The Science of the Absolute (Part 2)

by Sri P.C. Lahiri

This is the 2nd part of 'The Science of the Absolute' article, the first part of which was published in the 2019 Buddha Purnima issue of e-Sanai.
 
We are on the topic of simple practical use of the ‘Science of the Absolute/Science of Oneness’ in daily life by following the revelations and specific directions of the Master. As a first step, the Science has to be intellectually understood leaving no doubts in the mind of the seeker. The next step is to clearly understand the directions and methodology of Its daily use. These two steps can be covered by regularly listening to the Master, directly in His presence, with rapt attention. If the physical presence of the Master is not available for whatever reason, then one must read the Master’s revelations or listen to His recorded discourses with utmost concentration followed by proper rumination.  For the listening to be really effective, no other thoughts should play in the mind.  After listening to the Master if we do not ruminate or chew the cud, then the words of the Master do not reveal within. Wet matchstick cannot be lighted. It has to be dried up by the application of heat. Rumination over Master’s words generates heat within, which in turn purifies the inner being. This is the heat of Wisdom which gradually burns all ignorance.  A question came up after the first article on the above topic from a person with a strong scientific background that what is so special about this science?  The same procedure has to be followed for the proper learning and understanding of any other science.  Yes, there is no doubt that one has to be attentive for the clear understanding of any science, but this is the ‘Science of all other sciences’ which means that after knowing this Science thoroughly no other science need be known. The Knowledge of the universe with all its innumerable variations and applications reveals spontaneously from within – hence there remains no need to know anything whatsoever from the outer world or from anywhere else.  Knowledge Absolute revealed of Its own accord from within the Master, without the help of a Guru or scriptures or lectures of other masters.  Does such a Mother of all sciences exist - is a big question for a newcomer.  The answer is Yes.  How do I know it?  ‘Follow with rapt attention what is revealed by this One (pointing to Himself)’, is the clear indication given by the Master.  Whether one actually follows the Master’s directive is left entirely to that individual. There is another important point to be kept in mind by the follower.  Once the decision is taken by the follower to resolutely follow the Master, he has to clearly understand the path/steps to be followed.  It has to be followed exactly as laid down by the Master. Time and again we have to remind ourselves that our effort is to follow and imbibe the Mother of all sciences, knowing which nothing else is left to be known in this universe and beyond. Constant reminder will keep us on our toes and ensure that our awareness does not slack at any time.

Master has time and again told one and all that the ‘Science of Oneness’ or the ‘Science of the Absolute’ is not at all easy to understand and assimilate. A torch has been given to you all with a light ‘that can pierce the darkest region and illuminate life from within and without’, but if you misuse the knowledge revealed here or use it by attributing customary worldly meaning to it, then all will be lost. Without right use of Right Knowledge, it does not remain Right Knowledge. While I am writing this, not only am I trying to revise my lessons but also trying to identify the wrong use committed from time to time due to the slackness that sets in on the heels of lapses in awareness.  Conventional knowledge practiced over the years often raises its head and leads me astray. In such times of feeling of guilt, Master as always encourages us -  that no matter what, move on. Never degrade yourself. You are the Supreme Self but have simply forgotten your True Nature. When you fall, get up, dust yourself and move on.
 

‘Right Knowledge has to be first acquired, then prossessed, and finally be rightly used.’ 

This is the exact directive from the Master. Once we embark on the path of acquiring Right Knowledge, we have to be careful that we do not mix it up with the conventional meaning of right knowledge. The directions of the Master have to be understood the way they have been revealed and explained by Him - not the way we understand through our common knowledge. What are the baby steps to acquire Right Knowledge.

Do not find fault with others or delve on the faults of others, always try to identify your own faults and work on them.  Talk about the good qualities of others, do not talk about your own qualities, i.e. no self-aggrandizement. When we praise the good qualities of others, then we become open-hearted, generous, liberal - and our own lower qualities reduce. We become receivers of virtue, instead of the other way around. As soon as we find fault with others, let us not forget that the same fault has first appeared in us. It will stay with us even without our knowledge, till we make a conscious effort to get away from it. If we are able to gradually become good quality identifiers and receivers, then one day all the evil shall be wiped out from within, and only virtues shall remain. Then one day by the Grace of Self-Guru (Atmaguru) the seeker becomes free from all qualities (good or bad) or goes beyond qualities (gunatit) to merge with his/her True Self to be a perfectly liberated Soul.  Such appearance of Self-Guru can be in a personified form or from within purely as an experience par-excellence (Swanubhuti). 

Give to others only what you like or love. Preach only that which you follow or are trying to follow sincerely. The underlying essence of what has revealed in the Master is that in reality only the Absolute exists which plays with Itself alone the sameside game of world drama in exuberance of Divine Bliss. To realize this Supreme Truth within us, a baby step is to make a conscious effort to treat others like your own self. What one finds unworthy of eating should not be offered to others, what one finds unworthy of use should not be offered to others, treat others the way you want others to treat you and so on and so forth. In India we are having floods in many states. Citizens are organizing relief measures all around India. Many of us offer help in such causes with a feeling of helping the needy and often try to pass off items which are rejected as unworthy of use. This has to stop. Internally and externally, we have to deal with all the affected persons as we would expect others to deal with us in our times of distress. It may sound difficult to some of us. The difficulty is only because we are not used to thinking and behaving that way. As a seeker or a follower, we have to change our old habits. This is only the first step towards the final state of realizing perfect unity within and without. In this state, distinctions, divisions or demarcations cease to exist. There remains no difference between the giver and the taker. 

Do not demand love/sympathy/empathy/respect from others. There are two angles here. Demand or expectation arises in us as a return gesture. I did so much for so and so, he should at least do this for me. If the return gesture does not happen, there is heartburn and negativity. In effect, I have handed over the keys of my peace and well being to someone else. Should I do it? This analysis is from the standpoint of a sensible person. From the standpoint of the seeker of Science of Oneness, the analysis is even deeper. In the state of Oneness (the ultimate aim of the seeker), who demands what from whom, how can the demand be raised, and why should he demand in first place – all become irrelevant when there is no second entity. So, if the seeker has to attain that ultimate state, then the sooner he sheds the burden of expectations and demand, the better it is for him/her. 

To be continued……….