Hari Om!
Swami Aparajitananda, decoding Adi Shankaracharya's instructions, points out in detail the very purpose and utility of brahmacharya āshrama and grihastha
āshrama; then to step out and leave it to enter vānaprastha āshrama.
A logically interesting question is discussed: Then why not skip grihasthāshrama? Swamiji elaborately explains in depth that the cosmic drama of worldly love helps to evolve and appreciate God's subtlest love. An intelligent living in the world results in dispassion.
Instruction 8: TO LIVE GRIHASTHĀSHRAMA Swamiji clarifies the import of the term QUICKLY in context of time, place and manner of withdrawal by discussing "psychological wombs" and similarities in nature. The emphasis is on being content, peaceful and strengthening relationship with God.
Verse 2: Instructions 9, 10, 11: To spend time after withdrawal in SATSANGA, DEVOTION TO GOD and CULTIVATING DIVINE VIRTUES (6-fold wealth).
Swamiji exhaustively simplifies these and emphasises CHOOSING THOUGHTS and worlds to protect and intensify spiritual urge; and discusses techniques to be desireless, to test God, to increase faith and devotion even in tragedies by recognising God as compassionate well-wisher. A law of life is stated: "We get what we deserve."
Importance of a value-enriched mind is explained by a quote: "Pure mind is the softest pillow." Since only daivi-āsuri sampat and vāsanās come along with jīvātmā after death, the significance of virtues is greatly emphasised.
Next: Instructions for Sannyāsa Āshrama.
(Sādhanā Pañcakam - Talk 3 of 7 - Verses 1and 2)
