Newsletter February 11, 2009

Past Events

Synopsis of Last Week's Classes

Friday - Bhagwad Gita - Feb. 06
Ch. 3- Verse 30 cont.: Whether we know it or not, Oneness is what we are really seeking in life (i.e. seeking love, seeking knowledge, we are really seeking One-ness). To achieve this, Lord says, dedicate all works to Me, The One without a second Reality. As we work, we should have the "mind resting on the Self;" (adhyatma-chetasa) that is, we must be aware of our TRUE identity, which is Existence, Knowledge, and Bliss Absolute. Furthermore, we should work without expectation of reward, since these expectations can only bring misery into our lives. Work should also be done without 'I & mine' because, although as manifestations of God we truly do possess everything, as limited human beings we cannot lay claim to anything at all. Finally, all work must be done with calm and composed mind. Like Sri Krishna himself! He performs a tremendous amount of work with an attitude of total calm. Following his example of work will bring us to our goal of union with God.

Sunday - God = IS-ness - Swami Yogatmananda - Feb. 08
One thought that has long intrigued human mind is about the existence of God. Many arguments have been given to prove or disprove existence of God.
If God does exist then what are the identifying features of God? Many religions say, goodness, omniscience and omnipotence. Omnipresence is not normally mentioned by the Abraham-ic faiths.
The phrase 'God=IS-ness' refers to the omni-presence of God. Each and every name and form that we perceive is in continuous flux; what remains unchanged is its existence. This 'IS-ness' associated with a particular thing enables us to identify it although its name and form is changing all the time. In the commentary on Brihadaranyaka Upanisad, Sankaracharya says that the clay and the pots made from clay are different only in name and form; essentially the IS-ness of the clay gets transformed into the pots. According to Vedanta, everything that we perceive has five components: existence, consciousness, bliss, name and form. First three are the characteristics of Brahman which remain unchanged and last two are the products of ignorance, which do not have any existence. God alone is all pervasive IS-ness. Delusion makes us particularize God's existence somewhere in heaven thus making God a limited entity. God is beyond good and evil, beyond all duality. Let us search God in the nearest place - in the heart of each of us. When one experiences that, one gets endowed with the knowledge that God alone IS. It is this IS-ness of God that pervades all forms, because of which, though illusory, they appear as if real.

Tuesday - Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna - Feb. 10

One of Sri Ramakrishna's most devout followers was Balaram Bose. His house in Calcutta was a very special place, a place for many other devotees for meeting Sri Ramakrishna. Although Balaram's extended family objected to his association with the Master, his love and devotion was unwavering. Sri Ramakrishna referred to him as a supplier of stores, as he provided for some of his physical needs. His house was convenient in that it was close to other disciples' houses. It is said the Master visited there a 100 times. A deep feeling of devotion grew by the devotees gathering together. Whatever motive brings the people together, that gets strengthened through such gathering. E.g.: People gathering together for playing cards strengthens that. So also the devotion gets stronger through such gathering.
M comes to Barlaram's house over school recess. The Master tells him to do personal service. M is only too happy to oblige, for a connection is established by doing service. The Gita mentions 3 things one can do to get spiritual wisdom. 1. Prostrate yourself before the teacher (Pranipat). 2. Ask proper questions. 3. Do service.
'Why am I not able to touch metal?' Ramakrishna asks M.
Swami then suggested to the attendees that they can bring their answers to this Q for the next class.