Mind, Emotions & Relationships Series
Foreward
All our actions in the world are determined by our desires, thoughts, emotions, habits, preconceived ideas, and notions. Often this can become an automated process, rather than a conscious process when we fail to pause and reflect upon the sources of our thoughts and emotions. When we are not aware of the subtler workings of the mind, we miss the chance to imbue our actions with mindfulness and awareness reflecting the light of knowledge within. Bondage is our fate when trapped in the conditionings of our mind. Such habit patterns remain unconscious supporting these reactionary tendencies and the limitations of our mind. It is as if we were standing by the sea, fearful of the daunting waves that limit our choices to enjoy the very sealike consciousness of our being. The waves, that seem so powerful, are only the result of our mind's limitations and become the bondages of our identities. Swami Veda Bharati has written that the "mind is like the sea" for its vast and deep waters are not disturbed by the surface waves. The mind-waves of constantly changing thoughts and emotions are those disturbances that arise and fade on the surface. Without diving deep within, one goes about their entire life tossed by these surface waves of fears, worries, and anxieties whose very nature is temporary and changing. Only when we decide to take a plunge into the depths of this sea-like mind can we experience freedom. The Brahma-bindu Upanishad (v. 2) reminds us that Mana eva manushyanam karanam bandha mokshayoh. The human mind is the cause and means of both bondage and liberation. The great scriptures of all spiritual traditions in the world have echoed the same teaching. All the enlightened masters have continued to share these teachings, with fervour and out of sheer compassion towards humanity, to inspire and guide those who remain caught in the chains of self-imposed bondage. Their only hope being that each soul, on the path of enlightenment, amidst their contemplations, will one day receive the revelation of Truth and free themselves from the bondage of ignorance. Swami Veda Bharati was one such loving, motherly saint, whose love and compassion towards his students knew no bounds. His life was dedicated to teaching and guiding them along their journey of self-discovery and self-realization. Even when the students stumbled in watching their minds, emotions, and thoughts, and fell in the traps laid by their latent samskaras-impressions held in the unconscious mind, he patiently waited and watched the students' progress in purifying their minds. Out of his immense love and compassion for us, he repeatedly reminded us of our True nature, which is ever-free, ever-pure, ever-wise. We often forget this truth about ourselves being bound by the veil of ignorance that cover our intellect. This veil becoming thicker by each passing moment, as we refuse to take responsibility for the limitations of our bondage. Not knowingly, we continue to strengthen our weaknesses. In every moment we choose to be tossed by the waves that have no power to drown us, without trusting to take a dive, to claim being held tightly by the tree that has no power to hold us, without opening our arms and loosening our grip on its trunk. Swami ji's teachings constantly returned our awareness to our ultimate goal of freedom and liberation. There is nothing more empowering than the desire for self-transformation and freedom. When you're determined to achieve this, nothing can stop r unyielding determination-sankalpa. If you would like to transform yourself and be liberated, no force in the world can stop you. Should you choose the shackles of restraint, no saintly saviour can break your chains. Swami Rama of the Himalayas in his commentary on the Bhagavad-gita explains, "No one wants to accept responsibility for his weaknesses and mistakes. But when the student becomes aware that he is his own friend and also his own enemy, then dawns the light of discriminative knowledge." uddhared atmanatmanam natmanam avasadayet atmaiva hyatmano bandhur atmaiva ripur atmanah One should cause the deliverance of the self by the Self. One should not make the self sink. Self alone is the kinsman of the self, self alone is the enemy of the Self. Bhagavad-gita, Ch. 6, v. 5 You alone, have to work towards your liberation. You have the utmost free will. Whether you choose bondage or freedom is then solely your discretion.
About The Book
Bondage Or Freedom Swami Veda Bharati unravels the mysteries of the mind as we uncover the essence of freedom through introspection and recognition of our divine nature. He highlights the profound impact of our decisions in shaping our lives and emphasises personal responsibility in transcending the ignorance that obscures one's true essence. The book invites us to explore the idea that we are both the architects and the navigators of our own destiny. It is a compilation of Swami Ji's enlightening lectures exploring the themes on 'how do we bind ourselves; how do we free ouselves'. Offering insightful guidance this book harmoniously complements Swami Ji's other works on the Mind, Emotions, and Relationships series, making it an essential reading for all who seek self-discovery and inner purification.
About The Author
Born into a Sanskrit speaking family and raised in the centuries-old Sanskrit tradition, Swami Veda Bharati was a uniquely qualified author lecturer, teacher and guide to thousands of spiritual seekers from all cultural and religious backgrounds. A disciple of Swami Rama of the Himalayas, Swami Veda's brilliant scholarship and experiential wisdom flowed forth in a lifetime of teaching that spanned over seven decades.
Hindu (1764)
Philosophers (2329)
Aesthetics (317)
Comparative (68)
Dictionary (12)
Ethics (44)
Language (349)
Logic (80)
Mimamsa (58)
Nyaya (133)
Psychology (503)
Samkhya (60)
Shaivism (66)
Shankaracharya (233)
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