Introduction 

A framework for dvaita / advaita is the sādhana-catuṣṭaya. Catuṣṭaya means an expression of four. Sādhana (self-development practices) makes you feel the sadhya (the finality, freedom). For a beginner seeker, sādhana brings about qualities like viveka, vairagya etc. For an advanced seeker, you have to already have these qualities to engage in sādhana. The same message becomes more intense. The first quality in the sādhana-catuṣṭaya is: 

Vairagya: To be without raga (attachment/likes). Attachment is the effect, the cause is viksepa (projection). Viksepa is caused by avidya (forgetfulness). Labeling is the reason we have raga. 

Questions to reflect on: 

1. Why do we label? If we understand why we label, we will curtail likes. 
2. How do likes and dislikes slow us down / reduce our happiness? Because they become limits to who we are. Every identification is a limitation. 
3. What are some identifications that limit our freedom of being? Relationships, professions. Identifications that feel like they bring us completion are the ones that are limiting. 

Communal Reflection question: What do you need to do to make seeking more real? 

Shared Reflection summary:

1. Staying in satsang helps in constant reflection and personalizing it. 
2. Having parameters/gauges
3. Understanding why it is important 
4. If we do it long enough, often enough with intensity, it becomes reality. Whatever we give reality to, affects us. 
5. Hold on to a role model / guru / Bhagavan more tightly. 
6. Be more aware of labeling as both positive and negative labels limit us. 
7. Imagine Bhagavan coming into every situation / room we’re in so we don’t forget we are seekers first.
8. Be in silence in my mind and environment. Have the courage to surrender. 

Vivekji’s Reflection: What makes not seeking real? In Mano Shodhanam, there are 3 adyasas. Adyasa means projection/illusion. First is sata adhya – i.e. I hallucinate that this is absolutely real. Second adyasa is shobha – real and beautiful. Third is sukha, i.e. i project it will make me complete. It started with reality before assigning beauty and completion. So if we don’t give the label of reality to the relative, automatically we give more reality to the absolute. Seeking becomes singular and strong. 

If we are not engaged in not enough sadhana it is because we see it as an action, not purpose (i.e. singular reason why we are alive is to not be born again). When we know the relative purpose is less real, the absolute purpose becomes more real. 

Question 1

I see a pattern where when I have the sankalpa  to do something, something gets in the way. Why does this happen? 

Vivekji’s Response

If you want something enough, nothing can stop you from pursuing it. You are unconsciously finding reasons to not pursue it. When you are driving in a snow storm, you fully focus on driving and looking forward, because you want that safety bad enough. 

Sometimes, the systems to manifest our sankalpa are not practical. Even if there is pushback, then you will be able to handle it. 

Question 2

Can prayer and puja be thought of as the same thing, even if you don’t have the right flowers etc.? Is there a difference? 

Vivekji’s Response

Some people feel puja is the way to feel closer to Bhagavan. You need to find your own way to make Bhagavan real. You need to find your way to find faith in the Divine, based on your vasanas and context. Do not neglect puja, but do what is comfortable to you after learning about everything. 

Question 3

What are some practical ways to practice gratitude? How do you live with intention during the day? 

Vivekji’s Response

The more focused you are, the more intentional you are. Unitasking leads to focus. Distraction is by choice / lifestyle. Think that sadhana is the purpose. This clarity will help us understand that all we do is for this purpose. 

Be intensely grateful for all that God has given you, i.e. the propensity to inquire, the key to not be born again. It’s available to everyone but they are not available. 

Intense gratitude where you allow yourself to be at ease, and there is acceptance. This allows for more inquiry. 

Reflection Assignment

Last week: How much are you practicing what is most profound to you? 

Vivekji’s sharing: I actively practice remembering that everyone’s higher reason for doing things is sukha prapti – everyone wants to be happy. This helps us be supporting and understanding of everyone. 

This week: Don’t label anything. Be at ease with intense gratitude.