Definition
Enlightenment means obtaining the Knowledge of the Self and the understanding of Reality and the Blissful state one attains as a result.
Enlightenment means obtaining the Knowledge of the Self and the understanding of Reality and the Blissful state one attains as a result.
This Liberation involves the triad of Knowledge, Dispassion and Inaction.
Knowledge means understanding the Self and the nature of Reality.
Dispassion means unattached to the world and desire for things.
Inaction means letting go of the ownership of action.
Of the three, Knowledge is Primary.
All the three are interrelated. each helps the attainment of the others. as each of them strengthens in an iterative manner, Enlightenment 'happens'. When all the three are attained, life becomes Joyful.
The Process
The process involves a systematic Study of the scriptures under the guidance of an Enlightened Master.
Traditional texts have their source in the Vedas. The Vedas deal with the aspect of Knowledge towards the later portions and they are known as Upanishads.
Based on the Upanishads, several texts have been written with the intent of taking an aspirant towards Knowledge. The significance of these texts lie in their elaboration and examples based on context, that aids in understanding the original texts.
Note: Contrary to popular belief, no knowledge of any ancient language is necessary to understand the Truth. Various languages evolved over periods of time and place and the holy scriptures were recorded in the language of the times accordingly. As time passed they were elaborated, commented upon and translated into several languages, resulting them being available in a language of our choice. Listening to the verses in the "original" language sets the tone and mood, but its the content and contemplation of the meaning that will result in the Knowledge. My study of this beautiful subject happened entirely in English and Tamil.
Primary Texts
The following three texts are of utmost importance, and they have been elaborated by Shri Raja Subramaniyan, with extensive references from the scriptures and presented in a contemporary context. These are timeless scriptures with numerous translations and elaborations by various masters over the centuries. Any version can be used as long as it strikes a chord with the individual.
1. The Bhagavad Gita
Initiation into the study is through this wonderful treatise.
A deeper study follows with the following texts.
An intermediate text, prescribed for several centuries, a condensed work which draws heavily from the Upanishads, and other earlier works, this book leads the aspirant into the inquiry and introspection phases of the study. Most easily accessible , yet most comprehensive and complete is the text by Raja Subramaniyan. This again is to be studied under a Guru. The innumerable questions has to be answered then and there if the study has to continue at a brisk pace.
3. Brahmasutra
This is a lovely text of a little advanced order.
Nevertheless since its the same subject matter we are talking about, its not difficult to understand, provided it is done under the guidance of a Guru. Yet another gem by Raja Subramaniyan, is his work based on Brahmasutra.
Nevertheless since its the same subject matter we are talking about, its not difficult to understand, provided it is done under the guidance of a Guru. Yet another gem by Raja Subramaniyan, is his work based on Brahmasutra.
Paramarahasyam (In Tamil)
Not being enlightened is like a disease. It needs to be cured.Its a process. No magic pill, but there are cures. One must seek, identify, and get treated with the help of a Guru. Guru literally means one who removes darkness. The texts mentioned above studied intensely under a Guru will lead to enlightenment. Not necessarily several years or births, but normally in two years.
Note: After the Initiation into the study through the Bhagavad Gita, before embarking on the deeper pursuit towards Knowledge, the following primers will help set the stage.
(i) Jeeva Yatra
Suplimentary Texts
Enlightenment is getting Knowledge. The Primary objective. This will result in Blissful life. However any remaining impurities may intermittently break the bliss and will need some effort to be removed. Meditation on AUM is prescribed to remove the impurities. Also sometimes the Knowledge might not have got strong hold and may need to be looked at from slightly different view points. Some supplementary texts also aid in that final process.
1. Ashtavakra Samhita
1. Ashtavakra Samhita
2. Upadesa Sahasri
3. Vivekachoodamani
4. Ribhu Gita
5. Yoga Vasishta6. Avadhuta Gita
7. The Upanishads
8. Talks with Ramana Maharshi
9. Be As You Are
Chanting
Reading, listening, understanding, questioning, are all part of the process of winning over the intellect. The mind on the other hand has to be coaxed and cajoled. Listening to scriptures over a period of time helps in quietening the mind and winning it over too. A few invaluable such scriptures are listed below. It is best to listen in a language one understands. Sometimes a language such as Sanskrit adds to the mystic feel even if one does not understand word for word but clear of the concepts.
Ribhu Gita - Finest set of slokas for Niddhidyasana. In Tamil
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