Digital Blackboard – June 11, 2008





 Siddharameshwar Maharaj speaking about the teaching tradition of the Saints.

 

 

There is an ancient method of expounding the teaching of Vedanta that is commonly followed in this tradition (Sampradaya) when presenting the subject matter of this text to the aspirant. According to this method, first the manifest form of the Sadguru is seen by the eyes. Then the knowledge about the teachings of the Vedanta, and value and significance of these precious teachings is extolled through the words of the Guru. Then, a Mantra (a subtle name of God or phrase) is given and the aspirant is instructed to practice meditation on the repetition of the Mantra for a short period of time (usually several weeks) to imprint its significance within. This provides a means for the aspirant to make the mind more subtle so that the teachings to follow can be more easily grasped and realized. This is the seekers initiation to the teaching and invitation to become an aspirant on the path to realization.


In accordance with the method of the Saints that has been outlined above, the Sadguru first explains about the subject that is to follow, then indicates its characteristics, and finally follows by imparting a detailed knowledge of the subject. In most schools of education, when teaching small children about any subject, the teacher first verbally informs the child about the subject matter that will be taught. This is called the kindergarten method of education. Similarly, initially the Sadguru verbally gives you a concept, or idea of Reality (such as "You are He"  or "Only Brahman Exists" or some other similar form of mantra) that is to be contemplated on. Through repetition or churning, this idea will be indelibly imprinted on the mind. This is called "The Tradition (Sampradaya) of the Sadguru." Through this preliminary method the aspirant achieves results sooner. So be it.


Afterwards, the Guru expounds the Truth (the subject matter) to an ordinarily intelligent aspirant, and he understands what the Sadguru conveys, and about "That" which He is teaching. However, the main difficulty is in experientially realizing what has been intellectually understood. Through the exposition of the subject by the Sadguru, one understands what the Self (Atman) is. However, the ghost of doubt pops up in the mind of the aspirant in the form of the question "How am I the Self?" and the aspirant's mental attitude does not become free of doubt. There is an intellectual understanding, but no realization. The remedy for this is to study with determination, and learn the teaching. Unless there is sustained and repeated study, it will not be fully absorbed and realized.

 

For example, in the instructional handwriting book, the letters presented are very beautiful. We understand this, but initially we cannot write the letters in the same way. If however the same letters are written repeatedly, then by virtue of that practice or study, the letters are beautifully formed as soon as the pen touches the paper. Here someone might ask, "How much study or practice is required to learn the subject well?" The answer is, "The study, and the practice or effort, must continue relentlessly according to each one's capacity, until it is understood or realized."


A general example can be stated here to impress upon the mind of the aspirant the importance of repeated study. An ordinarily intelligent man can understand something if it is explained to him two or three times. If he repeats it ten or twenty times, it becomes a habit. If he repeats it a hundred times, it becomes like an addiction. Once he becomes familiar with it a thousand times, it becomes inherent nature for the one practicing it. If we look at the fibers of the jute plant, they are so delicate and fine that they become scattered in all directions when blown by the wind. However, when the same fibers are entwined together to form a rope, it is so strong that it can bind even a strong and violent elephant to a small peg. Similarly great is the power the repetition of the study of this type of practice. It is indeed true that Parabrahman is All-Pervading and Eternally Free. However, the mind in the form of Wind has become so strong in us due to misdirected practice and study through birth after birth, that it has imprisoned the eternally free Brahman in the thought of identification with the body. About the tremendous result of repeated practice Saint Tukaram has said, "Whatever is unachievable, becomes achievable only by virtue of repeated study and practice." Recognizing the importance of this study, the aspirant should adore the principles symbolized by Ganesh and Saraswati. This means that he should fulfill himself by continuous meditation, and learn through repeatedly hearing the exposition of Truth.

 

- Shri Siddharameshwar Maharaj from "The Master Key to Self-Realization."







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