Self Development, An Endless Trap

ARANI SERIES

Spark 37

Monday, July 31, 2017

SELF-DEVELOPMENT, AN ENDLESS TRAP

     Of all the delusions that we carry, the one about ‘self-development’ is the most treacherous one! The ‘quantum-leap’ in spirituality takes place when we ‘let go’ of this deep-rooted fancy within us.

   The core teachings of the Upanishads do not talk about self-development. They rather suggest ‘abidance in the Self,’ and, please note, the Self needs not development.

It is all about knowing, seeing or staying in. “We attain the supreme when we know Brahman,” says the Taittiriya Upanishad1. “All our bonds are cut asunder when we behold the Supreme,” declares the Mundaka Upanishad2. “Meditating (staying in deep contemplation) on the Unborn, Unwavering (Consciousness), we are free of sorrow,” is the insight that Kathopanishad3 shares. The Vedānta4 says, “You are that,” and not, “You will become that”.

In the grip of ignorance (erroneous seeing, avidyā), we are very fond of self-improvement. This stems from our obsession with the little self in the first place. Though it may seem a contradiction, it is a case of our getting attached to the snake and getting too busy with ways and means of overcoming the fear. We are not interested in seeing that there is no snake. Those who talk of the rope could irritate us.

No wonder certain thinkers of great maturity talk of “letting go” rather than holding on to anything or pursuing any goal. Alan Watts5, following the language of Buddhism to an extent though, exposes the fallacy of getting better or becoming somebody. He says Yogis meditate on the navel of the cosmos and are not interested in riding on its wheel. The navel (nābhi), he remarks, is not the point on our belly but the ‘unmoving center’ in this constantly changing samsāra!

The scriptures are very clear on this. They say, “Stay as the Self,” and never, “Become the Self, run fast, time is running out!”

So do not run. You’re not in time. Time is in you!

Swami Chidananda

Notes:

1 | brahmavidāpnoti param | Taittiriya Upanishad 2.1

2 | tasmin dristhe parāvare | Mundaka Upanishad 2.2.8

3 |..ajasya avakra-chetasah.. anusthāya na shochati | Katha Upanishad 2.2.1

4 | tat tvam asi | Chāndogya Upanishad 6.16.3

5 Alan Watts on “let go” – LINK – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQATersCI9Y

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