Ajay > Recent Status Updates

I realized the precise difference between mental faculty and spiritual calling.

Part II of II of Update on Chapter 20
3 Division of an individual into 3 components, namely

3.1 Physical body (Obvious)
3.2 Mind (Subtle "Equipment")
3.3 Intellect (Subtlest)

These components together form insentient matter.

Consciousness* supplies sentience.

This union causes the manifestation of life.

*Consciousness (a supernatural belief) is stated supreme of all.

I am studying it at Chinmaya Mission Sunday classes, which I attend whenever I'm nearby.

Chapter 20 titled “Essence in Man”: Completed
(March 17)

Part I of II of this Update

1 Understanding one's true identity is crucial for healthy relationships with others.
2 It presents an interesting hierarchy: Physical Craving < Emotional Need < Intelligence

I'll read these two books at ease, ensuring ample time to thoroughly examine their ideas and develop my own POV.

1. Introducing Buddha by Jane Hope
2. Outlines of Indian Philosophy by Jadunath Sinha

Appreciate
1. He identified himself as human, not 'god' (which he could have).
2. He acknowledged that everyone experiences glimpses of enlightenment in egoless present.
3. Fluid teaching i.e., up-to-date — Not a fixed-stagnant 'ancient wisdom'.
4. Rejected self-torture.
5. Minimalism = Less Stimuli i.e., Clarity.

Disapprove
1. Had supernatural beliefs like prophecy, rebirth, and karma.

Chapter IV on Charvaka Philosophy: Completed.

It’s an atheistic Hindu philosophy.

I found it interesting for its advocacy for free will, hedonism, materialism (rejecting metaphysical concepts), naturalism, and positivism.

I am yet to think more about rejection of causation and determinism.

The best part was their humorous critique of Vedic culture and the perceived “supremacy of Brahmanas”.

Chapter III Completed.

Title “The Philosophy of the Bhagavad-Gita”

The ontology part was dull, but the Gita summary was apt, to-the-point, and good.

Book I, II, III & IV Completed.

Initially gulped-down many pages, considered giving it up because,
1. It feels boring at times (yet profound)
2. It has too large chunks to digest & ponder over (substantial intellectual-mental exertion)
3. I have been simultaneously reading another book.

But I like it. Thus, I keep up the pace — one page per reading.

Marcus was good hooman — Cheers.

Chapters I & II Completed.

Challenging due to circumlocution^, self-reference*, and terminology; yet valuable.

^ [irony] Circumlocution is indirect expression, avoiding direct statements. It is not Sinha’s style but inherent in Upanishads.
* Self-Reference is when something refers to itself, illustrating interconnected ideas and thus emerging complex patterns, but often leading to illogical circular reasoning.