The Relevance of Being Irrelevant: A Vedantic Perspective
Pradeep Unnikrishnan
London (U.K)
Hari Aum!
July 10th this year, marks the most auspicious occasion of Sree Guru Purnima—a day dedicated to honoring the Spiritual teacher, the Guru, who illuminates the path of truth and wisdom. As a prelude to the sacred day, our revered Guru Maa ji graciously enlightened us on a deeply profound and challenging subject: "The Relevance of Being Irrelevant."
From the very beginning of our lives, we are guided by our parents to choose paths that ensure our relevance in society. Education, career, achievements, these form the benchmarks by which we measure our relevance to family, society, and the world at large.
However, when viewed from the lens of Vedantic philosophy, the entire framework changes. Vedant teaches that the goal of Spiritual pursuit is to transcend the world and its multiplicity. The ultimate realization in Vedant is "One without a second" (Ekam Eva Advitiyam), rendering the plurality of the world irrelevant. Hence, Vedantic Scriptures promote a practice of becoming irrelevant to the worldly framework in order to attain the highest Spiritual evolution.
Maa ji highlighted that Sreemad Bhagawad Geeta provides ample guidance on this subject. It emphasizes remaining indifferent to external circumstances, whether they be favorable or adverse. Indifference here doesn't mean apathy but a deep-seated poise that ensures- no situation disturbs one’s inner equilibrium. This is referred to as Udaseen—a term that beautifully captures the essence of equanimity. A mind in poise allows the intellect to function rationally, free from emotional upheaval.
Vedanta classifies mental tendencies into three Gunas or qualities: Sattva (purity), Rajas (activity and passion), and Tamas (inertia). While the world glorifies Rajas as the driving force behind achievement, Vedant regards Sattva as the foundation of true dynamism. Sattva does not merely denote calmness but a powerful internal dynamism that exceeds the chaotic energy of passion.
1. Two major obstacles on the Spiritual path are Ahankaar (ego or i-ness) and Mamatva (my-ness or possessiveness). The worldly mindset is steeped in these notions: "I must prove myself," "I must compete," "This is mine." These attitudes not only create internal turmoil but also disrupt harmony in relationships, even within families. Scriptures, however, extol the virtue of giving up ego and possessiveness.
The moment one lets go of these; peace enters the mind. Ego and possessiveness are the seeds of conflict, conditioning, and suffering. The ego clashes that arise even under one roof are evidence enough. Scriptures teach that true love cannot thrive in an environment of possessiveness. Letting go makes room for Spiritual growth, eventually benefiting not just the individual, but also their family and society.
2. Kshama or forgiveness is another virtue that seems irrelevant in worldly transactions but is of utmost significance on the Spiritual path. Kshama is a direct indicator of one's Spiritual maturity. The more one is able to forgive, the more knowledgeable and evolved one becomes. It is inertia (Tamas) that keeps one stuck in unforgiveness. The divine quality of Lord Sree Shiv (Kshamakaroti) resides in the ability to forgive. Thus, practicing forgiveness is of immense relevance to inner peace and Spiritual clarity. An individual who forgives remains unagitated and calm. Such a person becomes irrelevant to the world’s chaos, and in doing so, attains relevance of the highest order.
3. Anapeksha, or the state of non-expectation, is another hallmark of a mature Spiritual seeker. One does not expect anything, not even results from one’s own efforts. Every action is offered as a Yagnya (sacrifice) to Sree Ishwar. Performing duties without expectation frees one from the bondage of results and situates the seeker at the holy Feet of the Divine.
This mindset appears irrelevant in a world obsessed with outcomes, achievements, and applause. But from the standpoint of Vedant, this is the very attitude that grants liberation. All glory belongs to the Divine.
The mature seeker remains equanimous in praise (stuti) and condemnation (ninda). While external words can influence us, it is the response of our inner self that matters. Scriptures urge us not to be moved by either.
Maa ji emphasized the importance of daily Scriptural reading. This is crucial because the world reinforces opposite values. Reading Scriptures like Sreemad Bhagawad Geeta, Sree Ramcharitmanas, or Upanishads infuse the mind with clarity. Without this reinforcement, it is easy to fall prey to worldly notions of relevance.
The path of Vedant requires one to purify the mind from Rajas and Tamas, not just behave peacefully but to be peaceful within. This is the essence of authentic Spiritual practice. Objects and beings may come into our lives, but they must not possess us. Being able to let go is a mark of Spiritual strength. This is especially difficult with loved ones, such as children. Parents must be mindful not to suffocate children with possessiveness, which can create confusion and resentment.
Possessiveness of one's own thoughts is perhaps the most limiting. Such rigidity prevents any true transformation, even if one reads Scriptures countless times. The Scriptures constantly demand us to drop our personal views and adopt Divine insight. This, too, seems irrelevant in the modern world, yet it is the gateway to Spiritual elevation.
The journey of becoming socially irrelevant and spiritually relevant takes great courage. One may lose worldly smartness, face resistance, and feel isolated. But it is in this space of apparent irrelevance that the deepest growth occurs.
To sustain this, one must anchor in Guru kripa, regular Scriptural reading, and inner vigilance. To help us read further about these topics Maa ji mentioned that these points were taken largely from Chapter 12 of Sreemad Bhagawad Geeta, which highlight the qualities of a true devotee—qualities that render one irrelevant to the world but infinitely relevant in the eyes of the Divine.
"Relevance of Being Irrelevant" is a call to shift from worldly recognition to Divine alignment. It challenges the seeker to let go, to forgive, to remain equipoised, and to trust in the Divine process. In the space where the world forgets you, you may finally meet your ‘True Self’. That is the highest relevance one can achieve.
Offered at the Lotus feet of Maa ji with reverence and humble pranaam.
Hari Aum!