Tranquility

Chapter – 8 

 

• Define tranquility and what are the ingredients of tranquility?

Tranquility literally means freedom from disturbance. It means calmness. The following are the ingredients of T-R-A-N-Q-U-I-L-I-T-Y :-

Touchstone of immobility

Reticence in disposition

Ambrosial feeling

Nagging silence

Quietness in approach

Unassailability with ultimate reality in mind

Impervious to criticism

Laudable action or reaction

Impassive nature

Taciturnity

Yearning for peace !

There is movement all over the universe which we see! The river water moves constantly and the oceanic waves go on unabated. Clouds keep moving. Flames from fire go on without a pause. Leaves from the trees keep on falling. In the same way it is possible to think of movement in every nook and corner of the world.

But the Yogi’s mind says Sadguru Sri Sheshadri Swamigal, stays still. That is the hallmark of tranquility.

“The one in tranquility,

Is doctor of divinity!”

 

• What is the difference between peace of mind and mind in pieces? How should one bridge the gap?

The difference between a peaceful mind and a mind in pieces is so wide that it has to be imagined and examined in mutually apposite situations. Obviously the two are mutually exclusive too.

A peaceful or tranquil mind has as many as twelve attributes or qualities of preservation of mental equilibrium. The mind shattered has none. A peaceful man remains unaffected by the fluctuations in fortune or misfortune. The Rishis call such a peaceful one great!

“Bridging the gap” means that only the one who is not peaceful should be asked to embark not only on the discovery of Truth of ultimate reality of existence but also on the pilgrimage to the temple of peace. To him is earmarked the lesson of genesis, his puny position in the universe, the pros and cons of birth, death and rebirth besides the need for attainment of the peaceful state of Jeevanmuktittva– the most exalted state during the lifetime.

 

• What is the genesis of the lack of peace?

The genesis of the lack of peace or partial lack of it is explainable to lack of attention (total or partial) given to assess ultimate values in life. One who knows these values understands the priorities. The one who knows or understands makes an assiduous effort to learn the true end and aim of life.

It is those who have had no exposure to knowledge of the above and the consequent steps towards achievement of an equilibrium that can be accounted for the genesis of lack of peace. Here comes the impact of karma as the dominant causal factor.

 

• What are the methods for attainment of peace?

The Saptha Rishis have come out with simple methods for attainment of peace. They have called it the “Pancha Mahapurusha Yoga” to be found in a peaceful one. The ingredients of this formula for peace are arranged in their composition of an ashotottara in praise of Sri Shuka Paramarshi

The cultivation of the following constitutes the method for achievement of peace:-

Shuddha dehascha     –     Pure body

Shuddha vaakyashcha  –   Pure speech

Shuddha deehi        –          Pure intellect

Shuddha bhavah     –          Pure thought

Shuddha kaaryaha     –      Pure irreproachable deeds.

The five fold combination of pure sensory perceptions is the one recommended and praised by the Rishis.

 

• Who are the most peaceful ones?

The most peaceful ones remain unattached to the world around and unwavering in conception of reality of life. “ Even if Mithila burns”, asserted Janaka Rajarshi, “ I will keep my peace. “Even if the fiery sun suddenly cools down,” said Sree Sadashiva Brahmendra Saraswathi of Nerur repute, “Or even if the moon warms up or if the flames of fire move downwards!”

The peaceful one will remain calm even if the sun rises in the west! The suggestion here is that these abnormalities are all spells of illusion in a world that is destined to die; the peaceful one can preserve his own. The most peaceful people are endowed with the following qualities:-

1. Sarvatra samadarshittvam –  purity and uniformity of outlook or uniform vision.

2. Brahmabhavaha  sruterbalaath  – acquisition of vivid God experience and the concomitant peace

3. Samabhavaha –  non-differentiation in thoughts and impressions of others (bestowing equal attention)

4. Brahma Atma aikya bhavaha – identity of (every) Atman as indistinguishable from the Brahman

 

• What comes first, tranquility or happiness?

Without peace and tranquility, there can be no happiness.

The under mentioned ones lead one to the tranquil state:-

1. Absence of unwanted arguments
2. Destruction of distress
3. Safeguarding of jnana
4. Performance of thapas
5. God experience

A tranquil mind brings happiness.

As the achievement of tranquility comes first, the above five fold pursuit and stages promote peace in one and in turn happiness. The order of priority therefore is that tranquility should be the focus.

 

• When can we think peace will descend on the different kinds of human being?

Peace will descend on one if one takes to the following steps:-

1. The need for a Sadguru and His blessings.
2. The disinterested pursuit of karma (positive action) with absolute self-detachment and self-abnegation.
3. Righteous disposition and indulgence to attain purification of mind.
4. Consciousness or commonsense about the need to discriminate between permanent and impermanent values of pursuits, coupled with the intention to attain liberation.
5. The practice of sravana, manana and upasana as enjoined by the Sadguru

 

• What is the prime quality of a shishya seeking peace as a blessing from the Sadguru?

There are many qualities that are underlined for the armory of a shishya. But the one which is paramount among these is the need for unwavering faith in and devotion to the Sadguru.

The Guru’s grace is the most important for attainment of peace and Guru seva is a step in the right direction. Following the Guru’s instructions is the basic prerequisite.

 

• Is the attainment of peace the end and aim of life?

The attainment of peace is one of the primary necessaries of life. Who does not like to spot a peaceful frame of mind? Even an atheist would probably strive his best for a peaceful life. Many people put a full stop at the end of a comfortable living or a successful career. For many, attainment of peace may be the goal of life. But in reality, the true end and aim of life is to know the Creator of the universe, understand its prodigious dimensions and symmetry, the scientific background behind creation, the perfections in universal creations to help human life and accordingly aim to attain the exalted state of bliss of the Creator.

Attainment of comfort, peace and happiness are salient features of a materially satisfied life. It does not cover the need to know the purpose of life. Man has to become a superman and attain Godhood. Peace is such that it automatically descends on one who relentlessly pursues the path to Self-realization.

 

• How should one know who is Sadguru or Mahatma?

One who enjoys peaceful time in the immediate vicinity or presence of a person can conclude the status of the latter. A person in whose presence we attain peace is a Mahatma. Such people radiate peace. This is the view of all Rishis because the peaceful Guru is bestowed with field of radiation.

 

• How is a Jeevanmukta wedded to peace?

Peace descends on a Jeevanmukta the very moment He attains Jeevanmuktittva. He will be a living God on earth. The most important quality of a Jeevanmukta – apart from His various qualities and powers is His peaceful frame of mind. No prayer or sloka addressed to a Jeevanmukta should miss His blessed attribute of peace reigning supreme in Him. Here are some legendary and time honoured examples:-

1. “Kashyapasya priyam shishyam shantam,…”

2. “Bharadrajam maha shantam, Sushila-pati murjitham…”

3. “Hiranyagarbha sambhutam jata-mukuta dharinam, kumudvatse patim

shantam Viswamitram-aham bhaje”

1. “Jeevanmuktam sada shantam , Vyasa putram Shukam bhaje…”

2. “Karunasagaram shantam, Arunachala vasinam Sree Seshadri Gurum vande, brahmeebhutam thaponidhim”

3. “Poulaysa nandan devam, gadapanim mahamatim, Brahma Datta varam shantam, Sreedam(kubera) nidhipatim bhaje”

4. “Shivam shantam jagannatham, lokanugrahkarakam, Shivameka param vande, shikaraya namo namaha”

5. “Shantam Shivam avikriyam advaitam bhedavarjitam turiyam Brahma atma iti vinayam”