My learnings from “Essentials of Vedanta” talks by Br Gopal Chaitanya at Brisbane Theosophical Society.

On the evening of Friday 9th of July 2010, our beloved Br Gopalji, gave public talks on “Essentials of Vedanta –Timeless wisdom for a fulfilled life” at Brisbane Theosophical Society. Around sixty people from various background including Theosophical Society members attended and the president of Theosophical Society, Noel Bertelle, introduced Gopalji to the audience and at the end he thanked Gopalji for inspiring them and clarifying many of their own doubts which they have had for many years as spiritual seekers. He requested Br Gopalji to come and give talks at the Theosophical society whenever Gopalji comes to Brisbane.

Gopalji based his talks on the Upanishads and took salient ideas on our true identity, happiness, relationship with the world and left the listeners with knowledge of where to look for permanent happiness and the method of obtaining that knowledge.

With simple examples, Gopalji clearly explained that the object that gives me happiness does not give happiness to every person. Therefore the happiness is not within the object but it is within me.

If permanent happiness is within me, then who am I? I am not the one which changes (body, thoughts, emotions etc), I am the changeless (the atman/the infinite).

Then Gopalji also explained the qualification required to understand and recognise one's true nature which are:

1.Viveka - Discrimination between real and unreal,
2. Vairagya - Dispassion – detachment from one own likings in the world outside.
3. Shatka Sampati:
a) Shama - Control of ones own mind – get control back,
b) Dama - control of one's own senses
c) Uparama - Observe once own duty – do your duty with out compromise,
d) Titiksha - Endurance - Forbearance
e) Shraddha - Belief, Faith and finally conviction towards once own Self, Scriptures, Guru, and God
f) Samadhanam - Single pointed mind
4) Mumukshutvam - burning desire to remove bondage of this world and realising one's true nature (permanent bliss).

Therefore, dependency of object for happiness should not be there. We should lift ourself by not allowing our mind to go down. Real spirituality is like walking on a rope or sharp razor blade. It will be difficult for now, but in the long run, this will give happiness.

If I want permanent, I must look in permanent. God is everywhere. Each and everything is the truth. "Tat Tvam Asi" That Thou Art. I am a thread that links everything else. Thus scriptures declare that turn your attention to yourself for permanent happiness. Drop the change and see the changeless. "Aham Brahmaasmi - I am Brahman".

Hari OM