Page 32 - Wisdom Unfurled

spiritual discontent is rightly recognised as the starting point of philosophic endeavour in the tradition of Indian philosophy.
Realisation has now, today, become very easy because of the presence of the Divine Personality. The thought of people generally does not go beyond the point of liberation, which they take to be the final limit of human approach. But that is a wrong idea. As a matter of fact, liberation is one of the lowest attainments on the divine path, hence it is just like a toy for a child to play with. Beyond that there is yet a lot to be achieved. The infinite ocean lies still ahead, which is but a limitless expanse. Have your eyes fixed upon That and That alone; and go on and on to trace It out.
Nirvikalpa samadhi is also a yogic attainment, but it will not solve the problem. The real state of samadhi is that in which we remain attached with Reality, pure and simple every moment – no matter how busy one may be all the time with worldly work and duties. It is known as sahaj samadhi – one of the highest achievements, and the very basis of nirvana. Its merits cannot be described in words, but can be realised by one who abides in it. It is not so easy as its name denotes. It was highly spoken of by Saint Kabir, and it is the thing worth gaining.
There are numerous means and practices prescribed for the realisation, out of which we have to choose that which guarantees speedy success. Now what it may be, let every one judge for himself. For a hint, I accept the judicious opinion of Swami Vivekananda on this point, “That it is raja yoga alone that can successfully lead a man up to the highest level of approach; and that none but one having the capacity to apply his own internal powers through pranahuti is fit for being a guide or Master”. I may also assure you that hatha yoga has no access beyond ajna chakra. Besides, there is also another serious defect in it. When we start with the bodily exercises of hatha yoga, the consciousness of our physical efforts, with the idea of self in the background also remains all through. Thus the ego instead of getting reduced goes on increasing thereby. But that is not the case with raja yoga, wherein one proceeds with the subtlest means for silencing the ever-active tendencies of the mind. Besides, while practising this, one is always away from the idea of the body since he has fixed his attention on the subtlest.
In order to realise the subtle Being, we must take up means which are equally fine and subtle. The difficulty arises only when intricate methods are applied for the solution of the simple problem. In other words they apply huge cranes for picking up a small sewing needle. God is simple and can be achieved by simple means. So, in order to realise Him, we should adopt such methods through which we may be able to free ourselves from things created by our own will, actions and surroundings. All our thoughts should be regulated and