TRADITION 2020

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Every Jiva (embodied soul) should perform the worldly duties of day to day life.

There are two pathways to achieving this.The first pathway leads to worldly happinesswhereas the second leads to spirituality and everlasting happiness.

The second path is Advaita.

By following the first pathway, one can attain worldly happiness, but one does notfind the Supreme Lord. In this world, anindividual strives for personal wealth, glory, prestige, values and honour. He strives forthese things only to find worldly enjoymentand the fulfilment of his desires. The rootcause of this is his ego.

In order to rid oneself of the ego, an individual must take refuge at the feet ofGurudev(Teacher) .

On the auspicious occasion of Gurupurnima,all are encouraged to rid themselves of egoand dedicate their lives to the beauty ofAdvaita and to pay homage to Gurudev.

Blessings (Shubha asish) .

Maha ara aja S Zri Va asudeva ananda SaraswatiJune 2020

AS MR LEON MACLAREN said “There is no need forfear. Remember the Self. Or remember the School,even remember the group; what you are in fact remembering is the Self, and the fear will vanish.”( Volume 4 Lectures page185).

The Sanskrit verses are the group of hymns referred to by Maharaja Shri Shantananda Saraswati in 1985.The first verse will be familiar to many, but perhapsnot the others. Donald Lambie

They are natural qualities of one’s own Self. As long asthe impediments linger, these remain inaccessible. Thelight of knowledge alone helps to bring them withinone’s view. In the 16th chapter of Bhagavad Gita, ShriKrishna enumerates the divine qualities or properties:

Fearlessness, purity of heart, steadfastness in knowl-edge and Yoga; alms giving, self-restraint and worship,study of the scriptures, austerity, uprightness: Harmlessness, truth, absence of anger, renunciation,

serenity, absence of calumny, compassion to creatures,uncovetousness, gentleness, modesty, absence of fickleness.

The first amongst the divine properties as enumeratedby Shri Krishna is fearlessness (abhayam).Fear freezes one into tamas or agitates one in franticactivities of rajas. Fearlessness alone prevails insattva. With sattva the purification of being takes place(Sattvasanshuddhi). Pure being in sattva is open toknowledge and faith and one devotes oneself fully tothe rules and regulation of the Yoga system of wisdom for the realisation of the Self ( Jnanayoga).

Mananam constitutes reflecting the reading again and again in one’s mind and allowing its meaning toenlighten the mind. Nididhyasanam constitutes theestablishment of that meaning in one’s being.

When Upanishadic mantras are reflected upon, beingseed-like, they expand like plants with leaves, flowersand fruit. This enlightens the mind with deepermeanings contained in them. When the content isfully established, then it becomes part of one’s being.If this does not take place, then its effect could belost in time, or it may remain only as a piece ofknowledge. When meaning is properly established itshows itself in constancy in expressions, acuteness

The theme of the quotations in this booklet is that of fearlessness, the absence of worry. With knowledge of the Self this is natural.

The divine world and its qualities are ever present. When they seem to comewithin one’s vision, it is that one’s impediments have been removed and not that the divine qualities arise.

Having listened to an Upanishadic reading, two activities may follow. The first is mananam and then nididhyasanam.

1982 Conversations 1.2

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Ignorance of Advaita means involvement without any chance of escape. It sometimes gives pleasure,sometimes pain, and they come in turn. It createsworries and worries reduce the chances of futurefreedom from attachment.

If Advaita is accepted, involvement ceases. One watcheseverything as it is. The mind is not preoccupied withworries. One is free to change a situation withoutclaim of result. One gets proper sleep and every daydawns with opportunity. Illusion is dissolved butthe universal drama goes on to be watched in goodhealth and vigour.

This is acquired through understanding of the trueknowledge, proper practice of meditation, devotedservice within the organisation. This having been

of attention, elimination of worries, elimination ofconfusion and rise of pure resolution manifests.Knowing the Self, including its manifestation, existenceand dissolution, one goes through all this withattention, confidence and in righteousness withoutlosing the essence.

In order to uplift the level of consciousnessin the community or the world in general,one has first of all to uplift oneself.

1985 Conversations 4.4

1985 Conversations 2.4

People ask what is the use of this philosophy in practical life, the answer is as follows:

A young Mahaaraaja SZriSZantananda Saaraaswati.

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properly done for a length of time, the force of theSelf will arise. This force is also known as divine powerwhich shines more than that which already exists. Inshort, the level of one’s own consciousness will rise.This will give success in any field of action in whichthey choose to work. Such a state of being is a stateof being fearless. When they feel that they havereached the state of fearlessness, having seen successin the work assigned to them within the organisation,then they are ready to become an example to othersand they may offer all they have to the community.

The modern approach has almost become a glorification of individuals or societies, rather thancharting out the journey of consciousness in search forthe glorious aspects of the lives of those who contributedto the making of history

The good approach needs unbiased accounts of livesand events for general uplift of moral values so that itmay inspire others to face the challenges of evil andugly forces with courage and confidence. This gives a sort of map or guide which one uses in travelling to locate all the important places to visitand avail the necessary services on the way withoutany discomfort.

1989 Conversations 4.2

It is true that the historical aspect hasbecome rather dubious these days. The oldapproach to history was different.

1976 Conversations 7.4

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But due to the misconception of security and to self-ishness, greed and attachment, the world gets into dis-order. In this disorder new imprints are created andthe essential nature, the threefold sat, chit, ananda, iscovered by a new essence. In this way, human beingsare living, acquiring new layers life after life. The envronment, place and time decide the course of their life.

If there is a thick layer formed over the naturalessence, and the environment is not conducive to anydevelopment in their life, then all that natural essencewill remain dormant and will never see the light andwould not grow.

The thickness of layers will determine how much workhas to be done. The artificial imprints forming the newessence are a continuous process.

For example, a lion cub was misled into a sheep flockand was taken by the shepherds. He grew up with thesheep and acquired their manners, although his formwas different. He would eat the grass and make soundslike a sheep. One day, when the sheep were grazing, a lion

happened to come that way, and on seeing thesheep he roared. The sheep ran away, but the cub stood,and having seen the similar form, walked up to thelion with affection. The lion took him under his influ-ence and once again the sheep-lion became a real lion.

The influences in the world are such as to make onefeel weak, feeble and fearful and to cause one tofeed on rubbish which makes one weak, feeble andfearful. Only good company can undo such influences,so that the natural essence of truth, consciousnessand bliss may prevail. Everyone is a lion and everybeing is Absolute.

The disciplines are available but it is entirely up to thefreewill of the individuals to submit themselves forthis hard way. They must first acquire the knowl-edge and the understanding and then act accordingto the discipline.

Knowledge alone is not much use. In the course of

creation, rest has also been provided. One goes to

sleep during the night after a day’s hard work. But

this physical rest cannot establish the limited in the

unlimited in its fullness. Sleep recharges the physical

1965 Conversations 4.7

The natural course from unlimited to limited is easy, but from limited to unlimited is rather hard.

The real nature of every human being is thesame. There is no difference whatsoever.

If, by grace, one meets good company,where certain situations are created and thememory of that natural imprint is aroused,then work starts.

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energy and also mental energy to keep going. Yet this

cannot be called participating in the unlimited. The

real participation and total peace and fulfilment comes

only through knowledge, viveka (reason) and meditation.

In sleep one is separated, separation is limitation. Viveka

and meditation makes one awake all the time and thus

able to participate in the unlimited.

Human beings are designed to walk. They do not nat-

urally know how to swim if they face a river to cross,

as is natural to dogs or cows or birds. So they must

learn and this capacity is available. If one learns and

follows the discipline one can swim upstream from

limited to unlimited. Thus the bridge is already there.

The brave like to swim upstream and are ready to

pay the price through discipline and break the limit

once and for all.

then prayer is helpful because of the sound and the

rhythm and the message contained within it. This

will give the scattered mind some rest and facilitate

meditation. One need not pray after meditation

because, having reached to the source of everything,

one needs nothing.

1993 Conversations 2.3

Study Society Record 1sth Jan.1993

If one is afflicted by worries and agitationsand cannot easily meditate,

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izvs¤LpsU≈,

yJj|g/to dUrmudEit dEv, tdu suPtSy t†EvEit «dUr‹m, Jyoitw|, Jyoitrek, tNme mn: izvs¤LpmStu »1»

1. That divine intelligence, the one far-shining light of lights, ranges far in waking and goes the same way in sleep –may my mind rest in That, intent on the highest good.

yen km|R_ˆypso mnIiw~o yDe ÈviNt ivd†ewu ∂Ir|; «ydpUvì yxmNt: p/j|n|, tNme mn: izvs¤LpmStu »2»

2. That which empowers the keepers of holy traditions, when they gather to perform sacred acts; That causal spirit in all beings – may my mind rest in That, intent on the highest good.

yTp/D|nmut ceto ∂ÅitZc yJJyoitrNtrmÅt, p/j|su «ySm|Nn Ate ik, cn kmR iFyte tNme mn: izvs¤LpmStu

»3»

3. That knowledge, memory and will; That immortal light within all creatures, without which no action can be done – may my mind rest in That, intent on the highest good.

yened, ∫Ut, ∫uvn, ∫ivWyt\ pirgÅhItmmÅten svRm\ «yen yDSt|yte sPthot| tNme mn: izvs¤LpmStu »4»

4. That eternity which contains all this – the world, thepast, the future; That through which the sacrifice by sevenpriests unfolds - may my mind rest in That, intent on thehighest good

yiSmNnÅc: s|m yjUMiw yiSmn\ p/iti„t| r†n|∫|ivv|r|: «yiSm,iZc.M svRmot, p/j|n|, tNme mn: izvs¤LpmStu »5»

5. That in which the r.k, saama and yajur vedas are fixed, like spokes in the hub of a wheel; That on which the heart,the mind, the memory of all beings are woven – may mymind rest in That, intent on the highest good.

suw|ri†rZv|inv yNmnuWy|NnenIyteå∫Izui∫v|Rijn £v «HTp/itWQ, ydijr, jivWQ, tNme mn: izvs¤LpmStu »6»

6. Just as a skilled charioteer controls his steeds with reins, so impetuous man is governed by That which dwellsin the heart, agile and swiftest of all – may my mind rest inThat, intent on the highest good.

IN ONE OF THE VEDAS a group of hymns, in thespirit of prayer, seeks divine help and inspirationto be graced with a pure resolution:

WITH THIS PRAYER the sages wake up every morning.Auspicious resolution is one which helps liberationfor the self and others. It is not awakened for selfishends, but to help the nation, to help people work outtheir salvation. They should achieve bliss and nothingshould trouble them.

1985 Conversations 2.1

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In the nature of things there will always be some agitation,for the creation itself is the product of agitation. There willbe imbalance all the time. But for the individual there is away of escape from this agitated state of the universe, andthat has been suggested to you all in the meditation,samadhi and deep sleep.

Having gone deep into meditation, then you come to a stateof equilibrium where the laws do not contaminate you - theydo not touch you. That is the only moment of equilibriumavailable, apart from deep sleep, otherwise there will alwaysbe disturbances in the universe. We ought to learn to facethem with detachment so that their misery, ecstasy orpleasure do not bind us.

Understanding this sheds all the burden from the mind, justas waking up removes all the tensions of a fearsome dream.Actually for pacifying a troubled mind, nothing could bemore refreshing than to regard everything as part of a showstaged by Paramatman. Weep if you must, and laugh if youcan, but that underlying thought should be there.

The past is never the same again. Stop worrying about it;keep cheerful, for cheerfulness is your real shape. The clothesyou are wearing must wear out; the smoothness of yourskin must go; wrinkles must appear on your face; your bodymust lapse into the coils of Time. Take all that in your stride,and play the part assigned to you.

Study Society Record 21st Sep.1975

In the universe there will never be a timewhen everything will be going smoothly.

Even while causing all this creation, Paramatman does nothing at all.

Study Society Record 4th Mar..1975

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First, a heartfelt thank you to all who donated to the Trustlast year. We received over £60,000 from seventy nine peopleand schools, in eight countries.

In 2019, the long awaited Sanskritpro Devanagari font wascompleted and distributed to Schools round the world. The reception has been positive. We have had 389 downloads andthe number is growing week by week. Reports talk of ‘students transforming their way of working’, ‘They are nowable to easily type material for their study notes, teachingmaterials, academic articles… ‘

Perhaps most satisfying is the enjoyment people are gettingfrom using it. This has given us confidence to start expandingthe offering outside the School community. To download thefont (free of charge) go to Sanskritpro.com

The translation of the biography of S Zri S Za anta ananda Saraswati written by his successor the present Shankaracharya of thenorth, SZri SZaantaananda Saraswati, is still in progress. It promisesto be a fascinating read, giving great insight into both the author and his Guru.

We were delighted to learn that SZri Vaasudevaananda Saraswati has been appointed as a founding trustee for the new templededicated to Rama to be built at Ayodhya.

Following a change of government regulations in India, theability of charities like ours to send money to India has beenrestricted. We and the Indian Jyoti Trust, have been working to sort this out for the last few months. We are assured byauthorities that our permissions will be granted, allowing Advaita students everywhere to honour this ‘subtle, extensiveancient way that has touched so many of us’.

To give: If you would like to donate to the Trust, please see below for our address, our bank details and link to PayPal to give online. UK taxpayersplease note, on our website there is a Gift Aid form which if completed, allowsthe charity to benefit from a generous government 25% tax rebate.

Online donations: http://www.jyotitrust.com/donations.html UK Bank account number: 50338982 Bank sort code: 20-58-51

JYOTIRNIDHI NYASA TRUST,11 Mandeville Place, London W1U 3AJRegistered Charity No. 1075831

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Heartfelt thanks for donations.

This year, the Tradition Booklet is only available online and isbeing circulated in time for Teacher’s Day 2020 Sunday 5th July .As in previous years, the contents may serve as a useful aidememoire to the material for the following term. If there are anydifficulties please contact us at the address below.

J SINCLAIR, CHAIRMAN, Jyotirnidhi Nyasa

THE DESIRE FOR TRUTH is like a river, like the River Ganges. She starts some-where with a small beginning, facing allsorts of high mountains which hold herup; but she fills up and flows over them, intertwines around them fornearly two hundred miles of high, lowand deep mountainous ranges, and she finds her way to the ocean to whichshe belongs.

One need not be lured by high peaks norsink into deep ravines, but keep going.One day truth will be found.

If there is a desire for truth, no doubt there will be barriers, but in course of time they will be overcome.

His Holiness S Zri S Za anta ananda Sarasvati.

Photograph front cover: The Badrinath Temple in the Himalayas. Opposite: View of the Himalayas near the source of the Ganges.

PUBLISHED BY THE JYOTIRNIDHI NYASA TRUST.