Kathopanishad Day 51 - Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda, Chinmaya Mission Chicago Yamunotri

Hari Om !!
Kathopanishad Day 51 - Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda, Chinmaya Mission Chicago - Yamunotri.
Mantra 12
This mantra is loving advice from Śruti Mata for those who are sceptics. Generally, a sceptic will have the following arguments:
1. "According to me, everything is known through the intellect, but according to the scriptures, in Samadhi the intellect ceases to exist and one experiences Brahman without the intellect. Hence, I do not believe in this teaching."
2. "Presently, I do not experience IT, so I do not believe. First show me, then I will believe."
To answer these arguments, Swamiji expounds on the commentary of Ādi Śaṅkarācārya, which logically proves the existence of the Self and helps one to develop faith. Swamiji provides references from the Bhagavad-Gītā, wherein the Lord emphasises the importance of faith in the spiritual journey. The first step is faith. Without faith, realising the supreme Brahman is not possible.
Mantra 13
This mantra answers why faith is a must. The sādhakā has to travel through two stages to experience Brahman:
1. A strong faith that Brahman exists (astitva bhava) through logical understanding.
2. Tatva bhavanen upalabhyate - experience-based knowledge.
One who has faith that such Truth exists will experience that, Truth.
Mantra 14
This mantra explains what happens to a person who has experienced the SELF. Swamiji explains this mantra based on Ādi Śaṅkarācārya’s commentary:
1. Does a person who has experienced the Self desert desires, or do the desires run away from him?
2. The Self is the nature of complete happiness; how can a Self-realized person desire any happiness from the world?
3. How avidyā-kāma-karma is the cause of death again and again?
4. What is true death: the fall of the physical body or the fall of the ego?
5. Fire is extinguished without fuel; in the same way, after knowledge, vāsanās (impressions) end, and so do desires.
6. A person becomes immortal even while living in this world.
Mantra 15
The idea of Mantra 14 is repeated here from a different angle to give sādhakās a better understanding. The new term "hṛdaya-granthi" (knots in the heart) is used in this mantra. Swamiji gives a crystal-clear explanation of this new term based on the commentary by Ādi Śaṅkarācārya and multiple examples.
The next verse is a mystery-filled verse about the types of sādhakās and where they go, which will be the topic of discussion in the next class.

[@trinetraorchards701]

Hari aum

[@tanujagm8185]

hari om swamiji

[@viveksingh-sb9xy]

Hari Om 🙏🏼

[@gaddikerimuthuprakash4676]

Hari om

[@anitabhalla3372]

Hari Om Swamiji.
(In Voice Of Silence Connect to Self)
Self can't be experienced with कर्मेंद्रियां,ज्ञानेंद्रियां or even with mind intellectually.
Those without faith,with doubt or haven't heard can't perceive this reality.
World is the effect, then there is a cause though not seen.
Seen world is gross but subtle reality is the substratum or screen.
Based on Scriptures__
With faith (अस्ति भाव)knowledge and then (तत्त्वभाव) experience will follow.
Unless, you become desireless, detach n make yourself hollow.
When free from desires avidya, kaam n karm will drop.
Mortal will become immortal n seed of birth n death will stop.
A knotted heart filled with confusion forgets its identity.
Remove primary knot of 'self ignorance' n experience immortality.
Intelligent living based on scriptural knowledge is the purpose of life to be achieved.
If not 'liberated' in this life time,it is to be lamented n grieved.
Regards n pranams.