Hari bhajanaa vina kaal: Part 4

 

Hari bhajanaa vina kaal :

Part 4:

अंतरीचा ज्ञानदिवा मालवू नको रे ॥२॥

Antarichaa dnyaan divaa maalavu nako re 

Antar is inside. Within. Antaricha= that which lies within

Dnyaan is knowledge or wisdom 

Divaa is lamp or light

Maalavu means extinguish, put off.

Nako re Dont 

Sohiroba says : Dont let the lamp of knowledge that is within you be extinguished.

We need to understand the term “antar”, our “innermost recess”. 

Our psyche is complex. There is a mind and there is an intellect both of which are clouded with their conditioning. These are useful but imperfect tools that gather information brought in by the senses, then process it in whichever way they can within the limitations of their inherent biases and react with their surroundings accordingly.

Most of us continue to exist within the scope of this machinery of the body-mind-intellect(BMI). Very few are able to recognize a dimension that exists within us that is above and beyond the BMI. It is the dimension of the life principle itself! Sanskrit word is Chetanaa. That which mysteriously keeps our breath moving and heart beating even when we are asleep. That principle is not a mere mechanical or inert force. It is very much a knowing force. We sometimes experience it as intuition or sixth sense. It is very much awake at all times, whether we are awake, dreaming or deep in sleep. In the waking state, our mind and intellect(and  the body that they control ) entirely go about their business, unaware and ignoring this life principle that is in fact lending them the energy to function. Such dense is our ignorance. Note the paradox that even in our state of ignorance, the knowledge is intact! In the darkness too, the lamp is glowing! Whatever little the mind can think, intellect can understand, eyes can see is because of this light within us. Yet we are blind to it! Because we are looking away from it! Looking outside instead of inside!

What an apt metaphor Sohiroba has followed up after the snake and rope!

Imagine one is walking in the dark with a dim light in hand. He sees something ahead that, at first glance, vaguely appears like a snake on the road. He is terrified with the initial thought. But he takes the lamp closer and even though weak, that light when taken closer to the object reveals that the initial impression of the object was erroneous. It is a mere rope and one can safely keep walking ahead! 

That little lamp is the all knowing consciousness or life principle within us. It is radiant and guiding us at every step. All we need to do is become aware of it. That is what Sohiroba refers to when he says dont extinguish the light of knowledge within your heart! 

You may also for the time being consider that lamp to be our faith in God or the deeper wisdom or even the simple thought of God. Keep it lit, keep it alive, says Sohiroba. Even a little would suffice to show us the path through the darkness. It would serve as a source for courage to keep going forward and removing the cobwebs of ignorance that have collected over this or more lifetimes. It would prevent us from falsely appropriating all achievements to our mind, intellect, body and ego. 

Here it is perhaps pertinent to talk a little about faith. There are several who struggle with having faith. They accuse others that faith is blind. 

Let’s take an example from the judicial process. I’m not entirely sure about how it is in India but in the USA a defendant is considered not guilty until proven otherwise. Similar to that faith is a starting point where you are suspending judgment pending verification. When you pick up a sacred text, do not accept it blindly. The starting point is credibility of the author. Even then, it is our responsibility to verify it at every step until we are convinced of the truth. Having said that, it is not going to be very fruitful to start to read with excess skepticism or criticism or preconceived notions. The mind must be open and have a healthy dose of respect and curiosity. 

Blessed are those who are born with faith. 

They have less work to overcome internal barriers to penetrate the words of the wise and credible sources.

Such people with faith have often strengthened it over the years through their personal experiences although often many cannot quantify, reconstruct or articulate effectively to give a scientific answer. Conversely, many scientists are convinced of the spiritual truths once they suspend prejudgment and lend themselves to a serious study of these texts.

Faith and hope go hand in hand. Keep faith alive and hope will never fade. You will keep walking towards your destination with the light of your faith. Nothing can scare you as you keep walking.

When the oil in this lamp gets low refill it through satsang. Let not the light cease from within. Keep the lamp burning.

How many times in our lives we feel dejected, like there is no hope, no help, no tomorrow? And yet something within us does not allow us to give up. It beckons us to keep going. That little ray of hope, light at the end of the tunnel, believe in it always. 

Aashaa naam manushyaa naam

Kashchid aascharya shrunkhalaa

Badhdhaa yayaa pradhaavanti 

Muktaa tishthati panguvat 

Hope is a very intriguing chain or link. A paradoxical leash of sorts.

One who is bound by it roams around freely.

One who breaks free from it is handicapped and immobilized.

Since this lamp within is the only light to illuminate our mind and intellect it is the only source for introspection and insight. We can only recognize and correct our flaws if this light remains shining. It is that voice that keeps nagging when we hurt someone or do injustice to others. It is one that will compel us to apologize when we do wrong. It is our ultimate guide and guru. Our only hope for self improvement. We must pay heed to it.

Keep the inner lamp of knowledge glowing always. Keep wisdom, faith, hope, kindness alive in your heart always!

Keep the awareness of the life principle within you alive!

Antaricha dnyaan divaa maalavu nako re !

Do not allow this lamp of sacred knowledge to be extinguished ever!

Saree is a cotton Himroo.