Teachings from Paramartha Prasanga of Swami Virajananda

To realize God an aspirant must have: Patience, Perseverance, Purity of body and mind, intense desire or yearning, the aggregate of the six attributes namely tranquility of mind, restraint of the senses, giving up of attachments to objects, remaining unaffected amidst all kind of afflictions, faith in the words of the spiritual teacher and the scriptures and concentration on the chosen ideal or God.

Do not tell anybody else, except the Guru, the realizations, the visions, or similar experiences, that spiritual practices may bring to you. Always keep your spiritual treasure – your inmost thoughts – hidden within you. These are not for vulgar gaze. These are your sacred possessions to be shared only between you and the Lord in secret.

Likewise, do not talk of your defects and blemishes to others. You lose thereby your self respect and the respect of others for you. They are for you to confess to the Lord. Pray to Him for strength to overcome them.

Paramartha Prasanga of Swami Virajananda

Swami Virajananda (10 June 1873 – 30 May 1951), born Kalikrishna Bose, was a direct disciple of Sarada Devi and a former president of the Ramakrishna Mission

Additional Information

Realizing God in Hinduism: An Exploration of Essential Qualities

In Hinduism, the quest for realizing God is a profound journey that requires the seeker to cultivate specific qualities and attitudes. These are not just spiritual requirements but are deeply embedded in the philosophical and symbolic framework of Hindu thought. Let's explore each of these qualities with additional insights, symbolism, quotes from Hindu scriptures, stories, and the importance of these qualities in modern-day life.

1. Patience (Kṣamā)

Significance: Patience is considered one of the essential virtues in Hinduism. It is often symbolized by the turtle (Kurma), which moves slowly but steadily towards its goal, representing endurance and long-term perseverance.
Scriptural Reference: In the Mahabharata, patience is highlighted as a key virtue. Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava, is often lauded for his patience and equanimity in the face of adversities.
Story: The story of the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) demonstrates the importance of patience. Both Devas and Asuras had to churn the ocean for a long time before they could obtain Amrita, the nectar of immortality.
Modern Relevance: In today’s fast-paced world, cultivating patience helps in maintaining mental peace, building long-term relationships, and achieving goals without succumbing to stress and anxiety.

2. Perseverance (Sahasa)

Significance: Perseverance is about relentless effort and unwavering determination. The ant symbolizes perseverance in Hindu symbolism; it carries loads many times its weight without giving up.
Scriptural Reference: In the Ramayana, Lord Rama’s relentless pursuit to rescue Sita from Ravana demonstrates the power of perseverance.
Story: The story of Hanuman’s leap to Lanka to find Sita exemplifies perseverance. Despite numerous obstacles, Hanuman does not waver in his mission.
Modern Relevance: In personal and professional life, perseverance is key to overcoming challenges and achieving success. It teaches us not to be discouraged by failures but to keep moving forward with determination.

3. Purity of Body and Mind (Śauca)

Significance: Purity is essential for spiritual progress. Purity of body is maintained through cleanliness, while purity of mind is achieved through righteous thoughts and intentions.
Scriptural Reference: The Manusmriti emphasizes the importance of purity in thoughts, words, and deeds: “Cleanliness is next to godliness.”
Symbolism: The lotus flower symbolizes purity. Though it grows in muddy waters, it remains uncontaminated and pure, signifying that one can remain pure amidst worldly impurities.
Story: The story of Sage Vishwamitra’s austerities illustrates the importance of purity. Despite temptations and distractions, Vishwamitra remains pure in his intentions to gain spiritual power.
Modern Relevance: In today’s world, purity of mind can be maintained through mindfulness and meditation. Purity of body is important for physical health, while purity of mind leads to mental well-being and clarity of thought.

4. Intense Desire or Yearning (Mumukshutva)

Significance: Mumukshutva, or the intense yearning for liberation, is a crucial quality for spiritual aspirants. It is the burning desire to realize God and be free from the cycle of birth and death.
Scriptural Reference: The Upanishads emphasize the importance of Mumukshutva. In the Mundaka Upanishad, the seeker is described as one who has an intense longing to know Brahman (the Supreme Reality).
Story: The story of Nachiketa in the Katha Upanishad exemplifies this intense desire. Nachiketa’s unwavering quest for knowledge of the Self leads him to Yama, the god of death, from whom he learns about immortality.
Modern Relevance: In contemporary life, this intense desire can manifest as a deep commitment to one’s goals, whether spiritual or worldly. It drives individuals to pursue their passions and purpose with unwavering focus.

5. Tranquility of Mind (Śama)

Significance: Tranquility of mind is essential for spiritual progress. A tranquil mind remains undisturbed by external circumstances, allowing for deep meditation and self-reflection.
Scriptural Reference: In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Śama is described as one of the Yamas (ethical disciplines) that lead to a calm and peaceful mind.
Story: The story of Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, as described in the Bhagavad Gita, illustrates the importance of a tranquil mind. Lord Krishna teaches Arjuna to maintain calmness and equanimity amidst the chaos of battle.
Modern Relevance: In modern life, cultivating tranquility of mind helps in reducing stress and anxiety. Practices like meditation and yoga are effective tools for achieving a tranquil state of mind.

6. Restraint of the Senses (Dama)

Significance: Dama, or control over the senses, is vital for spiritual discipline. It involves mastering one’s desires and not being enslaved by sensory pleasures.
Scriptural Reference: The Kathopanishad states, “The wise man controls his senses like a good charioteer controls his horses.”
Symbolism: The charioteer analogy, where the mind is the charioteer and the senses are the horses, is often used in Hinduism to symbolize the need for control over the senses.
Story: The story of King Yayati from the Mahabharata illustrates the consequences of uncontrolled desires. After indulging in sensory pleasures, Yayati realizes the futility of it and ultimately renounces the world.
Modern Relevance: In contemporary life, restraint of the senses is crucial for leading a balanced life. It helps in making rational decisions, avoiding addictions, and maintaining overall well-being.

7. Giving up of Attachments to Objects (Uparati)

Significance: Uparati refers to the withdrawal from worldly attachments and a focus on the spiritual path. It is about achieving detachment from material possessions and desires.
Scriptural Reference: The Bhagavata Purana highlights the importance of Uparati in the story of King Bharata, who renounced his kingdom to pursue spiritual enlightenment.
Story: The story of King Janaka, who ruled his kingdom with detachment, is a perfect example of Uparati. Despite being a king, Janaka remained unaffected by worldly pleasures and pains.
Modern Relevance: In today’s consumer-driven society, practicing detachment helps in reducing stress, avoiding unnecessary materialism, and focusing on what truly matters in life.

8. Remaining Unaffected Amidst Afflictions (Titikṣā)

Significance: Titikṣā is the endurance of hardships and remaining unaffected by pain and pleasure. It is the quality of forbearance.
Scriptural Reference: The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes Titikṣā: “Endure, O son of Kunti, the transient appearances of pain and pleasure, knowing them to be temporary.”
Story: The story of Prahlada in the Bhagavata Purana is a classic example of Titikṣā. Despite being tortured by his father Hiranyakashipu, Prahlada remained steadfast in his devotion to Lord Vishnu.
Modern Relevance: In modern times, Titikṣā is essential for coping with life’s challenges. It helps in developing resilience, maintaining mental strength, and facing difficulties with courage and patience.

9. Faith in the Words of the Spiritual Teacher and Scriptures (Śraddhā)

Significance: Śraddhā is deep faith in the teachings of one’s guru (spiritual teacher) and the scriptures. It is the foundation of spiritual practice.
Scriptural Reference: In the Mundaka Upanishad, it is said, “With Śraddhā, the seeker approaches the teacher who is well-versed in the scriptures.”
Story: The story of Ekalavya in the Mahabharata illustrates unwavering faith in one’s guru. Despite being denied formal training by Dronacharya, Ekalavya’s faith led him to become an exceptional archer through self-practice.
Modern Relevance: In contemporary life, Śraddhā manifests as trust in mentors, belief in values, and commitment to one’s principles. It is essential for learning, growth, and personal development.

10. Concentration on the Chosen Ideal or God (Samādhāna)

Significance: Samādhāna is the focus and concentration on one’s spiritual goal or chosen deity. It is the absorption of the mind in the divine.
Scriptural Reference: The Yoga Sutras describe Samādhi as the highest state of concentration, where the mind becomes one with the object of meditation.
Story: The story of Dhruva, who meditated with intense concentration on Lord Vishnu, leading to his divine vision, exemplifies Samādhāna.
Modern Relevance: In modern life, concentration is essential for success in any endeavor. It helps in achieving goals, whether they are spiritual, academic, or professional, by channeling one’s energy and focus.

Conclusion

The journey to realizing God in Hinduism is not merely about external rituals or practices. It is a deep, internal process that requires the cultivation of specific qualities such as patience, perseverance, purity, and intense yearning. These qualities are interrelated and support the aspirant's spiritual growth. The teachings from Hindu scriptures, the symbolism associated with these qualities, and the stories from ancient texts all provide guidance on this path.

In today’s world, these qualities are just as relevant. They help in maintaining a balanced life, achieving personal and professional success, and fostering inner peace and spiritual fulfillment. The wisdom of Hinduism offers timeless lessons that can be applied in daily life, guiding individuals on their journey toward self-realization and God-realization.

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