Call Upon The sleeping Soul - Hinduism Teachings

Love and charity for the whole human race, that is the test of true religiousness. Where it is dark night for the (sense-bound) world, the self controlled (man) is awake. It is daylight for him. . . . And where the world is awake, the sage sleeps. Where is the world awake? In the senses. 

It is grand and good to know the laws that govern the stars and planets; it is infinitely grander and better to know the laws that govern the passions, the feelings, the will, of mankind.

When man has been sufficiently buffeted by the world, he awakes to a desire for freedom; and searching for means of escape from the dreary round of earthly existence, he seeks knowledge, learns what he really is, and is free.

Teach yourselves, teach everyone his/her real nature, call upon the sleeping soul and see how it awakes. Power will come, glory will come, goodness will come, purity will come, and everything that is excellent will come, when this sleeping soul is roused to self-conscious activity.

Source – notes taken from the editorial of Prabuddha Bharata Magazine June 2018

Additional Explanation:

The above quote, (When man has been sufficiently......learns what he really is, and is free) drawn from ancient Hindu wisdom, emphasizes the transformative journey of a human being from suffering to liberation (moksha). It encapsulates the essence of Hindu philosophy, which offers guidance on how to transcend the repetitive cycles of earthly existence—called samsara—and achieve ultimate freedom.

When an individual experiences the trials and tribulations of worldly life, they begin to yearn for liberation. This awakening ignites a quest for deeper understanding. By seeking knowledge and realizing their true self, they break free from the limitations of earthly existence and attain lasting freedom.

Importance and Meaning

The quote carries profound importance because it addresses:

1. Universal Human Experience: Suffering and dissatisfaction often lead individuals to introspection. The pursuit of meaning in the face of adversity is common across cultures and times.
2. Path to Liberation: Hinduism teaches that liberation comes through knowledge (jnana) and self-realization, not merely through external means or material success.
3. The True Self: The realization that one’s essence (atman) is not bound by the fleeting circumstances of life but is eternal and divine connects the individual with the ultimate reality (Brahman).

Deep Symbolism

1. Buffeted by the World: Symbolizes the challenges, struggles, and karmic consequences faced by every individual.
2. Desire for Freedom: Represents the innate longing of the soul to escape the bondage of ignorance and limitation.
3. Searching for Knowledge: Reflects the spiritual journey where one shifts from outward distractions to inner wisdom.
4. Escape from Dreary Existence: Signifies moving beyond the illusions (maya) that bind us to suffering.
5. Being Free: Stands for moksha, the ultimate goal of Hindu life, where the soul merges with the infinite.

Universal Relevance of the Teaching

In the Past

• Guided ancient seekers in understanding their place in the cosmos and the nature of reality.
• Inspired great sages and rishis to pen the Upanishads and other sacred texts.

In the Present

• Offers solace in an era of materialism, stress, and existential crises.
• Encourages self-awareness and mindfulness as antidotes to modern life's chaos.

In the Future

• As humanity faces increasing complexity, the principles of self-discovery and liberation will continue to serve as beacons for spiritual and emotional resilience.

Lesser-Known Facts

1. The idea of liberation through self-knowledge is a cornerstone of Advaita Vedanta, a non-dualistic school of Hindu philosophy.
2. The Bhagavad Gita illustrates this teaching when Krishna advises Arjuna to rise above the dualities of joy and sorrow, attachment and aversion.
3. Many Hindu epics and Puranas feature stories of individuals (like Nachiketa in the Kathopanishad) who, after enduring suffering, achieve enlightenment.

Similar Teachings

• Buddhism: Teaches liberation from suffering through the Noble Eightfold Path.
• Christian Mysticism: Describes finding eternal life through inner transformation.
• Sufi Islam: Speaks of the soul’s journey toward union with the divine.

Simple Explanation with Examples

Imagine someone facing repeated setbacks in their career. Initially, they feel frustrated and defeated. However, this suffering might push them to explore their deeper desires, leading them to realize that their worth is not tied to external achievements but to their inherent potential. By embracing this inner truth, they free themselves from stress and discover a more fulfilling path.

Modern-Day Relevance and Applications

1. Coping with Stress: Encourages introspection and mindfulness to combat burnout.
2. Overcoming Consumerism: Reminds individuals that true happiness is not in material possessions but in inner peace.
3. Building Resilience: Teaches that adversity can be a catalyst for growth.
4. Mental Health: Aligns with modern therapeutic approaches like cognitive reframing, where negative experiences are viewed as opportunities for learning.

Influence on Modern Life

• Encourages meditation and yoga, widely practiced globally to achieve mental clarity and balance.
• Inspires ethical living and service by fostering a sense of unity with others.

How It Helps Overcome Modern Problems

1. Loneliness: The realization of interconnectedness with the universe alleviates feelings of isolation.
2. Anxiety and Depression: Knowing that challenges are transient helps individuals maintain equanimity.
3. Existential Crises: Provides answers to life's deeper questions, reducing despair.

Supporting Quotes and Stories from Hindu Scriptures

1. Bhagavad Gita:
   • "The soul is neither born, nor does it ever die. It is unborn, eternal, and ever-existing." (2.20)
     This highlights the eternal nature of the self.
2. Kathopanishad:
   • Nachiketa, through perseverance and questioning, gains the knowledge of the eternal self from Yama, the god of death.
3. Yoga Sutras:
   • "Ignorance is the cause of all suffering." (2.4)
     Emphasizes knowledge as the path to freedom.

Practical Application in Modern Life

1. Practice daily self-reflection: Keep a journal to understand life patterns and focus on growth.
2. Adopt mindfulness techniques: Use meditation to connect with your inner self.
3. Seek knowledge: Read spiritual texts and attend discussions to deepen understanding.
4. Serve others: Engage in acts of compassion to reduce self-centeredness and foster unity.

By applying these ancient teachings, individuals can lead more purposeful and harmonious lives, transcending the challenges of the modern world and finding peace amidst the chaos.

A Zen Story - Theme Total Detachment

A beautiful Japanese girl and her parents lived near the cottage of the Zen master, Hakuin. One day her parents discovered she was with child. They were angry and ashamed and wanted to know who the father was. After much harassment, the poor girl named Hakuin. When the parents complained to the master, all he would say was, "Is that so?”

The child was born and was brought to Hakuin, who took very good care of it.

A year later the girl-mother could stand it no longer. She told her parents the truth — that the father of the child was a young man who worked in the fish market. The mother and father of the girl at once went to Hakuin to ask his forgiveness, and to get the child back again.

Hakuin was willing to let the child go. All he said when he heard about the real father was, "Is that so?" 

The Master whose ego was dead had no reputation to lose or regain. He had attained total detachment.