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If Man Does Not Know Himself, How Can His Life Be Lived Successfully? – Swami Chidananda

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When we observe mankind itself, we see vast masses of people in different parts of the globe with an improved material lot, but without corresponding satisfaction and happiness, which ought to have been the result of this external progress.

If man is to truly improve and advance, he must do so on all levels and in all spheres of life and activity. Man’s possessions have been increased, but not his joy of living.

Emami Temple Balasore Odisha

The imbalance between outward advancements and the basic degeneracy undergone by the human individual is the root-cause of the unhappy state in which humanity finds itself today, fraught with fear, uncertainty and with a sense of insecurity.

People do not want to think of the present. Either they project themselves into a future when man will perhaps have solved all his present problems, or they think wistfully of the past when things seem to have been better. This is due to the basic error that the entire power of man’s mind, his perceptions and his senses have been totally externalized. He has not started from the proper point, his own nature. If man does not know himself, how can his life be lived successfully?

Swami Chidananda Saraswati (1916 – 2008) was the president of the Divine Life Society in Rishikesh – associated with the Swami Sivananda Ashram

Expanded Analysis of the Teaching

The quote addresses a profound spiritual insight central to Hindu philosophy: the necessity of self-knowledge as the foundation for a meaningful and successful life. This teaching is deeply rooted in the essence of Vedantic philosophy and aligns with the universal spiritual principle that introspection and understanding of one’s true nature are paramount for liberation and peace.

Meaning and Deep Symbolism

  1. Internal vs. External Focus:

    • Modern life often fosters an external focus, where identity is sought in achievements, possessions, or relationships. This teaching emphasizes the need to turn inward, to discover the Self (Atman) as the source of wisdom and contentment.
    • Symbolically, this shift mirrors the journey of the river returning to the ocean: it must trace its path back to its origin to find unity and fulfillment.

  2. Timelessness of the Teaching:

    • The human tendency to avoid the present moment stems from restlessness or dissatisfaction, known in Sanskrit as dukha. By focusing on past or future, individuals distance themselves from the reality that eternal peace resides in the "now", as recognized in Hindu texts like the Bhagavad Gita.

  3. The Externalization of Senses:

    • Hinduism frequently uses metaphors like the chariot and horses (from the Katha Upanishad) to describe how the uncontrolled senses drag the mind outward. The teaching highlights the need to rein in the senses through self-discipline (yoga) and introspection.

Why It Is Universal

  1. Across Eras:

    • The teaching remains relevant because human psychology hasn't fundamentally changed—people have always sought happiness in transient things, neglecting the inner source of joy.
    • Ancient man turned to nature; modern man turns to technology. The solution remains unchanged: know thyself.

  2. Across Cultures:

    • Similar themes are present in other traditions:
      • Stoicism: "Man is disturbed not by things, but by the views he takes of them" (Epictetus).
      • Christianity: "The kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:21).
      • Buddhism: The practice of mindfulness grounds one in the present, revealing the impermanence of external attachments.

Relevance to Modern Life

  1. Overcoming Distractions:

    • The teaching helps counteract the modern problem of digital distractions, offering practices like meditation and mindfulness as antidotes to overstimulation.
    • By focusing on self-awareness, individuals can resist the instant gratification culture, achieving deeper satisfaction.

  2. Mental Health:

    • Depression often stems from rumination on the past, and anxiety arises from worry about the future. Self-knowledge cultivates equanimity, helping people live fully in the present.

  3. Economic and Environmental Challenges:

    • Materialism drives consumerism, which contributes to environmental degradation. The teaching inspires a shift toward sustainability by encouraging contentment with less and prioritizing inner wealth.

Lesser-Known Facts

  1. Teaching Rooted in Yoga:

    • The focus on self-awareness aligns with the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, where the practice of pratyahara (withdrawal of senses) leads to the inner journey.

  2. Reflection in Mythology:

    • In the Mahabharata, Yudhishthira's wisdom in the Yaksha Prashna episode echoes this teaching. Asked what is the greatest wonder, he replies, “Every day, countless beings die, yet the living wish to live forever. This is due to ignorance of their true nature.”

  3. Connection to Nonduality:

    • The Advaita Vedanta philosophy reinforces this teaching by asserting that the external world is maya (illusion), and the only reality is the Self, which is identical to Brahman (the ultimate reality).

Influence on Modern Problems

  1. Workplace Stress:

    • By practicing self-awareness, individuals can separate their identity from their job roles, reducing burnout and fostering authentic engagement.

  2. Social Media and Comparison:

    • Understanding the transient nature of external validation helps people detach from the pressures of comparison and appearance-driven lifestyles.

  3. Climate Crisis:

    • Self-knowledge leads to a holistic view of life, fostering an attitude of interconnection with all beings and the environment.

Supporting Quotes and Stories

  1. Bhagavad Gita:

    • “The mind that is not under control is the greatest enemy, but for one who has conquered the mind, it becomes the greatest friend.” (6.6)
      • This underscores the teaching that self-control and self-awareness lead to liberation.

  2. Upanishads:

    • “Enquire into the nature of the Self, for knowing That, you will know all.” (Chandogya Upanishad)
      • This aligns with the teaching that self-knowledge is the ultimate goal.

  3. Ramana Maharshi:

    • The modern sage constantly asked seekers to pursue the question, “Who am I?”—highlighting the centrality of introspection.

Practical Application

  1. Meditation Practices:

    • Techniques like vipassana or mantra meditation encourage direct experience of the present moment.

  2. Journaling:

    • Reflecting on "Who am I?" regularly can clarify deeper truths about one’s identity.

  3. Mindful Living:

    • Incorporating mindfulness in daily tasks—eating, walking, or even engaging in work—helps ground one in the present.

This Hindu teaching is a call to return home—to the core of our being. It bridges ancient wisdom and modern challenges, offering practical solutions to age-old human dilemmas. By turning inward, individuals can find enduring peace and purpose, transcending the fleeting distractions of life. As the Upanishads declare, “That which is the smallest is also the greatest. Within you lies the whole universe.”