Our Vedic scriptures have under-lined the importance of the one and only Truth, and that is the ‘Self’ within. Aitareya Upanishad says “Prajnanam Brahma” which means “Consciousness is Brahman”. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad says “Aham Brahmasmi” which means “I am of Brahman”. Chandogya Upanishad says “Tattvamasi” which means “Thou art that”. Mandukya Upanishad says “Ayam Atma Brahma” which means “The Self is Brahman”. So, there is only one Truth -the highest truth, and that is the ‘Self within’ – the ‘Maha Chaitanya – the ‘I’ within. It should be understood clearly that ‘I’ am not this body, ‘I’ am not this mind, ‘I’ am not this intellect, nor am ‘I’ this Prana. ‘I’ am beyond body, mind, prana and intellect’. “I” am the “Self”- the “Atma”- the “Maha Chaitanya” –the “Brahman” within every being in this cosmic world.
This “Maha Chaitanya” is ever pure, ever perfect and ever free. It is all-pervading, self-luminous, immortal, un-decaying, endless and independent. It is an embodiment of peace and bliss, truth and wisdom, formless and without any attributes. It is non-attached, non-doer, non-enjoyer, it is a silent Witness. It also resides in the multitudes of creatures other than humans – in the plants, worms, insects, birds, animals, etc. etc. It also resides in the sun, moon and stars, and in the mind and senses. It is the Self of all. But the most important fact is – only man has the ability to experience ‘Self’ – the Maha Chaitanya within; and the best way to experience it is through the practice of ‘Silence’.
The experience of this Self or Truth is called ‘Self-realization’. Once this Truth is experienced, no question remains in the Seeker. So, give up wrong identification with the body. The body is a mixture of five elements, and it is perishable. Cultivate respect for Nature, respect all life around you. In Nature, nothing is the same as yesterday; tomorrow is not the same as today; every day is a new day, every second is a new second. Experiencing the change in nature, from moment to moment, is meditation by itself.
Live truthfully, from moment to moment, and with full awareness, live in the present. Engage yourself in activities of service. Live in surroundings that help you lead a meaningful and spiritually rich life. Engage yourself in ‘sadhana’ – spiritual practices. Remain in silence, and practice austerity. Preserve your speech, preserve the precious “I” within you. Conduct your life in such a way that it induces and promotes ‘living with nature’. Live your life by meditating constantly upon the Self – the Brahman within.

Love and Blessings.

– Guruji