Hari Om!

Mantra 8: Swami Aparajitananda thoroughly explains the emphasis on pure, refined, prepared mind in spirituality expressed by Shruti through Yamarāja. Self Knowledge is subtler than the subtlest and the right way of its interpretation is only one. Yamarāja tells Nachiketa difference between an inferior and an ananya teacher. Swamiji explains how these terms refer to quality of mind and attitude and how confusion of multifarious thinking is completely dispelled by right understanding.

Shankarācharyaji's interpretation of inferior teaching is discussed beautifully from the standpoints of motive and non-believing academic interest. Case of a non-Jñānī but sincere teacher (depth of heart) living the knowledge is explained beautifully.

Importance of Pravachan and Svādhyāya where Brahma-vichāra prevails and the point "Where is mind/attitude? - Does it think of opportunity to elevate?" are discussed in depth along with example of pūjā - sāmagri - God and goal of Gurudev.

Shankarāchāryaji's ananya-prokta (superior teaching) is simplified as teacher abiding in Self, one with listener's nature. Gati, agati (non-comprehension), avagati (variation) and anekadhā gati are explained. It is clearly simplified that Knowledge which is absolute Truth is unambiguously clear when it comes from teacher of Guruparamparā and Āgama.

Swamiji gives interesting definition of subtle and gross with respect to the number of properties (Example: five elements) and explains how mind and emotions can only be experienced by prepared mind-intellect and devotion (Examples: sunlight). It requires refined surface to reflect purity. Swamiji discusses atarkyam knowledge (non-attainable by logic/reasoning) by explaining the logical method of "law - observe - apply".

Mantra 9: Yamarāja praises Nachiketa for virtues and qualification and calls him Satyadhritihi - to whom Truth has to reveal Itself. It is as though Nachiketa has already gained Knowledge. Swamiji refers to Values (Gītā Chp. 13) which make Knowledge simple to gain. Difference of preshthāhā and prashtāha is made clear.

Mantra 10: Yamarāja sincerely accepts Nachiketa's superior qualification and wishes students to be like Nachiketa. Swamiji elaborates on how Yamarāja confesses his own tempted state of mind at the time of receiving Agnividya to come to Svargaloka - relatively permanent realm. Shankarācharyaji's definition of treasure as fruits of actions and therefore, finite, is explained beautifully. Swamiji specifies these verses as praiseworthy qualification to gain Self Knowledge and showing Nachiketa a step ahead of Yamarāja.

(Kathopanishad - Talk 18 - 1.2, Mantras 8 to 10)

свернуть