Some insight into 'Self-Realisation'

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Dear Readers,
Radhekrishna once again!

If you can recollect, then we explained the meaning of the terms such as 'Sukshma Shareeram', 'Pithru Yagnam', 'Sadam Vayu' etc in our precious article. We hope the meaning of these terms is clear now. Continuing from where we concluded the previous article,

When this SUKSHMA SAREERAM (SADAM VAYU) approached 'Nammalvar', HE drove away the VAYU by the POWER OF HUNGARAM (A form of Nama Japam i.e. chanting).

Now let us discuss as to what exactly is meant by liberation or self realization? How can one achieve this state of being?

To attain this state, the first and foremost prerequisite is remaining neutral. (Remember the feature of zero? Neither Positive nor Negative?).

It is not possible to achieve this state if one keeps accumulating the positive and negative energies by performing good and evil deeds respectively; i.e. one cannot attain liberation by adding PUNYAM (Positive Energy). One cannot attain liberation by subtracting PAPAM (Negative Energy).

One can attain liberation only through achieving equilibrium, between PUNYAM and PAPAM. The neutral state represents the MUKTHI. The state of equilibrium attained by annulling the positive and negative energy accumulated in the body, by virtue of actions, will bring in a NEUTRAL STATE. This neutral state is called as MUKTHI.

At this stage, a person begins to see one's own reflection in each and every living and non–living thing i.e. he begins to appreciate 'that which is common' in all the things, be it living or non–living; that common thing being the existence of Lord Krishna in it. An example from the glorious hindu tradition would be that of Bhakta Prahlad. When asked by his father the great demon Hiranyakashyap as to where is his Hero Lord Hari, Prahlad very aptly replies, he's everywhere! in me, in you, in the plants, in the pillar, everywhere. This state attained by the child 'Prahlad' is self–realization. When one's soul starts feeling the sanctity of Lord everywhere, there is no room left for miseries, sorrow, jealousy, materialistic pleasures, physical pain etc. All that is left is eternal bliss. In this stage, the mind remains detached from parts of the human life like money, social status, prestigious post in any job, pleasures of a family life, satisfaction of the sensory organs etc.

IT IS TO BE NOTED HERE THAT 'BEING DETACHED' DOES NOT MEAN ABSTAINING FROM ACHIEVING OR OBTAINING THE ABOVE THINGS. IT MEANS THAT 'NOT LETTING ONESELF GET AFFECTED', BY THE GAINS OR LOSSES OCCURING TO ONE IN THE PROCESS OF ACHIEVING THE ABOVE.

This also means that one has to treat success and defeat 'equally' which is a very difficult thing to adhere to. It's so natural to being happy in times of prosperity and grumbling in times of adversity. But that’s precisely the reason why not everyone attains this state! If it was so easy then everyone would have achieved it! But unfortunately its not so.

Going back to the Nammalvar Charitram,

The Alwar had driven out Sadam Vayu from affecting him in any manner.
He did so by the power of 'Hungaram'. Hungaram is a form of napajapam (chanting)
as said earlier.

So now let us discuss about the power of Namajapam (chanting)
Why do we keep telling time and again that do continuous chanting of Radhekrishna namam to get peace of mind? What power does it have? We will be discussing on this question in our forthcoming articles.

Till then Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvarpanam