Talk On Vivek Chudamani

Author(s): Chinmayanand Swami
Publisher: Chinmay Publications Trust

Page 65

58
goal has always been of a low finite nature. And, therefore, whenever they come across, in their pilgrimage, a ditch of hatred or a mount of challenge, they sit back fatigued and weary, to blame religion and their own philosophy based upon a hollow and meaningless ethical living. Since they have not got any spiritual evolution out of their pure living, whenever the scheme of things around them change, they find themselves lost. Without the spiritual stamina, no one can stand up to the threats and onslaughts of circumstances in life. Sankara here is very clear when he says that Sama (Calmness) etc., cannot bear fruit unless they grow in a heart watered by detachment and ploughed by an intense wish-for-liberation.
एतयोर्मन्दता यत्र विरक्तत्वमुमुक्षयोः । मरौ सलिलवत्सत्र शमादेर्भानमात्रता ॥३०॥
etayormandatā yatra viraktatvamumuksayoh marou salilayattatra śamāderbhānamātratā
30.
एतयोः - These two, मन्दता - dull, यत्र . wherever, विरक्तत्वमुमुक्षयो:detachment and desire for liberation, मरौ - in the desert, सलिलवत्. - like water, 77 - there, HTÀ: - of calmness of mind, etc., HITHIRAT.. only an appearance,
Calmness, etc., become as ineffectual as 'the mirage water in his who has but a weak detachment and a fitful yearning for freedom.
The idea expressed in the previous stanza is now reinforced with another statement in this stanza. Not only that calmness, etc., can bear fruit in a heart of detachment and sense of self-discovery, but Sankara says that sama, etc., cannot even effervesce in a bosom where detachment is weak and the yearning for liberation brittle, spasmodic and eccentric. Seekers, who are now facing a blind alley in their progress may very well—perhaps with much profit-look back upon their own wasteful days of seeming practices and re-equip themselves for a surer and faster flight to success. A correct understanding about themselves shall, certainly, give them the secret key to the Halls of Success.