Individual Existence to Eternal Existence
(By understanding the right import of ‘Sammaan, Apamaan, Abhimaan, Swabhimaan’)
Shikha Tulshan
Chh. Sambhaji Nagar
Hari Aum!
Humble Pranaam at the Holy Feet of Guru Maa,
Humble Pranaam to Chaitanya ji.
‘Sammaan, Apamaan, Abhimaan, Swabhimaan’ - Day after day, year after year i keep running away from apamaan and keep chasing sammaan, that eventually develops into abhimaan; resultant - I keep coming back life after life to play the same game repeatedly again!
Is this what human life is meant for?
Sree Adi Shankaracharya ji, through the inspiring verses of Moha Mudgar urges every human to go beyond the conditionings due to the attributes above, so that at the appointed hour, we hold the name of Lord alone. This was aptly reminded to all the participants of the Online Call-Talk through the beautiful invocation prayer of the same.
Every life has an urge to exist. As per Vedaant philosophy this is because of the underlying Eternal Existence, which is the ‘Sat’ aspect of ‘Sadchidanand’. Every existence in its true essence is Sadchidanand and in search of Sat, beings desire to exist. Hence it becomes very important to understand the above 4 attributes of ‘Sammaan, Apamaan, Abhimaan, Swabhimaan’ for a harmonious co-existence.
Keeping in mind the above reality, honoring every one’s existence is sammaan. But when the duality of mind comes into play, we end up overtly honoring only few, that automatically means apamaan of others around us. And both lead to abhimaan, because the ego is either boosted or is hurt. Most of the time we remain entangled in this trio - the play of ego, with little time left to think about swabhimaan.
Our Scriptures tell us that the Essential Existence ‘Aham’ - the ‘Absolute Reality’, when influenced by Gunas gives rise to ‘Aham Vritti’ – the first thought, which on further grossification develops ‘Ahankaar’. When ahankaar is imposed on others, then we become ‘Ahankaari’. This inflicts pain in not only our physical bodies as vyaadhi, but also at the mental level as shad vikaars of kaam, krodh, lobh, moh, madh matsarya, causing the heat and disturbance within.
By introspection, meditation and living in swabhimaan this can be eliminated. Humans are the crowning glory of Creation. What should be my conduct, my character in the world? Am I holding myself to the dignity of the knowledge gained – both Sacred and Secular – should be the pointers in my thought process, along with supportive practices like not being arrogant of my status and possessions, not being rigid in my thinking while interacting with others. Take others’ viewpoint, honor them, but not deviate from my higher ideals, be calm and equipoised and not feel insulted etc. This will be possible if my focus is on Eternal Existence. Then everything will automatically co-exist harmoniously, and I will find myself honoring every being as they are, be it a stone, a tree, a human or any other. This will give me true happiness and lead me to ‘Amaanitwam’ which is beyond these four!
Amaanitwam is a quality very dear to Lord. To practice Amaanitwam, Lord Sree Krishna ji enumerates certain virtues to be inculcated (Sreemad Bhagawad Geeta - chapter 13, Verses 7 to 11) – Non injury, Uprightness, Forgiveness, Service to Teacher, Purity in intent, Cleanliness in thought, word and deed, Steadfastness, Self-control, Non attachment to family but diligently perform our duties in our respective fields, complete Focus on union with the Divine without deviating even for a second, Study with complete sincerity and regularity will all help me stay without any ‘maan’ which will ultimately take me to True Knowledge.
This is the purpose of my human life – to discover my Eternal Existence!
Can this happen without Sree Guru’s guidance?
My humble prayers, may I always be worthy of receiving the infinite grace and love of Sree Guru Parampara and serve Them till the last breath.
Pranaam at the Holy Feet,
Hari Aum!