The Practice of Vedanta

The Practice of Vedanta

Hand in hand with developing the four qualifications, Vedanta presents four disciplines for aspirants. The first is Shravana (Listening), the second is Manana (Reflection), and the third is Niddidhyasana (Meditation). These three are practiced to the extent it is possible, even if the four-fold qualifications have not been perfected. What is essential is a deep understanding of the goal—Atma-Sakshatkara or Self-Realization (the fourth and final stage), and a sincere effort to follow these four disciplines until Realization is attained.

1. Shravana, the first discipline, refers to listening to the teachings of Vedanta from an authentic Master or Spiritual Preceptor. When one is able to hear such Truths from an Enlightened Master, he must not merely “hear” through his ears, but rather “listen” with the focus of his entire being. He must be able to silence the rude noises of his ego and keep his mind focused and open-minded. Only then is he Listening, and is able to truly understand what he hears.

Shravana removes Samshaya-bhavana or the doubting state of mind. It is at this point that questions such as, “What is the nature of the soul?” “What is the nature of the world around us?” “What is an individual’s ultimate goal?” and “What do we mean by God, and what is His relationship with the individual?” become meaningful.

2. Manana, the next step, is developing the art of Reflection. This is a process of assimilating the teachings through spiritual enquiry. Diving deep into the question, “Who am I?,” the mind begins to perceive the underlying unity behind the apparent multiplicity of the world. It is able to penetrate the contradictions of life and comprehend the Vedantic Truths, “I am Brahman, the Absolute” and “The Reality in me is the same Reality behind all that exists.”

Reflection removes Asam-bhavana, the feeling of impossibility. The aspirant develops the firm conviction that Self-Realization is attainable.

3. Niddidhyasana, or Vedantic Meditation, is the third step, and is a direct result of reflection. The Yogi has realized the illusory nature of the world and that the Self or Brahman alone exists. At this stage, Vipareet-bhavana (perverted vision) or the erroneous notion “I am the body” is removed.

This state of meditation is not restrictive to any particular pose—whether sitting, standing, working or performing any kind of activity—the mind flows to Brahman in an uninterrupted succession. No matter where the mind turns, it recognizes the “Essence” behind it. This is done consciously or with effort.

4. Atma-Sakshatkara or Self-Realization is the final stage in Jnana Yoga. Niddidhyasana spontaneously leads one to this goal. The Yogi has attained the fullness of Realization and becomes a Sthita-Prajna (established in Intuitive Wisdom). He is an Enlightened Sage, a Jivan-Mukta (Liberated in life), absolutely free of the miseries of the world-process, and Liberated from the cycles of birth and death. He enjoys Sahaja Samadhi, the spontaneous state of superconsciousness at all times.

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From the book Integral Yoga: The Secret to Enlightenment by Swami Jyotirmayananda, published by the Yoga Research Foundation. © Swami Jyotirmayananda. All rights reserved.

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