A Journey of Learning – at Guru Maa’s Feet!
Prabhav
Chh. Sambhaji Nagar (Maharashtra)
The study circle members of CSN were blessed with Maa’s visit at the end of February. Every visit of Maa ji is a blissful experience for us seekers - full of learning and contemplation. And it was with this one also.
Over this visit, Mata explained two very important subjects. In the morning, we took up Narayan Sooktam and, in the evening, Chapter 14 of Sreemad Bhagawad Geeta - Gunatraya Vibhaag Yog.
Some of the key learnings, as per my humble understanding are,
Sree Narayan Sooktam
⁃ Narayan Sooktam is a Yajur Ved Sooktam
⁃ Sooktam – Su-Uttam, translating into “very well said”.
⁃ One should not look down while saying the Sooktam. Head must be held straight.
⁃ The pronunciation and the method of saying a Sooktam - udaat, anudaat etc are very important. The entire power of the Sooktam is lost if not done correctly.
⁃ Mantras and Sooktams have their own power! Even if one doesn’t know the meaning it doesn’t matter. Their potency lies in having said it well. No doubt, knowing it will enhance the effect multifold!
⁃ Sooktam doesn’t refer to any particular Deity, or is not attributed to any particular God! One should not get caught with any particular form or image in their minds.
Mata then patiently explained the significance of each word.
We had chanted this Sooktam several times earlier but did not know the deeper meaning of it. Mataji’s detailed breakdown and explanation came like a revelation to us. It has forever changed the way we now chant it and the thoughts that unfold in our minds during the chanting.
Sreemad Bhagawad Geeta, Chapter 14 - Gunatraya Vibhaag Yog
⁃ The varna that I am born into - that is my Swadharm. With this I must aspire to attain my actual Swadharm - Satchidanand Swaroop!
⁃ Matter (Prakriti) by itself is inert. It is only when it is vitalized by Spirit (Aatm) that the light of Awareness comes to play in it.
⁃ Aatma is Nirguna. The moment It associates with matter, it assumes the Gunas of matter. Thus associated, it gives rise to jeevatma (individual ego sense). This jeevatma is then bound by the three Guna-s
⁃ Sattva Guna also binds - it binds by attachment to happiness and knowledge
⁃ Rajas binds us by attachment to action.
⁃ Tamas (born out of ignorance) binds us to procrastination, laziness and excess sleep.
⁃ These Guna-s act at different times, one being more predominant over the other.
⁃ We cannot see the Guna-s - only their effects. And effects can be seen only when the Guna-s surface. So, if you see the effects often - know that the Guna has taken place and is gaining strength! Be cautious!!
⁃ Matter and Spirit - make up the Srishti. He who knows that it is matter which is made up of the Guna-s and that the Spirit enlivens it - he is in Knowledge.
⁃ Do not attach your ahankaar with the Guna-s - instead attach it to the Aatm Tattva.
⁃ One needs to rise above the three Guna-s and therefore the three bodies – gross, subtle and causal.
Arjun then asks Bhagwaan three definite questions regarding the nature and behaviour of the one who has risen beyond his Guna-s. To each question Bhagwan replies appropriately:
Q. What are the marks (form / appearance) of him?
A. Even in the presence of Prakash (Sattva), Pravritti (Rajas) and Moh (Illusion) he doesn’t hate them. Nor does he long for them when they are absent - he is indifferent to them. Accordingly, he maintains sam-bhaav towards each and every one - whatever Guna they may have.
Q. What is his conduct? (Acharan)
A. He is unconcerned - Udaaseen. He does not get affected by the Guna-s because he knows that it is only a play of Guna-s.
He stays centered in himself - Avitishthati, not getting agitated by the changing circumstances around him. He maintains sambhaav - same in honour and dishonor, the same to friend and foe, same in pleasure and pain.
Q. How does he go beyond the three Guna-s?
A. He who serves me with unswerving devotion - Avyabhicharini Bhakti! He goes beyond the 3 Guna-s!
Association with Mata ji and Manish ji only invigorates and renews the sense of Spirituality, the very substratum without which nothing exists. My path becomes clear and my journey intensifies.
This association is valuable to me.
Always in service,
Pranaam!