In my earlier post of the current series - Forms of Kripa - I had written about the role of Ishwara Kripa - God's blessing proving to be significant in deciding three aspects, namely, Manushyatwam - human birth, Mumukshutwam - the intense yearning for liberation and Maha-Purusha-Samshraya - association with a Guru who is a Brahmajnani.
Of these three aspects, I had dealt with Manushyatwam and mentioned that I would take up the topic of Atma Kripa in the current post.
I felt that the topic of Atma Kripa - compassion or blessing of oneself, represented by the aspect of Free Will, would be a logical extension of Manushyatwam, as human beings alone are gifted with a Buddhi - discerning intellect, by which he can exercise the faculty of choice, setting him heads and shoulders above the rest of creation.
I propose to weave the aspect of Mumukshutwam within this current topic of Atma Kripa.
It is a consequence of a mental disposition, that is given to deep discernment between the permanent and impermanent - and choosing the permanent. A mental disposition that is founded on Sad Karmah - Good actions, Sad Gunah - Good qualities and Sad Bhavanah - Right attitudes.
The aspect of Maha-Purusha-Samshraya - association with a Brahmajnana Guru, I will deal with under the topic of Guru Kripa
=========================================================================
I now seek to present the current topic Atma Kripa
Shrimad Bhagawad Geetha spans 18 Adhyaayaas or chapters and is divided into three Shatkas - three sections, each of which contains 6 Adhyaayaas.
The following significant verse, occurs in the Prathama Shatka - first section of 6 chapters, in fact the concluding 6th Adhyaaya of the section, namely, Dhyaana Yoga
Here, Shri Krishna emphasises the importance of self-effort, not only from the standpoint of 'doing' what needs to be done, but also the attitude that one must hold towards oneself.
It would be interesting to examine closely what Shri Krishna is conveying through His message.
1. To maintain a healthy self-opinion - The assessment stage - leading to an unconditional acceptance of ones current situation (especially when the assessment is not very conducive, which we shall see later in the post)
2. The Importance of Free Will - The action stage
Let us try and analyse the above points.
Maintaining a healthy self-opinion - The assessment stage
A healthy self-opinion immediately implies, maintaining a balanced approach about ones capabilities. It is important that we have a proper understanding of our strengths and weaknesses. This requires an introspective bent of mind, an available mind, and quality time spent. During these sessions, an honest assessment of where we stand, can provide us insights on the actions that need to be taken.
Improving upon our strengths by bolstering them with additional effort if required, and weeding out the weaknesses, if any, gradually, without self-deprecation. It is important that one takes care that the positives do not drift the mind into a superior mode, nor do the negatives into an inferior mode.
I am reminded of a popular analogy that is used in our Puranas - ancient literature - Samudra Mathanam - a process of churning the ocean that the Devas and Asuras undertook, which resulted in several positives such as Kalpatharu - the wish fulfilling tree, Amrutham - the nectar of relative immortality as also the Hala Hala poison! The positives and negatives!
The importance of Free Will - The action stage
The next step is to look at what needs to be done. Having assessed ourselves healthily, the next step is to act, like a sculptor would on the image he is carving.
A look into Newton's laws of motion would help our understanding, especially Newton's first law, namely the Law of Inertia.
Sir Isaac Newton FRS PRS (25 December 1642 – 20 March 1726/27[a]) was an English mathematician, physicist, astronomer, theologian, and author (described in his own day as a "natural philosopher") who is widely recognised as one of the most influential scientists of all time, and a key figure in the scientific revolution. His book Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica ("Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy"), first published in 1687, laid the foundations of classical mechanics.
Newton's First Law - The Law of Inertia
It states,
Every body continues in its state of rest or uniform motion, unless acted upon by an external force, to change its state of rest or uniform motion.
This simply means that things cannot start, stop or change direction all by themselves. It requires some force acting on them from the outside to cause such a change. While this concept seems simple and obvious to us today, in Newton's time it was truly revolutionary.
Action on the positives
The positives - Daivi Sampat (as Shri Krishna defines it in Chapter 16 of Shrimad Bhagawad Geetha) that result out of the 'honest' assessment, need to be protected and nurtured, in order to prevent slipping back. There are few key prescriptions in our Shaastras that come to mind, which if used diligently, can promote the preservation of Daivi Sampat.
1. Pancha Maha Yagnyas (these will be dealt with in a separate context)
2. Patanjali Maharshi's Ashtaanga Yoga, especially Steps 1 and 2, namely, Yamas (the don'ts) and Niyamas (the dos), masterfully taught by my Guru, Swami Paramarthananda, as The Ten Commandments of Hinduism!
Can Newton's Law of Inertia find application here, in the context of Daivi Sampat? one may ask. A relook at the definition of the law, will bear it out. Yes, it does say, a body remains in its state of rest or uniform motion - this may lead to the feeling that once a Daivi Sampatti always a Daivi Sampatti, leading to a state of complacency. This is where we need to wisely look at the rest of the definition - unless compelled by an external force, to change the state of rest or uniform motion! Here, the external force could be in the form of negative tendencies, dark forces! creeping into the system, if one is not alert.
Hence the role of Atma Kripa - or grace from oneself, becomes significant in the maintenance of Daivi Sampat or positives.
Action on the negatives
Having assessed oneself, it is possible, just like in the Samudra Mathanam analogy above, that negative characteristics may emerge. Here is where one needs to be careful, careful not to get overwhelmed by the findings and not self deprecate.
If one is not watchful and alert, the arise of these tendencies could lead to a sense of, Helplessness, Anger, Frustration and Depression (HAFD) - as explained by Guru Swami Paramarthananda.
It is in fact, addressing such people, through Arjuna, Shri Krishna designs the message of the above Geetha verse.
Aatmaanam na Avasaadayet - Do not self-deprecate
He wishes to reassure them that with proper application of Free Will, a result of Atma Kripa, one can lift oneself from such negative tendencies, Asuri Sampat (As taught by Shri Krishna in Chapter 16 of Shrimad Bhagawad Geetha)
Newton's Law of Inertia comes handy here too! Again, applying the two parts of the law diligently,
Part 1 - Every body continues to stay in its state of rest or uniform motion - this could be taken by people with negative tendencies that nothing can really be done about it and that it is their fate etc (a never ending debate - Whether Fate or Free Will?!)
But.....a BIG but at that!
here is where the next part of the Law becomes their friend, if they look at it that way!
Part 2: Unless compelled by an external force to change that state of rest or uniform motion!
Some of the External Forces that could be employed are:
1. Prarthana - A sincere prayer to the Lord, seeking his blessings to help effect the change for the good.
2. Sankalpa - A firm resolve to change for the better.
3. Satsang - Company of the noble
4. Viveka - Discrimination - assessing the effect of the negative quality on ones life
5. Pratipakshabhavana - maintaining the opposite trend of thought (positivity)
(I will strive to write more on the above areas in a future post!)
Shri Krishna says in the verse above, Uddharet Atmanaatmaanam, lift yourself by yourself (by self effort), using any of the methods mentioned above.
Raise yourself, as Poojya Gurudev, Swami Chinmayananda would say, from being an Animal Man to Man-Man to God-Man!
Thus the aspect of Atma Kripa is as important, in fact the most important of the four Kripas, the other three - Ishwara Kripa, Shaastra Kripa and Guru Kripa being available for the asking - proper asking.
Guru Swami Paramarthananda would ingeniously bring about the connect between Ishwara Kripa and Atma Kripa, in life's journey, with the following example:
Imagine a train journey that involves a steep climb through mountains. I am reminded here of the travel between Mumbai and Pune, when we were young. There would be an engine attached in the front of the carriages and one at the rear. The power of both engines being required to traverse the demanding terrain.
Swamiji would equate the engine in front that's pulling, to our Prayatna or effort, Atma Kripa, and the engine behind, pushing, to Ishwara Kripa!
Of these three aspects, I had dealt with Manushyatwam and mentioned that I would take up the topic of Atma Kripa in the current post.
I felt that the topic of Atma Kripa - compassion or blessing of oneself, represented by the aspect of Free Will, would be a logical extension of Manushyatwam, as human beings alone are gifted with a Buddhi - discerning intellect, by which he can exercise the faculty of choice, setting him heads and shoulders above the rest of creation.
I propose to weave the aspect of Mumukshutwam within this current topic of Atma Kripa.
It is a consequence of a mental disposition, that is given to deep discernment between the permanent and impermanent - and choosing the permanent. A mental disposition that is founded on Sad Karmah - Good actions, Sad Gunah - Good qualities and Sad Bhavanah - Right attitudes.
The aspect of Maha-Purusha-Samshraya - association with a Brahmajnana Guru, I will deal with under the topic of Guru Kripa
=========================================================================
I now seek to present the current topic Atma Kripa
Shrimad Bhagawad Geetha spans 18 Adhyaayaas or chapters and is divided into three Shatkas - three sections, each of which contains 6 Adhyaayaas.
The following significant verse, occurs in the Prathama Shatka - first section of 6 chapters, in fact the concluding 6th Adhyaaya of the section, namely, Dhyaana Yoga
It would be interesting to examine closely what Shri Krishna is conveying through His message.
1. To maintain a healthy self-opinion - The assessment stage - leading to an unconditional acceptance of ones current situation (especially when the assessment is not very conducive, which we shall see later in the post)
2. The Importance of Free Will - The action stage
Let us try and analyse the above points.
Maintaining a healthy self-opinion - The assessment stage
A healthy self-opinion immediately implies, maintaining a balanced approach about ones capabilities. It is important that we have a proper understanding of our strengths and weaknesses. This requires an introspective bent of mind, an available mind, and quality time spent. During these sessions, an honest assessment of where we stand, can provide us insights on the actions that need to be taken.
Improving upon our strengths by bolstering them with additional effort if required, and weeding out the weaknesses, if any, gradually, without self-deprecation. It is important that one takes care that the positives do not drift the mind into a superior mode, nor do the negatives into an inferior mode.
I am reminded of a popular analogy that is used in our Puranas - ancient literature - Samudra Mathanam - a process of churning the ocean that the Devas and Asuras undertook, which resulted in several positives such as Kalpatharu - the wish fulfilling tree, Amrutham - the nectar of relative immortality as also the Hala Hala poison! The positives and negatives!
The importance of Free Will - The action stage
The next step is to look at what needs to be done. Having assessed ourselves healthily, the next step is to act, like a sculptor would on the image he is carving.
A look into Newton's laws of motion would help our understanding, especially Newton's first law, namely the Law of Inertia.
 |
| Inertia! |
Newton's First Law - The Law of Inertia
It states,
Every body continues in its state of rest or uniform motion, unless acted upon by an external force, to change its state of rest or uniform motion.
This simply means that things cannot start, stop or change direction all by themselves. It requires some force acting on them from the outside to cause such a change. While this concept seems simple and obvious to us today, in Newton's time it was truly revolutionary.
Action on the positives
The positives - Daivi Sampat (as Shri Krishna defines it in Chapter 16 of Shrimad Bhagawad Geetha) that result out of the 'honest' assessment, need to be protected and nurtured, in order to prevent slipping back. There are few key prescriptions in our Shaastras that come to mind, which if used diligently, can promote the preservation of Daivi Sampat.
1. Pancha Maha Yagnyas (these will be dealt with in a separate context)
2. Patanjali Maharshi's Ashtaanga Yoga, especially Steps 1 and 2, namely, Yamas (the don'ts) and Niyamas (the dos), masterfully taught by my Guru, Swami Paramarthananda, as The Ten Commandments of Hinduism!
Can Newton's Law of Inertia find application here, in the context of Daivi Sampat? one may ask. A relook at the definition of the law, will bear it out. Yes, it does say, a body remains in its state of rest or uniform motion - this may lead to the feeling that once a Daivi Sampatti always a Daivi Sampatti, leading to a state of complacency. This is where we need to wisely look at the rest of the definition - unless compelled by an external force, to change the state of rest or uniform motion! Here, the external force could be in the form of negative tendencies, dark forces! creeping into the system, if one is not alert.
Hence the role of Atma Kripa - or grace from oneself, becomes significant in the maintenance of Daivi Sampat or positives.
Action on the negatives
Having assessed oneself, it is possible, just like in the Samudra Mathanam analogy above, that negative characteristics may emerge. Here is where one needs to be careful, careful not to get overwhelmed by the findings and not self deprecate.
If one is not watchful and alert, the arise of these tendencies could lead to a sense of, Helplessness, Anger, Frustration and Depression (HAFD) - as explained by Guru Swami Paramarthananda.
It is in fact, addressing such people, through Arjuna, Shri Krishna designs the message of the above Geetha verse.
Aatmaanam na Avasaadayet - Do not self-deprecate
He wishes to reassure them that with proper application of Free Will, a result of Atma Kripa, one can lift oneself from such negative tendencies, Asuri Sampat (As taught by Shri Krishna in Chapter 16 of Shrimad Bhagawad Geetha)
Newton's Law of Inertia comes handy here too! Again, applying the two parts of the law diligently,
Part 1 - Every body continues to stay in its state of rest or uniform motion - this could be taken by people with negative tendencies that nothing can really be done about it and that it is their fate etc (a never ending debate - Whether Fate or Free Will?!)
But.....a BIG but at that!
here is where the next part of the Law becomes their friend, if they look at it that way!
Part 2: Unless compelled by an external force to change that state of rest or uniform motion!
Some of the External Forces that could be employed are:
1. Prarthana - A sincere prayer to the Lord, seeking his blessings to help effect the change for the good.
2. Sankalpa - A firm resolve to change for the better.
3. Satsang - Company of the noble
4. Viveka - Discrimination - assessing the effect of the negative quality on ones life
5. Pratipakshabhavana - maintaining the opposite trend of thought (positivity)
(I will strive to write more on the above areas in a future post!)
Shri Krishna says in the verse above, Uddharet Atmanaatmaanam, lift yourself by yourself (by self effort), using any of the methods mentioned above.
Raise yourself, as Poojya Gurudev, Swami Chinmayananda would say, from being an Animal Man to Man-Man to God-Man!
Swami Chinmayananda Saraswati (born Balakrishna Menon; 8 May 1916 – 3 August 1993) was a Hindu spiritual leader and a teacher who inspired the formation of Chinmaya Mission, a worldwide nonprofit organisation,to spread the knowledge of Advaita Vedanta, the non-dual system of thought found in the Upanishads, which epitomise the philosophical teachings of the Vedas.
Swami Chinmayananda
Thus the aspect of Atma Kripa is as important, in fact the most important of the four Kripas, the other three - Ishwara Kripa, Shaastra Kripa and Guru Kripa being available for the asking - proper asking.
Guru Swami Paramarthananda would ingeniously bring about the connect between Ishwara Kripa and Atma Kripa, in life's journey, with the following example:
 |
| Swami Paramarthananda |
Swamiji would equate the engine in front that's pulling, to our Prayatna or effort, Atma Kripa, and the engine behind, pushing, to Ishwara Kripa!
