by Viswanathan Subramanian
[box]In his column on spirituality, Viswanathan Subramanian has thus far discussed ego and how memory or thoughts are the root cause of all troubles in the world, particularly human relationships. He has also raised several crucial questions such as ‘Are you the world?’ and ‘Does the world really exist?’ discussing them in the context of Ulladhu Narpadhu (Forty Verses of Reality) by Bhagawan Sri Ramana Maharishi. Continuing with the series, the next step is to comprehend what is true knowledge. Read on.[/box]In the objective world, knowledge is about things other than oneself. Such knowledge co-exists with ignorance – a duality, where one does not survive without the other! When something is known, earlier ignorance of it is implied.
Concepts of both ignorance and knowledge shoot out from “I,” the ego. Essentially, saying “I know” or “I do not know” are nothing but forms of thought. Such thoughts fall apart when we realize the non-existence of a thinker (ego) as a separate entity. Thus, knowledge and ignorance are in the realm of intellect.
What if, all these thought forms cease? Do we cease to exist? Yes, we do, as independent entities, but the True knowledge now stands out. It is the state of being. This state has to be experiential and cannot be reached by the logical mind. The reality of existence of that state cannot be questioned. Even when put in a completely dark room, all alone, where you are not able to see, hear, smell, touch or feel anything else, whatsoever, the fact of your existence stands on its own, without needing any support of sense or logic! Does this all mean that when you transcend thought forms like knowledge and ignorance, you are a vegetable? No, absolutely not.
When that state of being is there, thoughts do work, quite efficiently, without an ego centre and where needed. This is the right perceptive. Here, perception and action are one. It is not like you receive something at a point of time and then act on that knowledge. Once perception and action become one, concepts of Science fall into their right places and flow from wholesome perception.
Viswanathan Subramanian is a retired banker who is enjoying retirement life pursuing his interests. He loves poring over business newspapers and journals and making notes. Spirituality also interests him, and so a good number of Sri Ramana Maharishi’s and Jiddu Krishnamurthy’s books find space in his bookshelf. He is extremely passionate about movies and music too. You are sure to find some good old English movie DVDs and an enormous collection of old mp3 Hindi and Tamil songs at his place!
[facebook]Share[/facebook] [retweet]Tweet[/retweet]
