Newsletter March 7, 2007

Synopsis of Last Week Classes

Friday - Raja Yoga Class - March 2

Aphorisms: 4: 17-19
A spiritual aspirant has to learn not to succumb to the swinging moods of the mind; it is to be remembered always that mind is distinct from the self.
The states of the mind change continuously as it comes in the contact of various objects and also due to change in space or time. These states of mind are always perceived because there is the unchanging soul/self (purusha) behind it. Perception of change can take place only in comparison with something that is assumed to be stationary. Purusha is not a compound nor does it act or get acted upon. Mind and body are Purusha's instruments; He is their 'master' - only in the sense that He is the 'enjoyer' of the results, when associated with the mind and body which actually work. Mind-body cannot work without Purusha; He has to be there for their function - although He does not 'do' anything. Like the presence of a police-car disciplines the traffic even without actually 'doing' anything. Mind is NOT self-luminous, as it is a perceived object and not the primary illuminator. It cannot see itself. Moreover, it is not possible to see the object and mind together.
Question was asked: 'how the perfect, free soul be the enjoyer or sufferer?' The reply was 'when the soul realizes that it is perfect/free there is no enjoying or suffering; but in conjunction with body and mind, it becomes enjoyer or sufferer. There is no logical link between the bound soul and the free soul; it IS ever free, but due to ignorance, experiences bondage. Another question: It is very difficult to calm down the mind; is there an easy way? Ans - Absolutely no other way. By trying to get freedom/happiness through any other effort is neither easy nor difficult - it is impossible.

Sunday - Message of Sri Chaitanya - Swami Tyagananda - March 4
Sri Chaitanya demonstrated the primacy of pure love and devotion to God, which is an independent path in itself to achieve highest fulfillment in life. Chaitanya was born in 1486 A. D. in Navadwip, West Bengal. In the early part of his life, he was a great scholar of Sanskrit and Nyaya philosophy, but didn't exhibit much spiritual brilliance. A sudden transformation came when he was in a temple in Gaya, where he met a sage Isvara Puri who initiated him into devotional practices. After returning to Navadwip, Chaitanya started conducting congregational form of worship (Naamsamkirtanam) and the whole region resounded with the chanting of God's glories. After taking Sanyasa, he traveled through various parts of India and preached Vaishnavism.
There are lot of similarities in the lives of Sri Chaitanya and Sri Ramakrishna. In Sri Ramakrishna's conversation with devotees, we find many references to the life and teachings of Sri Chaitanya. He mentions Chaitanya's great renunciation and control over the sense organs. Chiatanya's mind was always filled with the awareness of God and any slightest hint would make him enter into ecstasy. Chaitanya emphasized in his teachings the efficacy of God's name.
In a beautiful hymn, Shikshashtakam (Eight verses of Education), Chaitanya says that by chanting the name of God, mind gets cleaned of all dross and experiences transcendental bliss. One can chant the name at any time. With humble mind, pray for selfless devotion and nothing else. God alone is capable of taking us across the endless cycle of trans-migratory existence. Feeling the separation of God, the whole world appears to be empty and tears flow down my eyes like torrential rains. Let God handle me roughly or tenderly for He is always my own.
This hymn gives us an opportunity to practice self-introspection. Studying books and philosophies are in vain unless there is total love and dedication to the highest ideal. Have faith and aspire for the divine love.