"Sadhana Panchakam - Day 04 / 07" Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda, Chinmaya Mission Manaluru

Hari Om!

Swami Aparajitananda exhaustively discusses the Sādhanā instructions given by Adi Shankaracharya.

Instruction 12: TO ABSTAIN FROM KARMAKĀNDA ACTIONS
The reason noted is firm preparations of mind required for the greatest Knowledge and to enter Sannyāsa Āshrama. The only notable action performed is "Pindadāna" of self. It is also noted that rare exceptional seekers can directly enter Sannyāsa Āshrama.

Instruction 13: TO SEEK GUIDANCE OF SADGURU
Sadguru is defined. Traditional qualifications of Sadguru are discussed adding compassion and patience. Irrelevance of the question "How to find Guru?" is discussed along with the law of life and nature in this respect . Also, seeker intuitively recognises the Guru by effects of Guru's presence.

Instruction 14: TO SERVE GURUPĀDUKĀS EVERYDAY
We are reminded of Gurukula system and Prahlāda's statement in this context. Egoless attitude of Pādukās is to be imitated.

Approach to Guru is emphasized as mental attitude more than physical nearness of service. Reasons and purposes of serving Guru are clarified in depth. Most importance and significance is given to reverence and faith in Guru. It is explained how this helps seeker to understand scriptural statements and Guruvākya easily.

INSTRUCTIONS 15 & 16: WHAT TO ASK AND HOW TO LISTEN TO GURU
Seeker is advised to ask for clarity about Supreme Truth and listen carefully with Shraddhā, concentration and alertness to the repeated instructions.

Definition of Shruti-shirovākya and Mahāvākya is explained in detail. Here Shravana part ends for seeker.

INSTRUCTIONS 17, 18, 19 & 20: MANANAM PART STARTS
TO REFLECT upon the meanings of statements explained by Guru and to digest what is accepted in faith.
TO CLEAR DOUBTS BY REFUGE / SUPPORT OF SHRUTI.
It is noted that SCRIPTURES ALWAYS GIVE LOGICAL EXPLANATIONS TO FOLLOW.
TO DISMISS ILLOGICAL DOUBTS AND DISCUSSIONS. Examples are discussed in detail (Neti-neti method, shariratraya viveka, pañchakosha viveka, avasthātrayaviveka).
The Mahāvākya TAT TVAM ASI is clearly explained essence-wise and standpoint-wise. It follows that God-vision is to know yourself.

Dustarka is explained. How Truth remains Truth is simplified.

(Sādhanā Pañcakam - Talk 4 of 7 - Verses 2 and 3)