Introduction to the Upanishads - 12. Swami Krishnananda

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25/02/2020.
Post-12.
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1.

The reason or the rationale behind this study, this activity, is something beyond reason itself. The reason behind the need for study for the nature of the nature of the Atman – you have to say this reason is super-rational.

#What can be more important than your own self?

##Is any burden of material value superior to your own existence?

###Has the world any meaning minus you?

Let your existence be isolated completely. You will find that the world will stand as a series of zeros or ciphers unless there is a single stroke of a figure that makes sense and which is the Atman who does things.

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2.

#There is a screen covering the consciousness of this pure subjectivity in oneself – that screen is called Avarana, the third defect of the mind. 

##Dross – physical impurity, is removed by Karma Yoga or performance of unselfish action. 

###The fickleness of the mind is subdued by Upasana or devout worship. 

####And Avanara or the veil is removed by Jnana or wisdom of life. 

*The Bhagavadgita is a standard gospel on the art of Karma Yoga, unselfish spiritual activity. 

**The Epics and the Puranas highlight the path of devotion, Bhakti or Upasana, love of God. 

***Upanishads deal with Jnana or wisdom of the ultimate reality.

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3.

#So, this teaching that is going to be imparted to you is not to be taken as a diversion from the ordinary regime of life, but a very serious matter which will polish your personality, chasten your individuality and make you a perfect individual, not only in your own self but also in human society. 

##The teaching in academy of this kind is a spiritual discipline, it is not just intellectual information.

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4.

#So I have told you something briefly about the nature of Karma Yoga or unselfish action, 

##performance of duty for duty's sake, 

###as a standard method laid down before us by the ancient master for cleansing the mind of all dross of extraneous desires in the direction of objects of sense;

####and Upasana is the love of God that you evince in your own self by daily worship performed in whatever way you would like to carry on.

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To be continued .....

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