GIVE UP THIS LIFE
In, 1936, Paul Brunton, in the presence of Bhagavan, raised a number of important questions. Bhagavan’s answers were all centered on the Self. Brunton grumpily remarked, “Bhagavan always speaks from the highest standpoint!” Bhagavan gave a gracious smile and said, “People would rather not understand the simple and bare truth – the truth of their everyday, ever present and eternal experience! This truth is that of the Self. Is there anyone not aware of the Self? They would not even like to hear about It, the Self, whereas, they are eager to know what lies beyond – heaven, hell and reincarnation. Because they love mystery and not the bare Truth, religions pamper them, only to bring them around to the Self. Wandering hither and thither, one must return to the Self only! Then, why not abide in the Self, even here and now?”
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The scriptures say, “Pramado vai mrtyuhu”, meaning inattention is death. This obviously means attention is life. Inattention means, giving importance to the non-self, that is, the body, mind and world. Attention means paying total attention to the Self. Bhagavan puts it beautifully, “Attention paying attention to attention is attention”. He further states, “Such attention paid to the Self, leads one to wisdom”.
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Turning our attention inwards is true ‘attention’. Whereas, turning it outwards to the body, mind and World is ‘inattention’. For, when we are caught up with the outside, we lose touch with the Self. We are perfectly attentive when we abide as Self. Loss of attention to the Self keeps us in ignorance and confusion. That is, the full effulgence of Life is absent. This is what the Upanishads call as ‘death’. Not knowing the Self is ‘inattention’. Consciously turning inwards to the Self is ‘attention’.
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Jesus Christ said, “To live with me is like living near the fire; and, to be away from me is to be away from the Kingdom of God.” Here, “To live with me”’ means ‘attention’. While, “to be away from me” is ‘inattention’.
Bhagavan too, once quoted Jesus Christ, “He that loses his life, finds his Life !” When you give up the life of ‘inattention’ – which is ‘death’ – you find the Life of ‘attention’ – which is “LIFE”.
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Another great saint said, “Pay full attention to LIFE and not to the modes of living!” Outward attention drains our spiritual energy, whereas inward attention enriches us with peace, quietude and bliss.
Hence, Bhagavan repeatedly emphasised, “Plunge within” ! “Be the Self” !
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