Officially,
the 15th Vedanta course at Sandeepany Sadhanalaya is over. Due to an extension of time, though, there is
one more text to be covered, beginning today.
It is small. Like the cherry on
top of the icing. By Sunday I should be
reporting to you that it too will be
done. Then, one-by-one, folk will
depart. Already there is a significant
change in the energy as the group prepares itself for the pulling apart. Nothing needs be said. We just look into each others eyes and the
knowing of the inevitability of it is written there. Also the love and appreciation of the
incredibly privileged and amazing experience that has been 24 months of
non-stop spiritual absorption. It will
be a bit drawn out. Some are going on a
temple tour of Maharashtra state and will return briefly to the ashram before
taking total leave. Others are tied to leaving almost immediately. Then will begin the real work.
Yesterday
morning we had the final words from our Acharya, Swami Advayananda, on the
Brahma Sutras and took his special blessings for our ongoing study and
learning, as well as application.
Application. All philosophies - all - can only be as
worthwhile as their usefulness to daily living.
Regardless of how high-flown the teaching may get, for the average
student and devotee what matters is how to get the best from life without
compromising the good values that the majority of the cultures of the world
recognise. This includes those who
profess atheism.
Atheism
is not simply stating "I don't go to church, synagogue, temple or mosque
because I don't believe in God".
That is laziness. There is a
philosophy which must inform the arguments and still provide a structure for
living a good and appropriate life, without the concept of deity. Yes, even this has an ancient and
deep-thinking past!
Thinking. Focused, clear and penetrating thought is
required if we are to take full responsibility for our place in the Human
Race. It is not simply the domain of the
advantaged academic or the priest of any particular faith system.
That kind
of thinking can be exhausting! It does require time in each day which is
separate from activity and all distraction.
In 21st century life it is all too often thought that there is no time
for thinking! Subsequently, it is from
this that such modern phrases as "stop and smell the roses" or
"stop the world I want to get off!" have come. People know they want something more deep and
meaningful from life but have become unplugged from the source of it. Their inner selves.
The 61
graduates of Sandeepany, regardless of whether taking the robes or simply
exiting the gates, will not be able to live without now expressing Advaita
Vedanta in one form or other. For
myself, it will be to live it to the fullest that I am able, thus becoming an
example.
Even
before arriving I was doing that to the level I could with what I knew then -
and folk even at that time would ask what it was I had which they did not, for
they perceived serenity. Not that one
has always felt (or behaved) that serenity.
Enough was there to shine however.
I have no measure of what, if any, change there is in me in this
regard. Going back into society is not
only going to be challenging from the purely personal level, but also to
discover the effects and responses there will be to the somewhat confusing image; a
wobbly grey-haired short and dumpy female, white skin, indeterminate accent (though probably more Aussie than anything), sari (or salwar kameez) and wearing
marks on her forehead. However her eye
is clear and her approach direct. A
firmness of resolve to carry the torch of unity in diversity, no matter how
many times it gets knocked from her hand...
...and
Love. Love with the capital 'ell'.
Lovely post and we look forward to sharing your next stages with you. Lady Vicki and Hilary xxooxx
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this, Yam, especially the part about every part of the world having the same core values.
ReplyDeleteLuv, K
Awwwwww. Love with a capital ell back. I can get excited tonight. Still much to do for work. But I have accomplished lots in the two months. Now just polishing.
ReplyDeleteHari Om, Yam! Congratulations on your graduation. Where do you go now? Indigo x
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteThank you all for the support and wishes. Surely warms the cockles! xx
Beautiful and profound, Yam. This has been life-changing for you and now you will spread this change to others by the way you live the rest of your life.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteWarmest thanks Perpetua-ji - coming from you, that mean much! xx