Feb 10, Vasishtha
Parent Link:
Yoga Vasishtha
Discourse on Yoga Vasishtha
Day 98, February 10
Jaya Guru Datta
Sri Ganesaya Namaha
Sri Saraswatyai Namaha
Sripada Vallabha
Narasimha Saraswati
Sri Guru Dattatreyaya Namaha
Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Sadgurubhyo Namaha
asato ma sadgamaya
tamaso ma jyotirgamaya
mrityor ma amrtam gamaya
Om Santissantissantihi
Please lead me from untruth to Truth, from darkness to light, from death to immortality. May there be peace.
Yoga Vasishtha Dhyana Slokas:
yatassarvāṇi bhūtāni pratibhānti sthitāni ca
yatraivōpaśamaṁ yānti tasmai satyātmanē namaḥ || 1
jñātā jñānaṁ tathā jñēyaṁ draṣṭādarśana dr̥śyabhūḥ
kartā hētuḥ kriyā yasmāt tasmai jñaptyātmanē namaḥ || 2
sphuranti sīkarā yasmāt ānanandasyāṁbarē vanau
sarvēṣām jīvanam tasmai brahmānandātmanē namaḥ || 3
Om santissantissantihi
Yesterday we discussed the qualities to be possessed by a good speaker and a good questioner. We also learned about who is qualified to speak and who is qualified to ask questions. Our eligibility is based on our sincere interest. Those who are truly interested are qualified.
Generally in the world, the one who poses questions acts superior to the speaker, feeling that he has the right to toss any question towards the speaker. The one who has to answer is expected to provide the appropriate answers regardless of the type of questions posed.
One must be very discriminative in asking Sadguru questions to clear one's doubts. Eligibility to ask comes from the genuine interest shown by the disciple. Dronacharya took special classes for Arjuna because of the eagerness shown by the student to learn new skills.
I mentioned that a particular verse in Yoga Vasishtha attracted my attention and was instrumental in my taking up a serious study of this work. It is the verse describing the four gate keepers guarding entry into Liberation.
Four security guards are at the gateway to Liberation, which is considered as a kingdom. We need to make friends with at least with one of the gatekeepers. They are Shama, Vichara, Santosha, and Sadhu Sangama. Of the four types of sadhana, we must pursue at least one. It is best to know all four of them. It will make our entry into the land of liberation easier.
Discretion is most important. The sun is considered to be the greatest among all radiant ones. Similarly, among all men, the one with clear discretion is considered to be the best.
Shama is a word often mentioned in Yoga Vasishtha and other scriptural works. It is not easy to control the mind. One can bind with ropes the hands and feet, but one cannot tie up the mind. It may take time but with practice, the mind can be brought under control. Mind is the king. It is very powerful. The sense organs are like the army that protects this king. Krishna told Arjuna that with steady practice one can focus the mind on our choice of subjects. The horses have to be directed to proceed in the direction that we choose. Once the mind gets absorbed in a mantra or on Guru, gradually, the mind itself dissolves. If night and day the same mantra is chanted and pondered over, it will begin to fully occupy the mind.
Now, with the chanting of Hanuman Chalisa day and night, I wake up with the Hanuman Chalisa saturating my mind. Mind is like water. It takes the shape of the container you pour it into. Therefore, merge the mind in Sadguru.
Practicing Shama, Dama, Nitya-anitya vastu vivechana and such warm up exercises, is crucial before proceeding to advanced stages in spirituality.
dosha drishtya
We must begin to recognize and acknowledge the negative qualities in things. For example, a snake has venom and it bites. Fire can burn if you touch it carelessly. We must exercise caution with things that could harm us.
One must set a goal such as: until I complete my chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa, I will not allow my mind to get diverted.
The power of sound will effectively control the mind, especially if the intellect also blends with it. One should constantly keep the attention on the chosen task. One must train the mind to remain adhered to the mantra. That is why a person often wakes up chanting the mantra after engaging in prolonged mantra japa. Control of mind proceeds in this preliminary manner. Decide on a goal or target and keep the mind on it. The procedure is described in the Yoga Sastra. This is explained in Viveka Choodamani. These works show the path and the means to travel. But they do not fully tell you about your destination.
You know how to travel. But you do not know where you are headed. Vedanta picks up where Yoga Sastra leaves off. Vedanta explains about the destination one has to reach.
Sarva Vedanta Siddhanta Saara Sangraha is a huge work. It deals extensively with the topic of Shama. Shama is of three types. Some people may be able to concentrate the mind on a topic for only a few minutes. Some may be able to retain the attention for a few hours. Some may be able to maintain the same deep level of concentration throughout the day. Only Sadguru's mind is ever merged in the Paramatman. That is the highest level of Shama.
Brahmacharya is student life, where the disciple is focused only on learning. At least for twelve years one should dedicate the time for studies. One may or may not attend an institution. But the mind should be applied to study. Those who are married can also practice brahmacharya. It is good for their health. It promotes their spiritual progress. Ahimsa/non-violence is important to practice.
Mother Goddess rides on a lion/Simha. She has conquered Himsa/cruelty. Some small children take pleasure in tormenting small insects. It is inflicting physical pain. It should not be done. Even mentally and verbally one should not cause pain to others.
Sastra/scriptures do not blame any individual. They only blame bad traits. Even if the demon Hiranyakashipu speaks of Vedanta, we have to accept it. A person may be very noble and yet, may speak in an inappropriate manner. Jabali is a sage and yet, in the Ramayana, he propagated atheism. Rama was surprised that his father Dasaratha entertained such a person in his court. Rama told Sage Jabali to leave his presence. The company of one who abuses Guru must be rejected. Sometimes one is forced to listen to verbal abuse of Guru. At such times, one should either walk away, ignore the words, or refute the statements with courage.
Bhootadaya/compassion towards all living creatures must be cultivated. One should not kill even cruel animals, unless the animals intrude into human habitation and harm people. Killing cruel animals to protect humans is Dharma. Rama also used to hunt for that purpose. Hunting for sport is reprehensible and must be avoided.
Compassion towards all beings is Bhoota Daya. It is essential to cultivate that. With good thoughts and concentration, the mind becomes cleansed. With regular bathing, the body remains cleansed. One should be clean in thought, word, and deed.
Satyam is truth. We are all familiar with it. Truth is conveying our experience as is, without any deviation or deception. Sadhu sangatyam is associating with good souls.
With Brahmacharya/celibacy, ahimsa/non-violence, Bhootadaya/compassion towards all beings, Satyam/truth, and Satsang/association with good people - Shama will be developed. To cultivate Shama, we have to practice all these. Shama is the first gatekeeper. He guards the gate to liberation.
The next gatekeeper is Vicharaha or Vicharamu.
Aharamu, Vicharamu and Vyavaharamu are most important. What we eat, what we think, and what we do are very important. If we do not pay attention to these three, life becomes a waste.
Vicharam does not mean being sorrowful, but to be very thoughtful. In this context, Vichara refers to deep contemplation about God. Even while engaged in worldly activities, one must get into the habit of seeing everything as referring to God. Whatever one hears or sees, one should somehow find a connection between that and God, even if it is a film song. We are in the world and cannot avoid being exposed to worldly things. But we should be able to develop the habit of connecting any object of the world with Sadguru or God. This is the second gatekeeper, Vichara.
The third gatekeeper is Santoshaha - happiness. Happiness is expressed through the eyes, words, and actions. Happiness comes from contentment. If a person has had a full meal and yet if he does not feel satisfied with the taste of the meal, there is some lack felt. The person is not fully satisfied. Happiness comes from different directions to different people. It may come from bhajan singing to a devout person. It may come through some other activity to another person. These days there are even exercises to induce happiness. People are forgetting to laugh and rejoice. Find and discover things in everyday life to be happy about. One should not keep moaning and groaning over things. There is not a soul living in this world who has no possibility of happiness in life. It is important to recognize the various reasons for happiness.
When the period of mourning is over, after losing a loved one, it is important to revive one's good spirits. It is not good to remain in prolonged grief. Happiness is very essential in proper living.
The fourth gatekeeper is Sadhu Sangama. Association with those whose hearts are pure is important. They should share our interests. We should be like-minded. Sadguru and other noble souls should be constantly approached and their company should be relished.
At least with one of these four gatekeepers one should converse each and every day. This will give us easy access through the doorway that leads to liberation. Unless the gatekeepers permit us, we cannot enter.
Lakshmana was once appointed as the gatekeeper to Rama, after the war was over and Rama was ruling the kingdom of Ayodhya. Rama was engaged in a conversation with Kala Purusha/personification of Time, who had come to visit him. Kala Purusha stipulated that during their conversation, not a soul should enter the premises. Rama agreed. Kala Purusha further stipulated that if anyone should enter, whoever it may be, should have his head cut off. Rama was surprised at this strange request, but agreed. Rama appointed Lakshmana as the guard at the door. He ordered that no one should be allowed to enter. If anyone enters, whoever it may be, his head will be cut off. Lakshmana agreed.
It is only at such times that great souls arrive to administer tough tests. Sage Durvasa arrived and insisted on seeing Rama at once. Lakshmana tried to explain to him that Rama was otherwise engaged. Durvasa would not budge. He threatened to curse that the entire Raghu dynasty should get destroyed if he was not allowed to enter. Lakshmana wished to save the dynasty and so he himself entered to tell Rama of the visitor waiting at the door. Kala Purusha at once concluded the conversation and left. Lakshmana reminded Rama of his vow and requested him to remove his head. Rama commanded Lakshmana that he should go and do Prayopavesa/prepare to die on his own by a Yoga procedure. That way neither Rama nor Lakshmana would incur any sin. It was realized that the visit of Kala Purusha occurred to cause a separation between the brothers. Lakshmana accordingly remained in Yoga until his body dropped off on its own, and he once again assumed his role as Adi Sesha.
It is important to become familiar with the gatekeepers to gain entry. Because Durvasa knew Lakshmana, he succeeded in sending him inside to inform Rama of his arrival.
ete sevye
Deliberately one must make an effort to gain friendship with the gatekeepers, with all four of them if possible, and if not, with at least one or two or three of them. Once we have taken birth, at least association with one of the above must be cultivated. It is only with their cooperation that the gates to liberation will be opened. Even at the risk of one's life, one must make every effort to practice at least one of the above four. Remaining alive is not valuable in itself. To make life worthwhile, practice and develop at least one of the above four.
If possible, remain always in Guru's company physically, or hold Guru in your heart always. Or else, ever be contented, or be engaged in divine contemplation, or develop purity of mind. Otherwise, this birth becomes wasted. Make friends with at least one of the gatekeepers. Then he will recommend your case to the others.
savivekohi
Develop discrimination of what is good and what is bad. One should know what is beneficial and what is not, for oneself, one's family, and one's occupation. Without discretion, penance and study of Vedas also will be futile. Viswamitra's story tells us this. It is only when he finally followed the right path, that he achieved his goal, despite spending countless years in agonizing penance. Even penance and study of scriptures will not yield good results unless they are done with proper discretion. Gaining a lot of knowledge without applying discretion, is not going to be helpful.
ghanataam
Dullness of mind, being thick-skinned, will be result if one fails to make any effort to follow either the path of devotion, or dispassion, or selfless action in this lifetime. It will result in being born as a dull-head if over seven lifetimes one fails to use the lifetimes properly. On the other hand, if there is a Brahma Jnani in one's family, for seven generations the members in that family lineage will be saved.
This is a great science. To learn of God, to realize the Paramatman who is beyond the grasp of the senses, requires a very sharp intellect. That is why if there is one such person in the family who has attained enlightenment, the DNA changes in the entire lineage for seven generations before and after. The intellect will become stimulated for seven generation before and after. If one person becomes enlightened, it means that some person in the past seven generations must have experienced Self-Realization.
If a dull-head is born in a family, it is an indication that some flaw had occurred in the family lineage. That is why it is very important to pay attention to the mental and intellectual development of children. It is not enough to simply care about their physical growth and development.
What is eaten, has a great influence on the development of the mind. Satvic food promotes sharpness of the intellect. The inner essence from the food reaches the brain and affects its functioning. Eating beef dulls the mind. It prevents it from grasping very subtle spiritual concepts. Restrictions have been imposed on what may be eaten by persons and what may not. Beef sends the wrong type of subtle essence from the food to the brain which causes it harm in an invisible manner. The effect may not be immediately seen in the person consuming it, but may show up as negative mental tendencies or dullness of mind in the minds of his children and grandchildren. Eating of beef is a great sin for this reason that it spoils the brain of future generations. The purpose of cow's flesh is not consumption as food. It makes good manure if the body of the cow is buried. When alive, the cow feeds us like a mother, with its milk. The cow's flesh must never be eaten.
The protein in meat may help in building muscles of the body. But, it does harm to the intellect. It is very important to develop Satvic tendencies. It will only happen if the food consumed is Satvic. It is important to cultivate the mind. Vedanta Sastra's purpose is to increase the power of the intellect. Once such cultivation of the mind begins, it will continue through future generations. That is why it is said that if one enlightened person is there in a family, it helps seven generation before and seven generations after, to get liberated.
We will continue our study tomorrow.
Jaya Guru Datta
Sri Guru Datta
Om Santissantissantihi
Sri Ganesaya Namaha
Sri Saraswatyai Namaha
Sripada Vallabha
Narasimha Saraswati
Sri Guru Dattatreyaya Namaha
Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Sadgurubhyo Namaha
asato ma sadgamaya
tamaso ma jyotirgamaya
mrityor ma amrtam gamaya
Om Santissantissantihi
Please lead me from untruth to Truth, from darkness to light, from death to immortality. May there be peace.
Yoga Vasishtha Dhyana Slokas:
yatassarvāṇi bhūtāni pratibhānti sthitāni ca
yatraivōpaśamaṁ yānti tasmai satyātmanē namaḥ || 1
jñātā jñānaṁ tathā jñēyaṁ draṣṭādarśana dr̥śyabhūḥ
kartā hētuḥ kriyā yasmāt tasmai jñaptyātmanē namaḥ || 2
sphuranti sīkarā yasmāt ānanandasyāṁbarē vanau
sarvēṣām jīvanam tasmai brahmānandātmanē namaḥ || 3
Om santissantissantihi
Yesterday we discussed the qualities to be possessed by a good speaker and a good questioner. We also learned about who is qualified to speak and who is qualified to ask questions. Our eligibility is based on our sincere interest. Those who are truly interested are qualified.
Generally in the world, the one who poses questions acts superior to the speaker, feeling that he has the right to toss any question towards the speaker. The one who has to answer is expected to provide the appropriate answers regardless of the type of questions posed.
One must be very discriminative in asking Sadguru questions to clear one's doubts. Eligibility to ask comes from the genuine interest shown by the disciple. Dronacharya took special classes for Arjuna because of the eagerness shown by the student to learn new skills.
I mentioned that a particular verse in Yoga Vasishtha attracted my attention and was instrumental in my taking up a serious study of this work. It is the verse describing the four gate keepers guarding entry into Liberation.
Four security guards are at the gateway to Liberation, which is considered as a kingdom. We need to make friends with at least with one of the gatekeepers. They are Shama, Vichara, Santosha, and Sadhu Sangama. Of the four types of sadhana, we must pursue at least one. It is best to know all four of them. It will make our entry into the land of liberation easier.
Discretion is most important. The sun is considered to be the greatest among all radiant ones. Similarly, among all men, the one with clear discretion is considered to be the best.
Shama is a word often mentioned in Yoga Vasishtha and other scriptural works. It is not easy to control the mind. One can bind with ropes the hands and feet, but one cannot tie up the mind. It may take time but with practice, the mind can be brought under control. Mind is the king. It is very powerful. The sense organs are like the army that protects this king. Krishna told Arjuna that with steady practice one can focus the mind on our choice of subjects. The horses have to be directed to proceed in the direction that we choose. Once the mind gets absorbed in a mantra or on Guru, gradually, the mind itself dissolves. If night and day the same mantra is chanted and pondered over, it will begin to fully occupy the mind.
Now, with the chanting of Hanuman Chalisa day and night, I wake up with the Hanuman Chalisa saturating my mind. Mind is like water. It takes the shape of the container you pour it into. Therefore, merge the mind in Sadguru.
Practicing Shama, Dama, Nitya-anitya vastu vivechana and such warm up exercises, is crucial before proceeding to advanced stages in spirituality.
dosha drishtya
We must begin to recognize and acknowledge the negative qualities in things. For example, a snake has venom and it bites. Fire can burn if you touch it carelessly. We must exercise caution with things that could harm us.
One must set a goal such as: until I complete my chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa, I will not allow my mind to get diverted.
The power of sound will effectively control the mind, especially if the intellect also blends with it. One should constantly keep the attention on the chosen task. One must train the mind to remain adhered to the mantra. That is why a person often wakes up chanting the mantra after engaging in prolonged mantra japa. Control of mind proceeds in this preliminary manner. Decide on a goal or target and keep the mind on it. The procedure is described in the Yoga Sastra. This is explained in Viveka Choodamani. These works show the path and the means to travel. But they do not fully tell you about your destination.
You know how to travel. But you do not know where you are headed. Vedanta picks up where Yoga Sastra leaves off. Vedanta explains about the destination one has to reach.
Sarva Vedanta Siddhanta Saara Sangraha is a huge work. It deals extensively with the topic of Shama. Shama is of three types. Some people may be able to concentrate the mind on a topic for only a few minutes. Some may be able to retain the attention for a few hours. Some may be able to maintain the same deep level of concentration throughout the day. Only Sadguru's mind is ever merged in the Paramatman. That is the highest level of Shama.
Brahmacharya is student life, where the disciple is focused only on learning. At least for twelve years one should dedicate the time for studies. One may or may not attend an institution. But the mind should be applied to study. Those who are married can also practice brahmacharya. It is good for their health. It promotes their spiritual progress. Ahimsa/non-violence is important to practice.
Mother Goddess rides on a lion/Simha. She has conquered Himsa/cruelty. Some small children take pleasure in tormenting small insects. It is inflicting physical pain. It should not be done. Even mentally and verbally one should not cause pain to others.
Sastra/scriptures do not blame any individual. They only blame bad traits. Even if the demon Hiranyakashipu speaks of Vedanta, we have to accept it. A person may be very noble and yet, may speak in an inappropriate manner. Jabali is a sage and yet, in the Ramayana, he propagated atheism. Rama was surprised that his father Dasaratha entertained such a person in his court. Rama told Sage Jabali to leave his presence. The company of one who abuses Guru must be rejected. Sometimes one is forced to listen to verbal abuse of Guru. At such times, one should either walk away, ignore the words, or refute the statements with courage.
Bhootadaya/compassion towards all living creatures must be cultivated. One should not kill even cruel animals, unless the animals intrude into human habitation and harm people. Killing cruel animals to protect humans is Dharma. Rama also used to hunt for that purpose. Hunting for sport is reprehensible and must be avoided.
Compassion towards all beings is Bhoota Daya. It is essential to cultivate that. With good thoughts and concentration, the mind becomes cleansed. With regular bathing, the body remains cleansed. One should be clean in thought, word, and deed.
Satyam is truth. We are all familiar with it. Truth is conveying our experience as is, without any deviation or deception. Sadhu sangatyam is associating with good souls.
With Brahmacharya/celibacy, ahimsa/non-violence, Bhootadaya/compassion towards all beings, Satyam/truth, and Satsang/association with good people - Shama will be developed. To cultivate Shama, we have to practice all these. Shama is the first gatekeeper. He guards the gate to liberation.
The next gatekeeper is Vicharaha or Vicharamu.
Aharamu, Vicharamu and Vyavaharamu are most important. What we eat, what we think, and what we do are very important. If we do not pay attention to these three, life becomes a waste.
Vicharam does not mean being sorrowful, but to be very thoughtful. In this context, Vichara refers to deep contemplation about God. Even while engaged in worldly activities, one must get into the habit of seeing everything as referring to God. Whatever one hears or sees, one should somehow find a connection between that and God, even if it is a film song. We are in the world and cannot avoid being exposed to worldly things. But we should be able to develop the habit of connecting any object of the world with Sadguru or God. This is the second gatekeeper, Vichara.
The third gatekeeper is Santoshaha - happiness. Happiness is expressed through the eyes, words, and actions. Happiness comes from contentment. If a person has had a full meal and yet if he does not feel satisfied with the taste of the meal, there is some lack felt. The person is not fully satisfied. Happiness comes from different directions to different people. It may come from bhajan singing to a devout person. It may come through some other activity to another person. These days there are even exercises to induce happiness. People are forgetting to laugh and rejoice. Find and discover things in everyday life to be happy about. One should not keep moaning and groaning over things. There is not a soul living in this world who has no possibility of happiness in life. It is important to recognize the various reasons for happiness.
When the period of mourning is over, after losing a loved one, it is important to revive one's good spirits. It is not good to remain in prolonged grief. Happiness is very essential in proper living.
The fourth gatekeeper is Sadhu Sangama. Association with those whose hearts are pure is important. They should share our interests. We should be like-minded. Sadguru and other noble souls should be constantly approached and their company should be relished.
At least with one of these four gatekeepers one should converse each and every day. This will give us easy access through the doorway that leads to liberation. Unless the gatekeepers permit us, we cannot enter.
Lakshmana was once appointed as the gatekeeper to Rama, after the war was over and Rama was ruling the kingdom of Ayodhya. Rama was engaged in a conversation with Kala Purusha/personification of Time, who had come to visit him. Kala Purusha stipulated that during their conversation, not a soul should enter the premises. Rama agreed. Kala Purusha further stipulated that if anyone should enter, whoever it may be, should have his head cut off. Rama was surprised at this strange request, but agreed. Rama appointed Lakshmana as the guard at the door. He ordered that no one should be allowed to enter. If anyone enters, whoever it may be, his head will be cut off. Lakshmana agreed.
It is only at such times that great souls arrive to administer tough tests. Sage Durvasa arrived and insisted on seeing Rama at once. Lakshmana tried to explain to him that Rama was otherwise engaged. Durvasa would not budge. He threatened to curse that the entire Raghu dynasty should get destroyed if he was not allowed to enter. Lakshmana wished to save the dynasty and so he himself entered to tell Rama of the visitor waiting at the door. Kala Purusha at once concluded the conversation and left. Lakshmana reminded Rama of his vow and requested him to remove his head. Rama commanded Lakshmana that he should go and do Prayopavesa/prepare to die on his own by a Yoga procedure. That way neither Rama nor Lakshmana would incur any sin. It was realized that the visit of Kala Purusha occurred to cause a separation between the brothers. Lakshmana accordingly remained in Yoga until his body dropped off on its own, and he once again assumed his role as Adi Sesha.
It is important to become familiar with the gatekeepers to gain entry. Because Durvasa knew Lakshmana, he succeeded in sending him inside to inform Rama of his arrival.
ete sevye
Deliberately one must make an effort to gain friendship with the gatekeepers, with all four of them if possible, and if not, with at least one or two or three of them. Once we have taken birth, at least association with one of the above must be cultivated. It is only with their cooperation that the gates to liberation will be opened. Even at the risk of one's life, one must make every effort to practice at least one of the above four. Remaining alive is not valuable in itself. To make life worthwhile, practice and develop at least one of the above four.
If possible, remain always in Guru's company physically, or hold Guru in your heart always. Or else, ever be contented, or be engaged in divine contemplation, or develop purity of mind. Otherwise, this birth becomes wasted. Make friends with at least one of the gatekeepers. Then he will recommend your case to the others.
savivekohi
Develop discrimination of what is good and what is bad. One should know what is beneficial and what is not, for oneself, one's family, and one's occupation. Without discretion, penance and study of Vedas also will be futile. Viswamitra's story tells us this. It is only when he finally followed the right path, that he achieved his goal, despite spending countless years in agonizing penance. Even penance and study of scriptures will not yield good results unless they are done with proper discretion. Gaining a lot of knowledge without applying discretion, is not going to be helpful.
ghanataam
Dullness of mind, being thick-skinned, will be result if one fails to make any effort to follow either the path of devotion, or dispassion, or selfless action in this lifetime. It will result in being born as a dull-head if over seven lifetimes one fails to use the lifetimes properly. On the other hand, if there is a Brahma Jnani in one's family, for seven generations the members in that family lineage will be saved.
This is a great science. To learn of God, to realize the Paramatman who is beyond the grasp of the senses, requires a very sharp intellect. That is why if there is one such person in the family who has attained enlightenment, the DNA changes in the entire lineage for seven generations before and after. The intellect will become stimulated for seven generation before and after. If one person becomes enlightened, it means that some person in the past seven generations must have experienced Self-Realization.
If a dull-head is born in a family, it is an indication that some flaw had occurred in the family lineage. That is why it is very important to pay attention to the mental and intellectual development of children. It is not enough to simply care about their physical growth and development.
What is eaten, has a great influence on the development of the mind. Satvic food promotes sharpness of the intellect. The inner essence from the food reaches the brain and affects its functioning. Eating beef dulls the mind. It prevents it from grasping very subtle spiritual concepts. Restrictions have been imposed on what may be eaten by persons and what may not. Beef sends the wrong type of subtle essence from the food to the brain which causes it harm in an invisible manner. The effect may not be immediately seen in the person consuming it, but may show up as negative mental tendencies or dullness of mind in the minds of his children and grandchildren. Eating of beef is a great sin for this reason that it spoils the brain of future generations. The purpose of cow's flesh is not consumption as food. It makes good manure if the body of the cow is buried. When alive, the cow feeds us like a mother, with its milk. The cow's flesh must never be eaten.
The protein in meat may help in building muscles of the body. But, it does harm to the intellect. It is very important to develop Satvic tendencies. It will only happen if the food consumed is Satvic. It is important to cultivate the mind. Vedanta Sastra's purpose is to increase the power of the intellect. Once such cultivation of the mind begins, it will continue through future generations. That is why it is said that if one enlightened person is there in a family, it helps seven generation before and seven generations after, to get liberated.
We will continue our study tomorrow.
Jaya Guru Datta
Sri Guru Datta
Om Santissantissantihi