Though there is no such thing as Eastern or Western knowledge, still in a lighter sense, we could use the word Eastern knowledge, for this knowledge had been developed and refined in the East and had been effectively used as a systematic means of unfolding, for centuries. It continues to be doing so even today and the whole world, despite advancement in Science and Technology is looking up to the East only for this knowledge and nothing else. I said we could use the term in the ‘lighter sense’, for knowledge is knowledge and it does not depend upon place, time or person.
Lot of research has been done for over centuries in various disciplines in the East and they have been so finely refined that they have become most effectively communicated and learnt in definite terms. Well, what is the knowledge that we are talking about? One branch of knowledge is considered supreme among the many disciplines that have undergone continuous, systematic research and experimentation there. This knowledge is unique in the sense, having gained which knowledge everything in thus world is as well gained. That knowledge is called Brahma Vidya. I shall quote just that portion of the Mantra which is relevant for us here. The student, who was a great sage, asks the Master, ‘kasmin nu bhagavo vijñate sarvamidam vijñatam bhavatiti.’ The meaning of the Mantra is, ‘In knowing which Oh! Lord, would everything that exists here in this Creation, become as well known?’ The Master answers, “dve vidye veditavye iti ha sma yad brahmavido vadanti paraascaivaparasca,” the meaning of which is, ‘there are two forms of knowledge that the knowers of Brahma speak of, which is Para and Apara.’
It is very interesting to note how effortlessly, the Master has classified all forms of knowledge that are available in this creation, under just two heads one as Para and the other Apara. Para means limitless, Supreme and Apara means limited or inferior. Under the ‘limited knowledge’ all forms of knowledge including religion, astrology and medicine are included. Well, the Master clearly spells out all branches of knowledge excepting that through which the immutable can be known. The Master further clarifies that the subject matter of Para Vidya is the Self which is immutable, indestructible, unseen, ungraspable, eternal, subtle, free from cause, qualities and attributes.
Religion aims at limited ends, which we could at best put under two heads and they are Heaven & Hell. This is well-known to all and if there is anything more that it speaks of, it could be that which lies between Heaven and Hell. We have to struggle hard practising the religion to the fullest without violation of any kind, for gaining that so-called Heaven which is full of limitations and purely temporary. This path and more so the accomplishment of the end-Heaven, is generally very hard and almost impossible to achieve, unless we believe that we might be saved at the last moment by some super human being. Does this mean that Heaven and Hell are just beliefs? No, definitely not, for all the religions speak of them, may be in slightly different terms. Hence they are not subjective, but do enjoy an objective reality like even this world. However, heaven no doubt is a place of enjoyment, where pleasures are no doubt available, but they are fleeting and our stay there is purely temporary. We go there on Visitor’s Visa. The path and everything connected with the gain of Heaven, Hell and everything else that lies between them, is the subject matter of Apara Vidya.
For the seekers of Truth who badly need their spiritual connections, the Rishis – Seers unfolded the Para Vidya–Brahma Vidya. Those seekers, who have become mature, subtle and sensitive, through their disciplined life-style with its resultant tendencies, expose themselves to this teaching-Brahma Vidya to appreciate their true nature.
All that human beings want to gain in life, they have already accomplished, which fact they do not know unfortunately. This simple ‘not-knowing’ the Self as it actually obtains, is the primary cause for all our problems. Brahma Vidya unfolds the nature of the Self in a clear and systematic way, to facilitate the student in easily appreciating it.
We shall be seeing more of this in the sessions that we will be having in these quest meetings.
During the group discussions, I was particularly very deeply struck by ‘the one thought’ that you all expressed in different ways, which was, “how are we to bring into practise or make this vision of the Self, part of our lives?” It was at that time, I got the clear signal that all of you want to make the transition, incorporate this vision in your life and own this knowledge. Your sincerity compelled me to make the decision that I should lead you all up the ladder to make you see and own what I myself have gained. I immediately decided that I should transfer the vision gained through the full-fledged intense teaching that I received from my Master and the study & research thereafter. The fellowship with various enlightened Swamis during the course of 25 years has added beauty to the clear vision I gained from my Master.
I plan slowly leading you the entire length of the solitary path, which is no doubt dark. Since I know the way through and through, being led by my Master, I am sure you would see the light. The same topic ‘Eastern Knowledge for Western Mind’, would be the subject for all our meets, but it would contain various sub-topics. I plan taking up one sub-topic after the other sequentially, with a few topics taking more than three or four sessions.
