom does he listen
otherwise! Difficult to understand this psychology indeed! Why doesn’t he just listen? Just
listen due to reverence? Why not due to faith and devotion? Why not due to respect and
love?
Surely, it is well-known to Bhagwaan and Sree Guru Parampara that the goad and whip
(Totravetraika), a word of caution (Savdhan), or even a warning (Atha Chet Na Shroshyasi
Vinankshyasi) would keep our cattle-like mind on the right track and would make us listen to
the Divine Advice unfailingly and doubtlessly.
Rare and fortunate are those who have unswerving faith and deep devotion in God, Guru
and Shaastra-s. For such a devout, it is not difficult to be single-pointedly devoted to Their
Lotus-feet. To him, as in the given Shlok, Bhagwaan assures that by His Blessings, he would
cross over the toughest obstacles that would come on the way while pursuing the Sacred
Path. And in the same breath, Bhagwaan warns that if the devotee would not listen to His
Sacred Advice due to his ego, then he will perish!
So not due to any kind of fear or ignorance that the great devotee listens to God’s advice,
but being completely surrendered at His Holy-feet, the great devotee listens fearlessly and
carefully imbibes and implements every Sacred Word-of-Wisdom in life.
The Saints and Seers have indicated in different ways that “true success” of human life is in
rediscovering the Divine Essence within. This Divinity is incomprehensible, it is beyond
intellectual cognition. It is beyond perception and feelings of the limitations of senses and
mind. Hence, the Shaatra-s are the best guide for achieving “true success” in life. Seeking
humble refuge, when the sincere seeker would have approached the Rishi, the Rishi, in
those days would have guided such a devout seeker on the Sacred Path, with all kindness,
affection and capability. The compilation of such great conversations and sacred discussions
are what we know as Shaastra-s, the Holy Scriptures.
The Shaastra-s guide us throughout the journey of life and beyond. No stone is left
unturned in the Shaastra-s about every aspect of existence, whether gross or subtle,
whether secular or sacred, whether ephemeral or Eternal. Since the “true success” of life is
in cognition of the Divine Consciousness within, one has to therefore dive deep within.
Practice of “Mounam” (mental quietude) is one of the foremost requirements for learning
form the Shaastra-s. A calm and quiet mind is desirable for being introverted. Equipoise of
mind and unflinching faith in the Supreme are important for refraining from getting
drowned in Mrityu-sansaar-saagar (the ocean-of-transient mortality). The external
experiences are gained in the Light of the Divinity within. Therefore, rather than running
after the perishable matter, it is advisable to strive hard to dive deep within, in the Ocean-
of-Immortality, and you won’t even drown! Dive deep within and find the very Light that
makes us experience all, and thereafter, let the Supreme Self, the very Source of that Light,
reveal Itself!
At the dawn of the year 2026, join us for Sree Vishnu Sahastranaam Homam, to seek the blessings
of Sree Ishwar and Sree Guru Parampara on 1 st January, 11.00 am onwards at SISS, Noida.