Objects in the outside world form impressions on our mind thus affecting us; what should we do in such situations?

Question: Objects in the outside world form impressions on our mind thus affecting us; what should we do in such situations?

Answer:

Do not value, do not give so much importance to the impressions. When we seem to like something, when it appears pleasing or likable to us, then there is desire to acquire it. Even on forming such an impression the inner sentiments must be such that this thing is not mine. Instead of giving importance to the impressions made by the object, value the truth. By considering the impressions as significant, you lose sight of the real fact. From today onwards have a firm resolve that I will no longer accept the impressions, rather I will only accept the truth. Impressions are formed sometimes, not all the time; but when you consider these to be permanent then that is a mistake. In truth, you are not the body. The body that you had in childhood, it is not there anymore, but you are the same. Therefore please have mercy, and kindly do not give any importance to the impressions. One should only be influenced and affected by the Truth. If an impression of the untruth is formed, then it should not be given any importance. The truth is that we are not the body and the body is not ours.

On the path of liberation, on turning towards God, neither the gross, nor the subtle nor the causal body is of any aid. The body is of use to the family, to the society, to the world. It is of no use to us at all. Therefore engage this body, keep it busy in the service of the family, society and the world at large; this is an extremely important and an invaluable point. Accept this point, then you will be ever happy. It is nothing but a plain misconception that with this body we will benefit, that we will gain.

Neither the gross, nor the subtle, nor the causal body will be of any use to us. By understanding this point, one can benefit immensely. The gross body engages in actions (kriya). The subtle body, thinks and reflects (chintan). The causal body fixates on constancy, steadiness (sthirtaa) and samaadhi (deep meditation, a state of trance). Actions, thinking/reflecting , constancy-fixity, deep meditative trance all these are not for you. Do not place reliance on these. Fundamentally what is useful to you is non-entertainment of any thoughts. In the scriptures, `Samaadhi' (deep meditative trance) has been highly glorified, but that too will not be of any use to you. Neither actions, nor thinking/reflecting , nor constancy-fixity nor `samaadhi' will be of use to you. Similarly concentration, Pranayama (breath control), and awakening of Kundalini etc. are all of no use to you. These are all products of Nature (Prakriti), whereas you are a part (ansh) of Paramatman (God). They are not of the same class as you. You are separate from all these. Your oneness is with Paramatma (God). Whether you believe in monism (Advaita) or dualism (Dvaita), whether you follow the Yoga of Knowledge (Jnana) or devotion (Bhakti), minimally at least accept that which has no relationship with this body, is of no use to you (self).

If this world leaves an impression on you, then do not be concerned about it, simply do not accept it, then it will go away. By giving importance to the impressions of the world, you are depriving yourself of great benefits. Therefore if impressions are formed, let them be, but in your mind understand them to be unreal. Unreal objects can only leave unreal (false) impressions, how can they be real? When someone cheats you off your money, his talks appears true to you, you become enchanted by him and then only you get trapped in being cheated. Similarly letting worldly impressions fall you is absolutely letting yourself be cheated. It is stupidity.

One very important point is that the impressions are made on the body-senses- mind-intellect, not on you (self). Objects can affect other objects which are of a similar type; thus impression is never formed on the self, which is of a different class altogether. This body, this world is inert, whereas you the self, is sentient. How can inert affect the sentient? Inert can only impress upon the inert (body). This is the absolute truth. Understand this point right now then at this very minute all work will be complete! It is due to the eyes that impressions of sight are perceived. It is due to the ears that the impressions of sounds are heard. The significant point is that the objects of a similar type affect each other. Hence, whatever impressions occur, do not consider it real. The essence of the self is not affected by anything. It is entirely untouched, untainted - "Asango hyaayam purushah" (Brhad. Up. 4/3/15).

If mind-intellect is affected, let them be affected. Mind-intellect are not ours. These have the same constituents as the objects that make an impression on them.

We cannot enjoy this material world

We cannot enjoy this material world no matter how hard we try. Ultimately it is simply a bore. Although it sometimes appears that we are enjoying here, this is simply the trick of Maya, the illusory energy, to keep us perpetually entangled in the cycle of birth and death. Therefore, those who are wise do not try to squeeze pleasure out of this place where no factual pleasure exists. Instead they invest their time and energy where there is actually a payoff.

tasyaiva hetoh prayateta kovido
na labhyate yad bhramatam upary adhah
tal labhyate duhkhavad anyatah sukham
kalena sarvatra gabhira-ramhasa

"Persons who are actually intelligent and philosophically inclined should endeavor only for that purposeful end which is not obtainable even by wandering from the topmost planet [Brahmaloka] down to the lowest planet [Patala]. As far as happiness derived from sense enjoyment is concerned, it can be obtained automatically in course of time, just as in course of time we obtain miseries even though we do not desire them."
---Srimad Bhagavatam 1.5.18

So there is indeed a place that yields an inconceivable payoff, which is truly worthy of our time and energy. That place is the spiritual platform. How can we perceive it? How can we connect with it? How can we live on it? These are the sorts of questions that we should ask now that we are situated in this human form of life. If we do not ask such questions and instead simply run after money and sex pleasure, where are we? We are simply situated on the animal platform. Many will say, "What's wrong with that? I enjoy being an animal." But there is a profound difference between human life and animal life.

Animal life means that is one is forced to helplessly suffer the pains of material existence. Human life gives one the option of escaping all material miseries and entering into an eternal existence that is completely full with knowledge and bliss.

So the choice has to be made. No choice means we are stuck with the default position, the cycle of birth and death. Do we want to forego the cheap thrills of material existence in exchange for the ultimate happiness? Or would we rather continue to enjoy a few superficial pleasures every now and then, and remain in an embarrassing suffering condition, lifetime after lifetime, after lifetime?



Explained By Sankarshan Das Adhikari

How to realize the vision of Sarva Bhuta hite ratah(Gita 5:25) for conflict resolution and peace in the world?

How to realize the vision of Sarva Bhuta hite ratah(Gita 5:25) for conflict resolution and peace in the world?
Let us illustrate it with analogy of a Tree. What is a tree? A tree is some structure having root system, trunk, branches larger and smaller, leaves, buds, petals, flowers, thorns, and may be some creepers too!
Now what is really a tree apart from these various names and forms? Such names and forms together constitute one single Tree! Without them there is No meaning to name Tree, right?
Now suppose we cut such a tree(as the nature does eventually) and see branches, leaves, trunk, flowers, roots scattered all over the ground, are they separately called tree? Obviously no, so a tree is essentially interconnectedness of such names and forms deriving their nourishment( existence) from the source Root system. Thus, it is the interconnectedness that makes tree a tree, not independent existences of its parts, nor a tree by itself without such parts!

The point to be made here is that even though constituents have different names, property, attributes, they all are ONE Existence, ONE BEING, called Tree who lands its own Being to its constituents, all manifesting a variety of aspects, living in harmony with each other as single Tree! They don't have individuality and yet are individual having no conflicts, nourishing even thorns, creepers, allowing birds to nest, providing shade to protect people, and animal! A tree is thus a label pointing to ONE Existence appearing as many existences! Similarly is the case with GOD! We are such branches and leaves on a Tree of GOD, the Existence Absolute! Of course, some of us are flowers and thorns too, but of no lesser importance to God!
If we realize our oneness, interconnectedness, in spite of our seeming separations due to various conditioning of time and place we are born into over which we don't have any control, we can ever remain free of conflict and live in Peace!
The Tree, to me, points to such a Vision of Conflict free World. Its a great Lesson if we care enough to see it!

Society and Nation adopting such a vision of Realization of Truth through Education system as an important part of the academic curriculum will eventually bring such a vision to Reality!
Gita and other scriptures, Saints and Sages of our times are of the greatest help for such Vision to be real!

Every position in this material world is last class

Every position in this material world is last class. Everyone here is struggling hard to be in the best possible position, but they do not realize that even the topmost positions in this material world are last class because at the time of death everyone has to die, just like a dog has to die. So why struggle so hard to achieve a false first class position? It is better to get upgraded from last class to the real and perpetual first class position of pure devotional service. There is no position like pure devotional service because in this position of pure bhakti, Krishna or God--the supreme owner, controller, and enjoyer of everything--becomes your personal property. No one has better facility for living life to its fullest than Krishna's pure devotee. Even Krishna Himself becomes His own devotee in order the taste the first class pleasure.

As Explainrd by Sankarshan Das Adhikari