Amanaska Yoga Teachings

Amanaska Yoga is a dialogue between Lord Shiva and Sage Vamadeva. This is a collection of teachings from the book.

Without knowing the truth about Atman, i.e., the nature of bliss supreme, the ignorant get deluded in Shastras.

Just as salt would unite with water by being mixed with water, so the mind also would unite with Brahman through close contact with Brahman.

Emami Jagannath Temple In Odisha

Just as from a flower, fruit appears which destroys the flower, so, from the body, the highest reality appears which destroys the body.

Not knowing the highest reality which is situated within himself, the confused man is deluded (and looks for it) in the Shastras, (just as) when a goat is held in his armpit, the foolish herdsman looks for (it) in a well.

Source - The Amanaska Yoga A Critical Edition, Translation and Study by Jason Birch

The passage mentioned, "Just as from a flower, fruit appears which destroys the flower, so, from the body, the highest reality appears which destroys the body," captures a profound philosophical insight from Hindu teachings. This metaphor illustrates a core concept in Hinduism about the transient nature of the physical world and the emergence of spiritual realization. Let’s explore this teaching in greater detail, examining similar passages from Hindu scriptures, stories from Hindu books, and discussing its importance and modern-day relevance.

Expanded Explanation of the Passage

1. Metaphor and Its Meaning:

   • The metaphor compares the flower to the physical body and the fruit to spiritual realization or self-realization (Atman or Brahman). Just as the emergence of fruit marks the culmination and end of the flower’s existence, spiritual realization signifies the transcendence of the physical body. The body, which is temporary and perishable, is a vehicle through which one can realize the eternal and imperishable nature of the Self or Atman.
   • This teaching emphasizes the idea that the body is not the ultimate reality; rather, it is a means to achieve a deeper understanding and experience of one's true self, which is eternal and beyond the limitations of physical existence.

2. Philosophical Context:

   • This metaphor aligns with the Hindu philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, which posits that the individual soul (Atman) and the supreme reality (Brahman) are one and the same. The physical body and material existence are seen as temporary and illusory (Maya). True knowledge or enlightenment (Jnana) involves realizing this oneness and transcending the attachment to the physical body and material desires.

Similar Passages from Hindu Scriptures

1. Bhagavad Gita:

   • The Bhagavad Gita discusses the impermanence of the physical body and the eternal nature of the soul. For example, in Chapter 2, Verse 13, it is stated:
     • "Just as the soul experiences childhood, youth, and old age in the body, so also it acquires another body; the wise do not get deluded by this." (Bhagavad Gita 2.13)
   • This verse illustrates the idea that the body is merely a vessel for the soul, which transcends the physical form and is not affected by birth or death.

2. Katha Upanishad:

   • The Katha Upanishad also reflects on the nature of the self and the body:
     • "The self is not born, nor does it die; it did not spring from anything, and nothing sprang from it. Birthless, eternal, everlasting, and ancient, it is not killed when the body is killed." (Katha Upanishad 1.2.18)
   • This passage underscores the indestructibility of the self (Atman) as opposed to the destructible nature of the body, resonating with the idea that the physical form is temporary and the true self is eternal.

3. Mundaka Upanishad:

   • In the Mundaka Upanishad, the body is compared to a tree, and the soul is compared to two birds:
     • "Two birds, inseparable companions, perch on the same tree. One eats the fruit of the tree, while the other looks on in detachment." (Mundaka Upanishad 3.1.1)
   • This metaphor depicts the body and the self. One bird (the individual self, or Jivatman) experiences worldly pleasures (fruits), while the other bird (the higher Self, or Paramatman) remains detached and observes, pointing to the ultimate realization that one’s true nature is not entangled in worldly experiences.

Stories from Hindu Books

1. Story of King Janaka:

   • A well-known story that illustrates this teaching is that of King Janaka, a renowned philosopher-king and an exemplar of the Jivanmukta (one who is liberated while still in the body). Despite being a king, he realized the highest truth and remained detached from his body and his kingdom’s affairs. It is said that he lived as a king in a state of constant awareness of the eternal self, free from the delusion that he was merely the body. This state of detachment is akin to the metaphor where the "fruit" of realization transcends the "flower" of physical existence.

2. Story of Sage Yajnavalkya and Maitreyi:

   • In the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, Sage Yajnavalkya explains to his wife Maitreyi about the nature of the self and the futility of material wealth in attaining immortality. He emphasizes that realization of the self is the ultimate goal, and the body and material possessions are temporary. This dialogue demonstrates the teaching that true knowledge or self-realization involves transcending attachment to the body and the material world.

Importance and Modern-Day Relevance

1. Spiritual Growth and Detachment:

   • This teaching highlights the importance of spiritual growth and understanding the transient nature of the physical body. In today’s world, where materialism and body-consciousness are often emphasized, this teaching reminds us to focus on inner growth and self-realization, transcending the temporary nature of physical existence.

2. Mindfulness and Inner Peace:

   • By understanding that the body is temporary and the soul is eternal, one can cultivate detachment from physical suffering and pleasures, leading to inner peace and mindfulness. This perspective encourages a balanced life where one does not overly identify with the body or material achievements.

3. Perspective on Mortality and Legacy:

   • This teaching provides a framework for understanding mortality. Recognizing the body as a temporary vessel can reduce the fear of death and encourage a focus on leaving a spiritual legacy or positive impact beyond one’s physical life.

4. Application in Yoga and Meditation:

   • In modern yoga and meditation practices, this teaching encourages practitioners to transcend bodily limitations and focus on the inner self. The realization that the body is not the ultimate self can deepen meditation practice and support the journey toward self-realization.

The metaphor of the flower and fruit is a profound reminder of the impermanence of the body and the eternal nature of the self. By focusing on spiritual realization, one can transcend the limitations of physical existence and achieve a state of inner peace and liberation. This teaching, echoed in various Hindu scriptures and stories, remains highly relevant today, offering a path to mindfulness, detachment, and a deeper understanding of one’s true nature.