It is pandemic. It is an aspect of the human condition. People look for perfection in the relative. This is such a beautiful thing. Everything is gravitating back to the one source, the Divine. However, as has been said, “Do not look for perfection in the relative. It is not there.” The relative is, by definition, relative. It is not absolute. The relative is the field of imperfection. It was born out of Perfection, Pure Consciousness, the Absolute, but it is not the Absolute. When Consciousness becomes conscious of itself and incorrectly views itself as other, duality (relativity) is born.
The Veda is the field of perfection. Yet once it is viewed in relative terms, that view is imperfect… dualistic, relative. It is essential to understand this. Otherwise, you cling to relativity as perfection. Isn’t this a beautiful and profound yet delicate topic? The Absolute, by definition, transcends ALL ‘things’… even, dare I say it, scripture. This is not to say that scripture is not precious, sacred, and in a relative sense certainly Divine. But it points in the direction of the Absolute, like a reflection in a mirror or an echo. It is not the Absolute. Religions point in the direction of the Absolute. But they are not the Absolute.
Truth is absolute. Even the nearest we can come to the Absolute in the relative is not Absolute. To think it is Absolute, prompts people to cling to it as the Absolute and thereby resist transcending relativity which is the ultimate ‘goal’ of religion, and in fact , of life. This is the meaning of ‘to be in the world, but not of it’. This creates a tug of war between the Devas, who embody the Absolute, and the Asuras, who cling to its echo. Echoes of Truth, perceived as Truth, hold Truth at bay. This is why it is said that the Veda dwells not in books, but in the awareness of those who have awoken to the Absolute, i.e., the enlightened.
For a temple to be a Vedic temple, it must stand strong as a representative of the most profound truth. It must hold true to such understanding. Few understand that Truth. But that understanding is what upholds and keeps the temple aligned with the deepest Truth of life. The custodians of the temple unceasingly aspire to that which transcends even the most sublime aspects of relativity. You are one with the Absolute. All relativity is born out of that… out of who and what you truly are… beyond samskaras, beyond conditioning. The supreme culmination of spirituality, of life, is to awaken to that. Some may call this Vedanta, but to cling to a perspective on Vedanta Is to miss its deepest message, its deepest Truth.
I very much appreciate your clear understanding of the nature of the absolute. Using words that are easy to grasp and explanations that are understandable from the layman’s perspective is tremendously helpful. It is apparent what happens when one claims to have “defined” truth in relative terms thus cutting it off from the absolute truth which knows no division. We can easily hear and see the result in the media. It is important to understand that our belief system (faith) is what points us to the truth. It is not the truth. If we make that claim (our belief system is the truth) than we are lost in duality.
This blog brings me back to my first lecture. I listened to you and something inside me was enlivened to such a degree..I know now it will never again lay dormant. I have said many times, the intellectual understanding is certainly a process however when the truth is stated in such a way, clarity at my core feels like heaven indeed. When people like to say that all of this is just another belief system..my reply is that the need to believe in you and what you teach is unnecessary.The rewards of “purposely” evolving are experienced..not believed in and I can honestly say they are like nothing I have ever experienced before. This blog should be projected from the top of a mountain!
Thank you deeply
William and Michael,
Both of your comments are well said and excellent.
Ah….being in this world but not of it….
For many years, that was my one goal. Then not long ago, I realized what I was looking for was an escape from the residual pain from “conditioning” and the ensuing discomfort. That pretty much got resolved, mitigated, softened through meditation, retreats, two Ashram programs, personal process, your lectures etc.
Funny though, “being in this world but not of it” remains an ongoing yearning day after day and into the night. Not obsessive, mind you, but quietly there. That yearning has a different tone, however…..not lonely as it was formerly. Everything, everyone is heading in the same direction, me included! Its the best and sweetest “belonging” imaginable!
Your blogs provide me with light at the end of the tunnel.
Thank you!!
Yvonne,
“Its the best and sweetest ‘belonging’ imaginable!”
You offer very nice words.
Om Saha Nau-Avatu |
Saha Nau Bhunaktu |
Saha Viiryam Karavaavahai |
Tejasvi Nau-Adhiitam-Astu Maa Vidvissaavahai |
Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih ||
Various translations, but right now i like:
1: Om, May we be together,
2: May we eat together,
3: May we Work Together with Energy and Vigour in the Light of Life,
4: May we never denounce anyone and never entertain negativity,
5: Om, Peace, Peace, Peace.
Beautiful. Love the translated verse Maharshi.
Jai Shiva Sankara
All Beautiful;-) A soothing Balm.
ahhh… lovely verses. Sweet knowing that’s what we sing at Aarathi.
thank you
Thank you Maharshi for the instructional and deep Vedic verse. It is EXACTLY what I need at this time. i am memorizing it so as to apply it to my life daily however, wherever and whenever I am.
Yvonne
Magnificent, lovely blog & comments
Jai Guru Dev!
“Do not look for the perfect person, but look within yourself and all others for that which is perfect.”
–Author Unknown
First published in Madras, India 1930s
Maharshiji, your understanding, of the Veda, transcends all levels of communication. My heart soars as I read your exquisite knowledge.
Awakening to deeper levels, inside me, through meditation and your guidance has completely changed my understanding of the Relative world and the Absolute. Learning to transcend my conditioned self is a journey, in and of itself. Your guidance brought me to glimpse the Real Self and I am profoundly grateful. My dedication, to the attainment of enlightenment, has reached a deeper phase. Thank you.
This is very nice:
1: Om, May we be together,
2: May we eat together,
3: May we Work Together with Energy and Vigour in the Light of Life,
4: May we never denounce anyone and never entertain negativity,
5: Om, Peace, Peace, Peace.
lovely, what I needed to read/hear thank you Marharshiji