In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of Sage Jada-Bharata’s accord on “Adhyaatma Dharma” wherein he emphasizes that we’re all the same “Atman” embedded inside different physical bodies (Deham). Although the form, size and shape of our “Deham” might be different from each other’s, all our “Atmans” are of the same purity and sanctity. Hence, it is upto us to realize the importance of our “Atman ” and give more importance to it’s development. Thus, Sage Jada-Bharata highlights the important point that we would progress spiritually only if we develop the capability and maturity to view the “Atman” as a separate entity and not as a one that is clubbed with the “Deham”. The moment we start seeing “Atman” clubbed with the “Deham”, we tend to see all the differences between living beings and with this, all ego clashes, revenge, anger, frustration, etc. start arising. Whereas, if we’re able to see the “Atman” as a separate entity from the “Deham”, there would be no space for any sort of ego or anger. This is what is important for being selfless in our service to the world.
As a summary thus, Sage Jada-Bharata emphasizes that nothing in this world is capable of granting “Moksha”, except for the highest “Gnyaana” (Knowledge about Bhagawan and His compassion). Through this, Sage Bharata also emphasizes that Bhagawan can only be the “Paramatma” and nobody else can attain that position. All of us, living beings in this world can only be “Jeevatmas” and the role of the “Jeevatma” is only to be in service to the “Paramatma” by surrendering to His feet. Moving on further thus, Sage Bharata gives a beautiful analogy here, which is going to increase our interest level further in this point. Many of us might be knowing this musical instrument called “Flute”. It is a “wind” instrument wherein it has many holes that are made. While playing the flute, we’ve to close one of the holes and open another. We blow air through one of the nozzles that is on the extreme right-hand-side, and all the other holes are on the left-hand-side. When we close one hole, the air that is blown through the nozzle escapes through the other hole. Every hole has the configuration to produce unique sounds of music like “Sadjamam” (Sa), “Rishabham” (Ri), “Gaandhaaram” (Ga), “Madhyamam” (Ma), ‘Panchamam” (Pa), “Daivatam” (Da) and “Nishadam” (Ni). These are often referred to as the “Saptaswaras” in Carnatic Music. Thus, the flute is designed in such a way that each of the holes emit each of the “Swara-sthaanas” (corresponding sounds).
When I was talking about this to someone, that person curiously asked me thus, “Oh! If seven different “Swarasthaanas” have to be captured, there should be seven different airs that should pass through the holes, isn’t it?” How can this be possible? Air is just one and it is common for all. It is the same air that passes through hole one that produces the sound of “Sa” and through the hole seven that produces the sound of “Ni”, isn’t it? Similarly, the “Atman” that resides inside every living being is the same. Only the “Deham” inside which each of the “Atmans” are embedded are different. Thus, just like how we cannot say that there are different “Airs” that produce music in a flute, here too we cannot say that there are different “Atmans” across different living beings. Just like how the holes in the flute are different, which produces music differently, the “Dehams” are different, which makes the “Atman” work accordingly. Yes, of course there might be many “Atmans”, but the “religion” or “caste” or “sub-caste” of all “Atmans” are the same.
So for today, let us understand this important point and let us wait till the next episode to continue this interesting discussion forward! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 