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Here is the last verse that we will discuss from Sankara’s poem on Self-Knowledge.
66. Like gold freed from dross, the jiva (person) has all his limitations burnt away by the fire of knowledge bursting into flames fanned by sravana, manana and nidhidhyasana (hearing, reflection and contemplation) and now he shines forth by himself.
Sankaracharya
From “The Collected Works of Ramana Maharshi
Translated by Arthur Osborne
©Sri Ramanasramam,
Tiruvannamalai, S. India
Often I get asked a question like: How can I meditate so that I can experience fully the Self that I already am. In this verse lies the key to finding your own Self-Nature through meditation.
By knowledge you find out that you are the gold and not limited to any of the forms that gold may take (dross) like rings, bracelets, cups, and crowns. As the forms are created, last for a while, and then get melted down, the gold remains the same. No matter what the forms seem to be, the gold is the reality and value behind the forms. You are that gold.
This is similar to when you learn that that you are not
limited to the forms that you see, but that you are the all seeing, everlasting
Consciousness that’s aware of these forms. When you are curious and want to
know the meaning of these words, you have lit the fire that will burn up your
apparent limitations and leave you free.
So what do you do in your meditation? You fan these flames by reading and listening to these pointers to truth. Then you reflect on their meaning by asking such questions as: What does it mean that I am not limited to an object that I see like my mind, body and even the thought ‘I’? Exactly how am I free from them? What is my true nature anyway?
And finally since these words cannot really define the nature of the consciousness and bliss that you are, you leave these words behind and let the Self reveal itself by its own light.
You then realize that you were always the Consciousness that lit up the universe, your mind, and body. The notion that you were stuck in form was a mistake cured by the fire of knowledge. Returning to your true home, which is undivided Consciousness, you return to that which was never born and never dies: the home that is the substance of the universe itself. By the fire of knowledge you have found the reality that’s behind the world, and in reality you find your freedom.
Scattered throughout this blog you will find these verses from Sankara’s poem on Self-Knowledge. If you are new to this meditation on Self-Knowledge and want to find out more about it, just look through the archives and find these verses. Sankara explains Self-knowledge very clearly. Alternatively you can read, "Making Your Wisdom Come Alive," and get step by step instruction that shows you how to find this sparkling freedom. Below is a link so you can take advantage of our special July discount.
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Also if you have more questions about this freedom, how to experience it in your life, or how to free yourself from suffering or the feeling of limitation, ask here and we can explore and find answers together.
If the comment section of this blog doesn't work, please send your questions and comments to michael@ananya.com. To find out where this all leads, go to, www.light-up-your-life.com. And finally, if you enjoy these blogs please tell your friends.
Best Wishes,
Michael
