MANAV KA PARAM LAKSHYA—ATMA UDHAAR
MANAV KA PARAM LAKSHYA—ATMA UDHAAR
Man’s main aim in life should be spiritual progress
From the book Lekh aur Updesh compiled in hindi By Smt Dhiruben Patel based on the
Pravachan of Gurudev given at Ahemdabad on 4-9-1938.
The Geeta tells us that a ‘Jignyasu’—the Inquirer should first of all approach a BrahmNishta Acharya ( the teacher who has realized the entity of Brahman ).
The student should do a ‘Sashtang Pranam’( to prostrate flat on the floor with both hands stretched out , a practice mainly for men as the women have been recommended to bow down on their knees and to let the forehead and palms touch the ground).
सास्तांग प्रणाम
He should then serve the master without any selfishness and only when the Guru is pleased with the Seva should he ask the questions for which he desires an answer regarding the true nature of the Self.
What is the difference between me and God ? What is the real form of Brahman? The devotee should ask similar spiritual questions pertaining to the enquiry of the Self .
When the truth is known by the disciple his sins are sure to be destroyed . It is said–
“Jnyatva Devam Sarva Paasha Pahaani”
Seeking the knowledge about the truth of Brahman , the principle or the substance of the soul gives liberation from all bondage. We become free from all attachments and thus can achieve the main purpose of being born as a human being.
If we have not known Brahman even though we have this human birth , which is the best of all the manifestations of the Lord, then we are sure to be born again in one of the 84,000 Yonis, that are His creations.
We shall be caught in this web of birth and rebirth.
Shruti Bhagwati also says that in this lifetime if you have known God it is good otherwise you will be at a great loss! This is because to be born as a human is not easy, in fact it is rare!
We get this human form due to the merits we acquire when we do good deeds in life or because of the Lord’s mercy! The purpose or the uniqueness of the human form is the faculties that we have to know God.
The one who tries to know Him is indeed blessed as he has then found the true purpose in life.
The one who runs after desires and the means to fulfil it, is actually a loser.
This samsara can give us only sorrow .There is no happiness. The human being seeks pleasure in places that get him embroiled in the cycle of life.
