Many religions promise better life after you die. But this Upanishadic story that we have been discussing in the past several weeks says that it is possible to attain the ultimate realization in this life itself!
Interestingly, it says even the spirits or angels cannot do that which you and only you can do it as a human being. So it advises you not to miss this great opportunity.
The Upanishadic story says that the ultimate truth gets reflected in the Buddhi or intellect itself as if you are seeing it in a mirror.
If you have studied Yoga or read my book “Psychology behind Yoga – Lesser known insights into the ancient science of Yoga”, you will at once recall the analogy given by Patanjali.
Patanjali says that at the culminating stage of Yoga one sees his own true self reflected back in his Buddhi or intellect. Realizing one’s true self – what he actually is – is the ultimate realization that is otherwise blurred by the strong association with the body.
You don’t become something, but you only uncover the false facade masking the reality. Once that is done, the reality just emerges.
When you stand in front of a mirror, you see yourself, as you really are. That is the closest you can go to see yourselves. What you see is not really you, but very close.
But, have you noticed one thing? To see your own image in a mirror, the mirror has to be blemish-less. A dirty mirror can only show you a distorted image of yours.
So, the first step is to clean the mirror and continue to keep it clean. That is the process of Yoga or Meditation. First you block all those things that potentially dirty the mirror. This is a step by step and gradual process. I have discussed that process with illustrations in my book “How and why of Yoga and Meditation”
Once the mirror or the Buddhi is clean, you can’t but see your own image reflected back in it. No additional effort is needed.
What is involved in cleansing this mirror of the Mind or Buddhi? Patanjali calls it Yama and Niyama. Basically, a disciplined way of living without overindulgence in pleasures.
Further cleaning involves removing the residual blemishes by the process of meditation. Patanjali’s Asana, Pranayama, Dharana and Dhyana are meant for this long journey.
Once you have a clean mirror you are done. The Upanishad says that you can be a liberated person even in this life itself. You don’t have to wait for death.
Ultimately, what is this Upanishadic story trying to convey? We will see that in the next episode.
A story of Nachiketa from Katha Upanishad, which is part of Yajur Veda. Upanishads are concluding parts of ancient Indian Vedic scriptures believed to be at least 5000 years old. The interpretation is by Dr.King (Copyright © 2019 Dr. King).
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