The eternal quest of humanity has been to seek purpose and meaning, yet in modern times, we increasingly align our pursuits with the transient, the mortal, and the impermanent. This tragedy is vividly highlighted in the teachings of ancient Hindu scriptures like the Upanishads, Yoga Vasistha, Ashtavakra Gita, and Vedas, which offer profound insights into the nature of reality and the eternal. These texts urge us to transcend the ephemeral and embrace the immortal essence within.
The Immortal Vision of the Upanishads
The Upanishads, often regarded as the crown jewels of Vedic literature, emphasize the search for the imperishable Brahman—the ultimate, unchanging reality. The Mundaka Upanishad (2.2.7) declares:
“Two birds, inseparable companions, perch on the same tree. One eats the fruit, while the other watches in silence. The first is the individual self, feeding on the pleasures of the mortal world; the second is the supreme Self, witnessing in detached serenity.”
This metaphor underscores the distinction between the transient pursuits of the ego and the eternal presence of the higher Self. In modern life, however, we are caught in the grasp of fleeting pleasures, achievements, and material possessions, often forgetting the silent witness within.
Yoga Vasistha: The Grand Illusion
The Yoga Vasistha, a monumental scripture on Vedantic philosophy, expands on the concept of the illusory nature of the world (maya) and the eternal nature of the self. It says:
“The world appearance is an illusion, like the mirage in a desert. The self alone is real.” (Yoga Vasistha 2.18)
The modern tragedy lies in mistaking this mirage for reality. Consumerism, technological advancements, and the race for success have heightened our engagement with the superficial world, drawing us further away from recognizing the timeless self.
Ashtavakra Gita: The Effortless Truth
The Ashtavakra Gita offers a direct and uncompromising path to self-realization. It stresses that liberation is not achieved through external means but by the profound understanding of one’s true nature. Ashtavakra says:
“You are not the body, nor is the body yours, nor are you the doer or the enjoyer. You are pure awareness, the witness of all things.” (Ashtavakra Gita 1.4)
In the face of this teaching, the modern preoccupation with physical appearance, social status, and sensory gratification appears deeply misguided. By identifying solely with the body and its experiences, we forgo the peace and freedom that comes with the realization of our true nature as pure awareness.
The Vedas and the Eternal Quest
The Vedas, the foundational texts of Hinduism, reiterate the importance of seeking the eternal. The Rig Veda proclaims:
“Truth is one; the wise call it by many names.” (Rig Veda 1.164.46)
This highlights the unifying vision of existence, urging humanity to rise above divisions and superficial differences to recognize the singular eternal truth. Yet, the modern world’s obsession with identity, division, and competition perpetuates the cycle of samsara—the wheel of birth and death—keeping us bound to the mortal.
Sages and Thinkers on the Mortal and Immortal
Ancient sages and modern thinkers alike have echoed these teachings. Adi Shankaracharya, the proponent of Advaita Vedanta, emphasized the futility of worldly pursuits in his work Bhaja Govindam, where he wrote:
“Oh fool, give up your thirst for wealth. Devote your mind to thoughts of the real. Be content with what comes through actions already performed. Seek the self, the essence of all.”
Similarly, Swami Vivekananda urged humanity to focus on the eternal:
“You are the soul, free and eternal, ever free, ever blessed. You are not matter; you are not bodies. Matter is your servant, not you the servant of matter.”
Yet today, we have inverted this truth, allowing ourselves to be enslaved by material desires and technological distractions. The tragedy is not in the existence of these distractions but in our collective failure to recognize them for what they are: transient tools rather than ends in themselves.
The Benefits of Understanding Eternal Teachings
The wisdom of Hindu scriptures offers profound benefits when understood and internalized:
Inner Peace and Contentment: Realizing the impermanent nature of worldly pursuits alleviates anxiety and dissatisfaction. As the Bhagavad Gita (2.47) advises:
“You have the right to perform your duties, but not to the fruits of your actions. Do not let the results of your actions be your motive, and do not be attached to inaction.”
This teaches detachment and equanimity, leading to lasting peace.
Freedom from Fear: The fear of loss, death, and uncertainty diminishes when one identifies with the immortal self. The Katha Upanishad (2.2.2) asserts:
“The wise, who know the self as bodiless within the bodies, as unchanging among changing things, as great and omnipresent, do never grieve.”
Universal Compassion: Recognizing the unity of all existence fosters empathy and compassion. This is essential for addressing the challenges of modernity, from environmental crises to social inequality.
Purposeful Living: Understanding the distinction between the mortal and immortal imbues life with deeper meaning, redirecting energy from superficial pursuits to self-realization and service to others.
Modern Applications of Eternal Wisdom
To address the tragedy of choosing the mortal over the immortal, we can integrate ancient wisdom into modern life:
Meditation and Mindfulness: Practices rooted in the Upanishads and Gita help cultivate awareness and reconnect with the eternal self.
Simplified Living: Embracing minimalism and contentment counters the consumerist tendencies of the modern age.
Education and Awareness: Incorporating the teachings of sages and scriptures into education can inspire individuals to prioritize the eternal.
Community and Service: Engaging in selfless service fosters unity and diminishes the ego’s dominance.
The tragedy of modern times lies in our collective choice to prioritize the mortal over the immortal, the transient over the eternal. Yet, the wisdom of Hindu scriptures and sages offers a way out of this predicament. By understanding and internalizing these teachings, we can transcend the illusions of the material world and embrace our true, immortal nature. In doing so, we align with the universal truth, finding peace, purpose, and liberation from the ceaseless cycle of desire and discontent. The choice is ours to make—and in making it, we can transform this tragedy into a profound triumph of the human spirit.