Our scriptures
provide three main philosophies:
Nyaay (Logic)
Vaisheshika
Sankhya
After that we have
Yoga.
Nyaay: What we learn, we understand and
analyze how correct it is - Analyzing the difference between what we hear and what
we infer. This way of finding out the truth is Nyaay.
In the Vaisheshika method, the object and its
characteristics are analyzed. If sugar is not sweet, would you still call it
sugar? Objects have characteristics. In this way, place and time are also
considered as objects because of their characteristics. Time affects the mind
and intellect. Our mind feels and perceives differently in the morning than it
does in the evening.
The placement of
planets also affects the mind. Sometimes faith arises in the mind, sometimes
hatred envelopes the mind. It is natural for different waves of emotions to
rise in the mind.
I am separate from
all this, I am Atma. Contemplating on
this is the sign of intelligence.
Once you have
considered the changing objects, rest your mind in that which never changes.
This is Sankhya Yoga. What is Bhakti? Resting your mind and intellect
in Divine energy. This is all that you need to do.
When your faith is
shaky, cure it by taking blessings from elders. Do yoga.
Friendliness,
compassion and ignoring. To calm the mind, be friendly and compassionate, and
finally ignore if needed. Ignore the imperfection and keep your mind calm.
Hating somebody is like drinking poison. And more so, never hate wise people!
Patanjali says, “Awaken the opposite emotion.” This is sadhana. If anger arises, awaken compassion, and a new chemical
process will be initiated. ‘Vitarka badhane, pratipaksha bhavanam.’
This is why we remember the Guru - the chemical process changes immediately, and enthusiasm, joy and non-attachment arises naturally.
© The Art of Living Foundation
