Spiritualism for the Grihastha
'Grihastha' means 'Householder'. This stage begins
with marriage. The duties of a man in this phase of life include raising
children, caring for the family, performing the 5 daily sacrifices (Pancha
Maha Yajna) and being a responsible member of the society. During Grihastha
ashram a man uses the knowledge he gained in his previous ashram (Brahmacharya)
to live a complete life and enjoy worldly pleasures, without a sense of
guilt. Almost all sections of the society depend on the householder. The
society enjoys stability, prosperity and peace only if the householder performs
his Dharma (Duty) properly. He remains a Grihastha until his son's son is
born, say by the age of 50-55. Though his physical senses become weaker,
his inner strength increases. Satiated with the world, he then turns to
the spiritual aspects of life in the 'Vaanaprastha' ashram- the next phase
of his life. He goes on pilgrimages and slowly detaches himself from worldly
affairs.
The aim of human life is the attainment of God. Innumerable are the
ways that lead to God. Among them, the 3 paths of Karma, Bhakti and Jnaana
are important. If you are sincere, you will attain God in the end, whichever
path you follow. Still, Bhakti Yoga or Bhakti Marg is the religion prescribed
for the present age of Kaliyuga. But, that does not mean that the lover
of God will reach one God and the philosopher or worker will reach another.
Bhaktiyoga is to keep the mind on God, by singing or chanting His name
and glories, and to pray to Him with a longing heart. For the Kaliyuga
this path of devotion is the easiest. Normally, the Bhakta or devotee
wants to realize his personal God, endowed with name and form, and talk
to Him. He seldom seeks the knowledge of Brahman. But God can make
His devotee the heir to His infinite glories, if it pleases Him. If one
is able somehow to reach Calcutta, one can see the Maidan, Museum, Howrah
Bridge and other places too. The issue is how to reach Calcutta.
The path of Karma is very difficult. Where will one find the time for
it nowadays? Man's life is short in this age. Further, it is extremely difficult
to perform one's duties in a spirit of detachment, without craving for
the result. Attachment to the result somehow enters the mind, though you
may not be aware of it.
To follow Jnaanayoga in this age is also very difficult. First, a man's
life depends entirely on food. Second, he has a short span of life. Third,
he can by no means get rid of 'body-consciousness', and knowledge of Brahman
is impossible without the destruction of this body-consciousness.
An aspirant has to keep his body, mind, senses and soul unspotted.
He should have a sincere love for God. Tears shed for God wash away the
sins of former births. This universe is His glory. If a man has faith in
God, then it does not matter whom he worships. A devotee thinks of God
as he sees Him. One should weep for God. The more you advance towards God,
the less He will give you worldly duties to perform. The best way to lead
a spiritual life is to follow the essentials in all the 3 paths - Karma,
Bhakti and Jnana.
40
Samskaaras
For the cleansing and purification of the mind, our Shrutis and Smritis
have prescribed 40 Samskaaras. It is better
to follow as many Samskaaras as possible during your lifetime. Whatever
you do, do it with full faith. Half-hearted efforts will serve no purpose.
8 Gunas
(Virtues)
Along with the 40 Samskaaras our scriptures prescribe
8 Gunas, which every person should try to develop. Gunas are more important
than the Samskaaras. If a person has all the Gunas, God may forgive even
non-performance of a few Samskaaras.
Taittiriya Upanishad
Taittiriya Upanishad belongs to the Krishna Yajurveda, which is the most
popular Veda in South India. This Upanishad is couched in a lucid language
which provides insight into the lofty Hindu Philosophy. The importance of
this Upanishad can very well be gauged from the fact that Adi Sankara's
first commentary was on this Upanishad. Also in His Bhaashya on Brahma Sootras,
He quoted this Upanishad 147 times.
The unique feature of this Upanishad is that it explains the Subjective
Reality in the seeker both by direct and indirect methods. A lucid description
of the 5 Sheaths (Panchakoshas) is found for the first time, in this Upanishad.
Nowhere in the world do we get such a complete study of the human personality
in all its exhaustive features as in this Upanishad.
The entire Upanishad is divided into 3 sections :
(a) Sheekshaa Valli
(b) Brahmaananda Valli
(c) Brigu Valli
Apart from the philosophical interest, this Upanishad gives us a vivid
picture of the exhaustive training that was given in the educational system
of that day (Gurukulam). The all-comprehensive instructions and the definite
advice on "how to live Vedanta in life" are given by the teacher to the
students. The generation was taught all the glorious secrets of life and
trained in the art of living in complete unison with life and its circumstances
before the members of the generation were sent to face the onslaughts of
its day-to-day challenges.
This Upanishad contains a series of waves of thoughts, which constitute
the sacred commandments of Hinduism.
Shaanti Paatha (Peace Invocation)
Every Upanishad starts and end with a Shaanti Patha. This peace-chanting
is sung by both the teacher and the taught together. It is a prayer raised
in devotion to the recognised gods of the Vedic period as Mitra, Varuna, Aryama,
etc. They are all representations of the One Divine Cosmic Power.
Here in the Peace Invocation, the thing desired or invoked is not something
to satisfy the physical comfort or the mental desires of the students. He
is no begger even at the feet of the Lord. All that he demands of the Cosmic
Powers, whom he is invoking, is that no obstacles shall come during the study
of the Shaastras at the feet of his Master.
Advice to Householders
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