॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥
***
श्रीभगवानुवाच
य एतान् मत्पथो हित्वा भक्तिज्ञानक्रियात्मकान् । क्षुद्रान् कामांश्चलैः प्राणैर्जुषन्तः संसरन्ति ते ॥
स्वे स्वेऽधिकारे या निष्ठा स गुणः परिकीर्तितः । विपर्ययस्तु दोषः स्यादुभयोरेष निश्चयः ॥
T: Bhagavan stated: " Those who do not follow any of the three paths, viz., Karmay Yoga or Jnana Yoga or Bhakti Yoga, let their energies and interests dwell on the most trivial parts of life, forcing themselves to be reborn over and over again in this cycle of life. Indeed, it is easy to decide what the "good" action. That conforms to your nature, attitude, seeking, and furthers progress is good, Anything contrary to your nature and your seeking is defective/bad. In other words, no action or thing is inherently good or bad! Simple!"
In this vein, Bhagavan elaborated on the aspects of life and spiritual and worldly activities that further a seeker's journey or hindered him. I am leaving out a lot of detail.
The Vedas elucidate do's and don'ts very well. Bhagavan says that the Smritis (Codes of Conduct laid down by Manu or Yajnavalkya and so on) are meant for those who are highly extroverted and action-oriented, with the collateral chances of doing wrong. These Codes spell out precisely the letter and spirit of what is to be done and what is to be avoided for such extroverts.
All things and beings, Brahma downward, are made up of the five elements. Their diversity arises from the combinations of the Gunas - Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. The actions recommended are therefore applicable to that specific individual and situation.
Bhagavan gives examples of geographies and things and situations not conducive to spiritual development, nor endowed with the ingredients for worldly prosperity. In case of confusion, better to consult a living master for guidance. There is also the question of the seeker's ability to resist evil and temptation.
Things that purify? Water, charity, austerity, efforts at self-improvement including Upanayana, Sandhyavandana, and Dhyana!
Mantra from the Guru used properly is a great aid to development.
यतो यतो निवर्तेत विमुच्येत ततस्ततः ।
T: The essential driver in spiritual progress is detachment and renunciation.
***
Bhagavan explains how the degradation of man happens. Desire-Hankering-Infatuation-Senselessness- Depravity- Destruction. This is echoed also in the Bhagavadgita and in Buddha's teachings!
A man after sense pleasures is a no-gooder for himself and for society as he doesn't care for his own welfare nor for others!
Why do Vedas dwell on sense-enjoyments and how to secure them? This is the part where one should apply one's wisdom. The Vedas are encyclopaedic and recognise that a man in Tamas graduates to Rajas and Sattva by degrees. The Vedas have everything, and one has to choose what is relevant to one's nature. The inherent principle is that man's evolution is always upward and forward, as long as he uses his free will sensibly. If not, he fails to discover that Paramatma is dwelling within him urging him to seek the ultimate bliss and not settle for trivial pleasures.
Bhagavan then states how the Vedas are a magnificent scripture developing on the basis of the Cosmic OM Pranava and fleshing it out into various Mantras and chants like the Gayatri. He wants us to know how great the Vedas are, indeed, as they cover the Karma Kanda for the pleasure-seekers, the Upasana Kanda for the Bhaktas, and the Jnana Kanda for the meditators. All of them ultimately push the seeker towards experiencing Bhagavan, Paramatma and Parabrahman - three terms that all mean the same Supreme Truth.
***
