In one of my previous postings, I talked about Advaita Vedanta being a science in itself to improve the life of humans in this planet. The Vedantic principles transcend religious beliefs, cultural practices and national boundaries. I keep repeating this because there is a general thinking that Vedas are scriptures only for Hindus. Saying so would be unfortunately limiting this wonderful philosophical work to only a section of people in this world. Hinduism is considered as ‘Sanathana Dharma’ which means ‘Eternal Righteous Way of life’ so the principles of Hinduism is applicable for all other religious beliefs. Vedas are given to us for the welfare of the entire humanity. All human beings are same in terms of body composition, mind and intellectual thoughts. Vedanta delves into the working of these three aspects – Body, Mind and Intellect (BMI) in an individual and how the control of the BMI could bring about the ultimate contentment and resulting happiness in an individual.
The ultimate motive of all human beings is happiness. Happiness comes from contentment – a feeling that you have all you need and that you are ‘complete’ and satisfied in life!! All our cravings for materialistic comforts and personal relationships are for achieving this contentment and happiness. Unfortunately, in spite of all advances in science and technology, material comforts, unlimited money etc. we are yet to find peace and happiness in this world. The reason for this, as per Swami Chinmayananda, is because we are searching for answers (to happiness and peace) in the wrong place to begin with!
The scientists and engineers of our modern day world do research and development in the external world, among materials, objects and even nature. We are led to believe that rearranging or changing our external interfaces (bigger house, faster cars, cell phones etc.) will result in more comforts and thereby more happiness and contentment. Because of this theory, the present day generation accumulates more and more materialistic comforts and spends their BMI in the sensory pleasures from these external interfaces! Alas! The more a person gets, the more he/she desires and demands, so there is no end to this accumulation!
According to Swami Chinmayananda, the ancient Rishis (sage) of India who were the Vedantic scientists of that time, went in search of answers for contentment and happiness internally – they were convinced the happiness and bliss is inward in an individual and not external. Through appropriate structuring and control of the Body, Mind and Intellect (BMI) and their sensory interfaces to the outside world, an individual could alter his or her outlook on the stimulations received from outer world and ensure that only that is noble, relevant and needed information could be absorbed by his/her senses ! This is intelligent detachment of our senses from the external happenings in this world. This detachment brings about an amazing level of tranquility and peace within the mind. A peaceful mind results in better concentration, dexterity and equipoise (balance), there by improving our skills and decision making capabilities in this world !
Let me provide a normal life situation example of this detachment: In the US, of late we have been hearing about interest rate (APR) increases and fees increases from credit card companies. I have a couple of credit cards myself, so I totally understand the impact these may have on the consumers. I feel, the ideal solution for these actions from the credit card companies is not to depend on them!! If people could learn to use the credit card only as a ‘convenience plastic card’ and spend only what they can afford to pay fully in the next statement, it would insulate them from these whims and fancies of the card companies. I spend on my card only those which I could afford to pay fully in the next statement, so no worries on interest rates ! Nowadays I use debit cards more often!
So intelligent detachment on day to day work activities is the solution for worry free life. Work honestly and sincerely without expecting anything for self in return. This is selfless activity which is Karma Yoga in Vedanta.
More on BMI and Karma Yoga in my next posting.
Om Sri Chinmaya Sadguruve Namaha.
Hari Om.
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