Kathopanishad - Day 48 - Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda, Chinmaya Mission Chicago-Yamunotri

Hari Om !1
Kathopanishad - Day 48 - Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda, Chinmaya Mission Chicago-Yamunotri
We are the experiencers of constant change, both inside and outside. The things, beings, and situations around us are constantly changing. Birth after birth, death after death, we experience constant change. Yet, what we are seeking is the changeless! Is this state possible? Let us try to listen to what Swamiji is saying about this changeless state.
In the previous two lectures, Swamiji has explained Adi Shankaracharya's word-by-word commentary on the first line of the first verse of this Valli, which describes the constantly changing world. Now, the next topic is:
- Is there anything that is changeless in this changing phenomenon?
- How can we come out of this constantly changing world?
It is said that the questioner in seekers needs to dissolve to experience the ultimate Truth! However, seekers like you and me will find it difficult to dissolve the questionnaire until the mind and intellect are quenched of their thirst. This lecture series will surely help the seeker in us to quieten the mind and intellect.
While further explaining verse 1 of the 6th Valli, Swamiji explains the following concepts:
- The glory of Brahman
- Why only Brahman is pure? (tad eva śukram)
- Why is the total tree of saṃsāra impure?
- Why is the entire existence perceived by us is illusory?
- What happens when we meditate (think repetitively) on anything of this world?
- What happens to the mind when we meditate on God?
- What does confusion and clarity in the mind indicate?
- What is the unique feature of this primary root?
- What is the imperishable in us?
- How to escape from sorrow?
- If we are immortal, why do we experience mortality?
- How to become immortal?
- What mistake do we seekers make, due to which we suffer in this world?
The 2nd verse from the 6th Valli discusses the glory of the Self:
- Whatever we see in this world, whether gross or subtle, big or small: from where has it emerged?
- Is the existence of the world borrowed or original?
- How does the world function?
- Who is the lawmaker and administrator of the world?
- What is the thunderbolt metaphor used in the verse?
- How strict are cosmic laws administered? How do these laws operate with unfailing accuracy?
- Why is fear important for a seeker? The importance of bhaya bhakti in the life of a seeker.
- The cosmic functioning is explained.
- With examples, how these cosmic laws function for each and every moment for each and every jīvā is explained.
- How are the cosmic laws communicated to the seekers?
- Why should we be scared of these cosmic laws?
- These cosmic laws have great force, great power, and precision.
- What happens to a person who understands the real nature of the Lord?
- The proof of knowledge is in its implementation.
The 3rd shloka of the 6th Valli addresses:
- Who gives power to the fire, the sun, the wind, death, etc.?
- The sun is the greatest karma yogi and nourishes everything without expectation of the fruits of actions. But who gave it the power to nourish?
- How constructive destruction happens through the Lord of death.
- Kaṭhopaniṣad is given by Yamaraj - Yamaraj is talking about himself and his ruler, the one who governs him.
- All power is His!
The 4th shloka of the 6th Valli discusses the benefits of understanding the true nature of the Supreme Self:
- Ignoring the Supreme Self means embodiment. Rebirth is the punishment for not listening to the cosmic laws. Like in the world, if you fail in school and university, you are asked to repeat the class.
- Swamiji affirms that this verse clearly communicates that liberation is gained while living and not after death. He even quotes Swamiji Tapovanam to make this point clear to us.
In the next lecture, we will see another reason why we should strive hard in this world for self-knowledge. A very unique reason is given in the next verse.

[@tanujagm8185]

Hari om swamiji

[@mangalagurunath6764]

Hariom swamiji🙏🙏

[@anitabhalla3372]

Hari Om Swamiji.
Excellent !
"Pay Attention" n thus open the gates of self unfoldment.
The root is (pure conciousness) in the imaginary,Ashwath Tree.
Rest all is mortal ,impure n hanging free.
The self, the Brahman is unseen,immortal n invisible.
The seen world has borrowed existence, is miserable n unpredictable.
From both nirgun n sagun standpoint ,all is Brahman's manifestation.
He administers laws, instills fears n masters creation.
His laws (even cosmic forces) no one can escape.
The sword of judgement, His power beyond measure ,no one can estimate.
Price of ignoring law is पुनरपि जननम् l
Suffering, U turn n relearn by जठरे शयनम् l
So don't postpone liberation n wait till the ending.
Avail opportunity by NOT keeping' Self Knowledge' pending.
Regards n pranams
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@nitinmphsp]

Sadar Pranam !

[@gaddikerimuthuprakash4676]

Hari om