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Everyone Seeks Something Everlasting And Eternally Enduring - Hindu Religion Teaching

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We live surrounded by something impermanent though everyone seeks something everlasting and eternally enduring.

Once, Holy Mother (Sarada Devi wife of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa) was seated on the porch of her house in Jairambati. Suddenly Kalikumar and Barada, Mother’s brothers, began to quarrel about a fence put up by Kalikumar. Soon they were about to come to blows. Their sister tried her utmost to calm them down, blaming both for the quarrel.


After a while, some of her disciples intervened and persuaded the brothers to stop arguing. Still abusing each other they went away.

In an excited mood, Holy Mother entered her own house. All of a sudden she burst into laughter and said: ‘What an illusion Mahamaya has conjured up! Here is this infinite world, and what one claims as his possession will be left behind at death. Still, men cannot understand this simple truth.’ As she uttered these words, she was convulsed with laughter which continued for some time.

Source – Vedanta Kesari Nov 2009 issue. 

Explanation:

The Quest for the Eternal in Hinduism

In the vast tapestry of Hindu philosophy and spirituality, one of the most profound and universally resonant teachings is the innate human quest for something everlasting and eternally enduring. This pursuit is not merely a fleeting desire but a fundamental aspect of human existence that permeates through various aspects of life and consciousness.

The Nature of the Eternal

In Hinduism, the concept of the eternal is often encapsulated in the idea of the Brahman. Brahman is described as the ultimate, unchanging reality, amidst and beyond the world, which cannot be exactly defined. It is the source of all that exists and is characterized by absolute existence, consciousness, and bliss (Sat-Chit-Ananda).

The Human Aspiration

Every individual, knowingly or unknowingly, is in pursuit of this ultimate reality. This quest manifests in various forms:

  1. Material Pursuits: Many seek permanence through wealth, power, and status, hoping these will provide lasting happiness and security.
  2. Relationships: Others invest in relationships, looking for eternal love, understanding, and companionship.
  3. Knowledge: There are those who seek truth and wisdom, believing that intellectual understanding will lead to a sense of permanence.
  4. Spiritual Practices: The most direct path in Hinduism is the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment, seeking union with the divine or realization of one's true self (Atman).

The Path to the Eternal

Hinduism offers various paths (Yogas) to achieve this eternal quest:

  1. Bhakti Yoga: The path of devotion, where love and surrender to a personal god provide a direct connection to the eternal.
  2. Jnana Yoga: The path of knowledge, where understanding the true nature of reality and self leads to enlightenment.
  3. Karma Yoga: The path of selfless action, where performing one's duties without attachment leads to spiritual growth.
  4. Raja Yoga: The path of meditation and discipline, where control over the mind and body leads to the realization of the self.

The Realization

The ultimate teaching of Hinduism is that the eternal is not something external to be acquired but is intrinsic to our very nature. The Upanishads, ancient Hindu scriptures, declare "Tat Tvam Asi" (Thou art That), indicating that the individual soul (Atman) is one with Brahman. The realization of this unity is the goal of human life and the resolution of the quest for the everlasting.

Practical Implications

In daily life, this teaching encourages individuals to look beyond the transient and focus on the eternal:

  • Detachment: Understanding the temporary nature of material possessions and experiences can lead to detachment and inner peace.
  • Self-Realization: Engaging in practices that foster self-awareness and connection with the divine can bring lasting fulfillment.
  • Compassion and Service: Recognizing the divine in others fosters compassion and a commitment to selfless service.

In conclusion, the Hindu teaching that "Everyone Seeks Something Everlasting And Eternally Enduring" is a profound reminder of the spiritual nature of human aspirations. It calls individuals to transcend the ephemeral and realize their inherent divine essence, leading to true and lasting fulfillment.