Sadachara

    We are by nature infinite and complete. Not knowing that, we consider ourselves to be the finite body. We therefore always feel a sense of incompleteness (apurno'ham), discontentment, a desire to become fulfilled. We try to fill this void by sense gratification or by making others happy. When we enjoy the desired object, there arises a feeling ---

'enough' (alam buddhi) as we are temporarily satisfied (trypto'ham). Since the objects, our senses and their capacities are finite, our joy too is finite and therefore after a short spell of satisfaction we again feel discontent. Also our joy is dependent on various factors like the the availability of the object, condition of the mind and senses, the whims and fancies of others and other external factors. Thus as long as we seek fulfillment in worldly pursuits, we will never find lasting satisfaction.

   What actually happens when one feels satisfied? We find that the senses and the mind become quiet and their craving stops. This state where there is no more desire is what we call satisfaction. Adi Shankaracharya advices the seeker to withdraw the senses from their normal extrovertedness  (avrtta caksuh). The senses get their power through the backing of the mind. When the mind does not pay attention or brood over what is seen, heard, etc. the senses automatically become defunct and quiet. The mind's attention should then be turned  to itself (manasa mana alokya), towards its own source. In this process the thoughts cease and the Self which illumines the mind, shines forth (svayam atma prakasate). In this state, the mind and senses are completely quietened and there is the experience, 'I am infinite Bliss (anando'ham)', 'I am full and complete (purno'ham)', 'I have done what I need to do (krtakrtyo'ham) and attained what I wanted (prapaniyam prapto'ham)'.  This is the experience of total satisfaction without any desires (nirankuso tarpana). His actions thereafter are never desire-prompted or selfish but spring from true fulfillment and are therefore a blessing to mankind.

   "True knowledge is that which quietens the senses (tad jnanam prasamakaram yad indriyanam)." We spend a large part of our life only in thrilling the mind and entertaining the senses. However, meditation is to withdraw them from extrovert pursuits and see (the Self) without the eye and hear (the Self) without ears. Even its practice gives great peace, then what to speak of its culmination in Realisation!

Om. Swamini Vimalananda.

Will continue.