MUNDAKA UPANISHAD - 20. Swami Advayananda.

Chinmaya Mission :

The Devi Group of Chinmaya Mission Dallas has demonstrated remarkable compassion and generosity through their heartwarming initiative to feed over 500 homeless individuals. The group's efforts to raise funds and prepare over 650 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches demonstrate their commitment to serving those in need and making a positive impact in their community.

It is inspiring to see such a dedicated and selfless effort led by Swami Sarveshananda, Br. Hari Chaitanya, and Brni Divya, who have made a significant difference in the lives of those housed by the Austin Street Center in Dallas, Texas. This initiative is a testament to the power of community and the impact that can be made when people come together for a common cause.

We commend the Devi Group of Chinmaya Mission Dallas for their efforts and for setting a positive example for others to follow. This is a remarkable and heartwarming initiative that will make a lasting impact on those who have been helped.

=========================================================================

6 Chapters (64 Mantras)

Chapter-1.

Section-2 : A CLOSE LOOK AT RITUALS : (Mantras 10-22, 13 no.)

=========================================================================

Wednesday, Februuary 08, 2023. 07:15.

Post - 20.

=========================================================================

20. Mantram - 2.11: What is the Alternative?
With Translation ;

1 tapah shraddhe ye hi  upavasanti aranye,  =  But they who perform penance with faith, 

while living in the forest (solitude),

2 shaantaah vidvaamsah bhaikshya-charyaam charantah;  =  having control over their senses, such learned ones, living the simple life of mendicants,

3 soorya-dvaarena te virajaah prayaanti,  =  to the solar world of Light they go, their merits and demerits being consumed,

4 yatra amritah  sah purushah hi avyayaatmaa.  =  where dwells the Immortal and Undecaying Supreme Purusha.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bhashyam (Vyakyanam) :

Now we come to the category of people who have grown wiser after experiencing 

the bitter disappointments of the Kevala Karma path. They go a step higher now. They add 

devotion to their rituals and do them without any selfish desire in mind. This is the middle 

category of devotees. This is called the Path of Karma and Upasana.

1 The Upasana Kanda is for such people. It is a step higher than the Karma Kanda and 

a preparation for the Jnana Kanda. They may be given the name of Upasakas. When one 

comes to the realization of the worthlessness of actions as the sole means to happiness,

then begins the path of renunciation, characterised by penance and seclusion.

The Upasaka is prepared to undergo some physical hardships. He is now willing to 

live a simpler lifestyle. This is symbolized in “living in the forest”. In today’s circumstances, it 

may not be literally going to a forest, but adopting a greatly simplified way of life, free from 

needless comforts. Solitude is the key. The Upasaka begins giving up many of his old social 

contacts so that he can take up a more contemplative lifestyle. 

2 Upasakas are in the stage where their life is characterized by the practice of 

austerities, particularly fasting, and study of scriptures. They shift away from the arenas of 

activity. This is the stage of Vanaprastha or retirement from active life. Simplicity is the 

keynote in this stage of life.

3 Virajaah: “those whose good and bad deeds are consumed.” Due to the simple life 

adopted and the voluntarily accepted self-denial, Purification of one’s Karma follows. The 

Karmas (both good and bad) get burnt up or consumed. This is the essence of purification. 

The “Solar worlds” refer to the heavenly regions to which Upasakas desire to go. This 

is their main motivation to practice austerities and self-denial. In other words, desire has 

not been completely given up, but it has been raised from being at the sensual level.

4 Such a life is, no doubt, far superior to the previous life lived in the midst of activity 

and luxury. So much so, that one may even be tempted to think that that is the final aim of 

life. In the Bhashya the question is posed: “Is this not the same life as that which leads one 

to liberation?”

The answer is “No”. Liberation is not yet on the agenda of the Upasaka. He is still 

dealing with the lower knowledge, albeit at a higher level from the Kevala Karma stage. The 

change is in the attitude with which the devotee does the Karmas and the Upasanas. There 

is a considerable reduction in desire-prompted activities. However, the desire for the higher 

worlds is still there, which binds them to Samsara. Only with more purification can the 

Upasakas begin to see beyond Samsara. 

When that happens they become ready for the third and final stage of Jnana Kanda. 

Then a natural desire wells up in their hearts for knowledge of Brahma Vidya . . .

*****
Next
21. Mantram - 2.12: Guru Upasadana – Approaching the Guru
To be continued

========================================================================