Sai Gita 9 (Jnana Yoga part 3-1)

Sai Gita 9 (Jnana Yoga part 3):

Brahma Jnana (Knowledge about Self- realization)

As humans we have to cultivate four major practices of spiritual world (Sadhana Chatustaya), and dedicate ourselves in Guru’s worship. Then Guru will show his grace upon us. When we have the dispassion and a strong desire for liberation (Mukti), knowledge will be imparted by our Guru. Guru is the ultimate provider of happiness and bliss.  Guru always surprises us by giving what our mind does not expect. Guru can only give you that ultimate bliss and self- realization.

   

What is Brahman or Universal consciousness?

Brahman is Sat, the Absolute, Reality. That which exists in the past, present and future; which has no beginning, middle and end; which is unchanging and not conditioned by time, space and causation; which exists during the waking, dream and deep sleep states; which is of the nature of one homogeneous essence, is Sat. This is found in Brahman, the Absolute.

THE SEVEN STAGES OF JNANA (Jnana Bhumikas)

There are seven stages of Jnana or the seven Jnana Bhumikas.

Jnana (Knowledge) should be developed through a deep study of Atma Jnana Sastras and association with the wise and the performance of virtuous actions without any expectation of fruits.

1) Subheccha or good desire, which forms the first Bhumika or stage of Jnana. This will irrigate the mind with the waters of discrimination and protect it. There will be non-attraction or indifference to sensual objects in this stage. The first stage is the substratum of the other stages. From it the next two stages, viz., Vicharana and Tanumanasi will be reached.

2) Vicharana  (Self- enquiry): Constant Atma Vichara (Self- enquiry) forms the second stage.

3)  Asangha Bhavana (Tanumanasi):  This is attained through the cultivation of special indifference to objects. The mind becomes thin like a thread. Hence the name Tanumanasi. Tanu means thread - threadlike state of mind. In the third stage, the aspirant is free from all attractions. If any one dies in the third stage, he will remain in heaven for a long time and will reincarnate on earth again as a Jnani. The above three stages can be included under the Jagrat state.

4) Sattvapatti: This stage will destroy all Vasanas (Impressions)  to the root. This can be included under the Svapana state. The world appears like a dream. Those who have reached the fourth stage will look upon all things of the universe with an equal eye.

5) Asamsakti:  There is perfect non-attachment to the objects of the world. There is no Upadhi or waking or sleeping in this stage. This is the Jivanmukti stage in which there is the experience of Ananda Svaroopa (the Eternal Bliss of Brahman) replete with spotless Jnana. This will come under Sushupti.

6) Padartha Bhavana: This is knowledge of Truth.

7) Turiya, (The state of superconsciousness): This is Moksha. This is also known by the name Turiyatita. There are no Sankalpas (desires). All the Gunas disappear. This is above the reach of mind and speech. Disembodied salvation (Videhamukti) is attained in the seventh stage.

Once we understand these seven stages of Jnana, we have to take a careful look at the first two that is Good desire and Self enquiry, so that we can be eligible for Guru’s grace. We need Guru’s help to reach the ultimate goal and to go through all the seven stages. This is what every human being should be thinking about all the time. Because this is the truth and everything else is an illusion as per the scriptures. This is what Baba wanted us to pursue.

To experience Brahman and to understand this, what do we need to do?

In Sai Satcharita 16^th and 17^th chapters we have adequate information about this knowledge. Once a rich gentle man came to Baba and asked him to give him the knowledge of Brahman. Baba told him that he is very happy to do that and he told him that it is rare that people ask me for this. In the meanwhile, Baba sends a boy to borrow 5 rupees from a shop keeper and other people. He wanted to teach a lesson to this rich man as he was greedy. Baba then gave a good discourse on Brahman. He wanted 5 rupees and this signifies the following;

            For seeing Brahman one has to give five things, i.e. surrender five things and they are as follows.

(1) Five Pranas (vital forces),  Prana, Apana, Samana, Vyana and Udana.

(2) Five senses (five of action and five of perception),

(3) Mind,

(4) Intellect

(5) Ego.

This path of Brahma-Jnana or self-realization is 'as hard as to tread on the edge of a razor'.

The path of knowledge of Brahman is difficult. It is not easy to follow for all and sundry. When the time is ripe, it appears before that fortunate person, all of a sudden.

The knowledge of Brahman can be attained flawlessly by the highest category of aspirants.

Mediocre persons are always tradition bound and must proceed stage by stage.

The former ones have a spiritual flight, like the path of a bird; the latter follow the steps of tradition, according to the Shastras (Scriptures).

But for the incapable person, the whole effort about Brahman is useless.

Without that self-control and discrimination, there is no other sure means of achieving Brahman.

Though this is the real truth told by the Vedas, can it be possible for everyone to practice?

It is only through diligence and practice, when even your bones seem ready to disintegrate, that the Guru’s grace descends and enlightenment dawns slowly.

When there is the true knowledge of the Self, that person’s entire nature becomes one with Brahman. At such a stage, the whole universe burns down in the fire of Brahman and the world turns into ashes. 

OM SAI RAM!