The Path of Spiritual Life through viveka and sraddha

Swamiji emphasizes that a seeker must have a strong and deep sense of discrimination which should be sharp, sublime and holy. The seeker must focus on the transitory nature of the world, which includes our body. The body, mind, intelligence, and ego are all objects, constantly changing. A seeker must apply Viveka, knowing the difference between the transitory and the ever-lasting.

All the changes in the objective world have a changeless substratum, which is denoted by the term ‘I’. The 3 states -wakefulness, dream and sleep remind us of the ‘I’ that is in and through all of them.

The sadhana is to apply Viveka to discover the changeless substratum behind the fleeting and the changeful world. A seeker can make discovery only when he has Shraddha or assiduous attention. Primarily, it is the role of viveka. Secondly, it is the role of attention, śraddhā, the assiduous application of the mind, intelligence, and ego to unravel the mystery of this ‘I’, to arrive at the substratum, which always shines with its own sovereign brilliance. For this, it is necessary to go to a Sadguru, receive his instructions with complete faith, fondness and resolve. Assiduous application of his words will help us realise and experience the Truth.

PR 28 Jun 2011