The Journey of Self-Improvement
Pradeep Unnikrishnan
London
Sree Ganesh Chaturthi has just concluded, marking the beginning of significant periods in the Hindu calendar. Immediately following now is Pitri Paksha, and then Navraatri and the Dushehra. Each of these has specific importance. Pitri Paksha for Correction, Navaratri for Redirection, and Dushehra for Reinforcement. These observances are more than rituals; they offer a profound insight into the continuous journey of Self-improvement and Spiritual growth that each individual should undertake.
Pitri Paksha, the fortnight dedicated to honouring our ancestors, sets the stage for personal correction. Just as we corrected our school test papers, we must introspect and identify what is amiss within us. Our lives should not be marred by inconsistent choices or actions. The ancient sages recognized this need for correction and established a curriculum—the Shastras—to guide and discipline us. Shastras not only offer guidance but also act as a means of correction, ensuring we follow the right path.
In our lives, we sometimes exhibit traits like Duryodhana, failing to acknowledge our faults. However, wisdom encourages us to be more like Arjun, willing to correct our ways and strive for inner peace and happiness. Pitri Paksha rituals and practices help us remember and correct the deeds and traits of our ancestors, guiding us to a better path.
Following Pitri Paksha, we enter Navraatri, a celebration devoted to redirecting our minds and actions towards Righteousness. Just as in our school days, where we steered our thoughts to answer questions accurately, Navraatri is an opportunity to focus our minds on the divine. The teachings of Sreemad Bhagavad Gita guide us to redirect our minds in the right direction, just like a teacher guides a student towards the correct answers.
Navaratri, dedicated to the three aspects of Knowledge, Wealth, and Dissolution, reminds us of the pervasive and infinite nature of both Brahman and Prakriti. By redirecting our minds towards the Divine, we can overcome ignorance and find peace.
Lastly, Dushehra, the festival symbolizing the victory of good over evil, reinforces the need for a steady intellect. Reinforcing our values and steadfastness in righteousness is key. Reinforcement is vital to ensure we remain on the right path, upholding the teachings of our traditions and scriptures.
Each chapter and verse of Bhagavat Gita has teachings to offer.
The very first verse of Sreemad Bhagavat Gita is as follows,
Dhṛitarāśhtra uvācha
dharma-kṣhetre kuru-kṣhetre samavetā yuyutsavaḥ,
māmakāḥ pāṇḍavāśhchaiva kimakurvata sañjaya. (1.1)
In the verse, King Dhritarashtra inquires about the events unfolding at Kurukshetra. However, he is not merely seeking information; rather, he is revealing a deeper aspect of human nature—possessiveness and reluctance to confront what is right.
Dhritarashtra's question exemplifies possessiveness, a tendency to prioritize personal interests over what is righteous. Even when aware of the right path, one may choose favouritism, driven by possessiveness. This theme is a powerful commentary on the human struggle between self-interest and adhering to moral principles.
The conversation extends beyond the question, highlighting the need for active and passive self-correction. Arjuna, the warrior prince, grapples with accepting his Dharma, signifying the first step of active correction. He seeks guidance, acknowledging his confusion and understanding the necessity of correcting himself.
Passive correction, on the other hand, is portrayed through Arjuna's initial hesitation on the battlefield. He contemplates the consequences of war, reflecting the passive response of withdrawing from confronting what needs correction. This struggle mirrors our tendency to be passive when facing moral dilemmas, ultimately hindering growth and perpetuating incorrect actions. These are aptly mentioned in the below verses.
aho bata mahatpāpaṁ kartuṁ vyavasitā vayam,
yad rājya-sukha-lobhena hantuṁ sva-janamudyatāḥ. (1.45)
yadi mām apratīkāram aśhastraṁ śhastra-pāṇayaḥ,
dhārtarāṣhṭrā raṇe hanyustanme kṣhemataraṁ bhavet. (1.46)
Following Pitri Paksha is Navaratri, a nine-night celebration dedicated to worshipping Devi, the Divine Mother. These nine nights symbolize the profound significance of the number nine—a paradoxical blend of the least and the most, representing existence and non-existence. Just as Brahman is all-pervasive, Prakriti, the primal force, is also omnipresent.
The transition to Navaratri signifies the journey of self-correction, where the worship of Devi aligns with the need to calm the mind and progress towards Righteousness. This mirrors the art of redirecting oneself and finding solace in the divine—analogous to the process of Self-correction and liberation from possessiveness.
On the ninth day of Navaratri, symbolic of the ninth night, one focuses on steadying the intellect. In Sreemad Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavan emphasizes the importance of intellectual steadiness, guiding individuals to differentiate between right and wrong amidst the mind's fluctuations. This steadiness is crucial in uplifting oneself and staying true to one's inherent righteousness.
manmanā bhava mad-bhakto madyājī māṁ namaskuru,
mām evaiṣhyasi yukt-vaivam ātmānaṁ mat-parāyaṇaḥ. (9.34)
Bhagawan says fix your mind on Me, be devoted to Me, sacrifice unto Me, bow down to Me with Me your whole self, taking Me as the supreme goal you shall never deviate from Me and therefore you will come unto Me.
Bhagavan emphasizes the necessity of a steady intellectual understanding. Despite the mind's deceptive nature, one's intellect must remain resolute in distinguishing between right and wrong. Verse 5 of the 6th chapter of the Sreemad Bhagavad Gita, a crucial verse to absorb before delving into Bhakti Yoga and Jnana Yoga, reinforcing the inner faculties of the mind (Antahkarana).
uddhared ātmanātmānaṁ nātmānam avasādayet,
ātmaiva hy ātmano bandhur ātmaiva ripur ātmanaḥ. (6.05)
This verse underscores the importance of Self-elevation and Self-awareness. It urges us not to undermine ourselves but rather uplift our being, for our own Atman can be both a friend and an enemy. We become our own enemy when ensnared by ego (I-ness) and possessiveness (my-ness). Conversely, we become our own friend when we embrace the wisdom of the Shastra and align ourselves with Righteous principles.
The verse illuminates that the True essence of Righteousness resides within us. However, it may be veiled by delusions and misconceptions. By immersing ourselves in the higher thoughts and teachings found in the Shastras, we can establish a steadfast wisdom. This wisdom safeguards us from straying away from our true selves and crossing ethical boundaries.
This profound wisdom encapsulated in Sreemad Bhagavad Gita is a celebration of Dushehra —an occasion to relinquish our ego and let the wisdom from our Gurus, the Scriptures, and the Divine prevail. It signifies the victory of Righteousness over possessiveness. The essence of this wisdom is a culmination of practices like Pitri Paksha and Navraatri, leading to the auspicious day of Dushehra. As these sacred days approach, let us renew our commitment to uplift our lower selves with the guidance of our higher selves. May this journey towards Self-realization bring prosperity and harmony to our families, both immediate and extended.
I humbly seek forgiveness for any mistakes I may have made, driven by the weaknesses of my lower nature.
My sincere and reverent Pranaam at the Holy feet of Maa ji.
Hari Aum!