T Ram Sewak

PRAGARH BUDDHI

In Shri Ramcharitmanas 7.118, Kakabhushundiji outlines the challenges from Maya (illusion) in a being's spiritual journey after the lamp of wisdom (Vigyanmaya Deep) has been illuminated and the being has attained self-realisation (Atam Anubhav). He states;

chhorhan granthi soi, .

tinha tana ..jani.

"If the knot between Jarh (perishable) and Chetan (imperishable) is untied, the soul achieves fulfilment. However, as the knot is being undone, Maya presents numerous obstacles through Riddhi (wealth, etc.) and Siddhi (success/fame, etc.) that tempt the Buddhi (intellect). Through deception, they draw near and, with the winds of desire and attachment, attempt to extinguish the lamp of knowledge. Yet, if the Buddhi is exceptionally profound (pragarh) and stable, it does not even glance at those temptations and distractions, recognising them as detrimental to its spiritual quest."

Kakabhushundiji cautions that a sadhak must always be vigilant even after attaining Atam Anubhav, as he continues to be engulfed by Maya, which creates barriers to liberation. These obstacles may include the rekindling of an attachment to objects or the reawakening of the desire for worldly pleasures.

Shri Krishna also elucidates the influence of Maya in Gita 3.27, specifically regarding the delusion of Karta Bhav and Maya's potency in Gita 7.14. He states that transcending Maya is not easy for anyone except those seeking refuge in Him.

Under Maya's illusory spell, a sadhak may again fall prey to the entrapments of ego and material pleasures. Often, recognition, admiration, and glorification become significant hindrances to further spiritual progress. Therefore, a sadhak's buddhi must be pragarh and highly stable to escape this entanglement, always remembering that he is merely "Nimitta Matra".

Sometimes, during his spiritual journey, a sadhak may attain a certain inner siddhi or success, which is an illusory 'anand'. This is not the goal. The sadhak must be wary about this and remain steadfast. He should never lose sight of his ultimate objective the Sat Chid Anand!

The truth is that Nature functions, not the self. We all exist in Him, and He is present in all. We expand from Him and contract into Him. This is the ultimate and only Truth! / DAILY WORLD /

The author is a former electrical Engineer and resides in the Himalayas. He can be occasionally reached at ramam.namami@gmail.com