Sharanagati

(from a lecture of Swami Tirtha, 11.05.2019 morning, Sofia)

Today we have a question-and-answer section. You might ask, why like this? Why not an official lecture? Because the traditional way of inquiries is like this. You have a topic for discussion; there are some questions and there are some answers. And if we properly follow this process, then we can churn this science. In this way we can come to deeper levels of understanding. And as the intellect is an instrument of our consciousness for inquiries, I think this is very proper to use it in the best manner. Therefore we support and we practice inquiries.

The same happened many, many years back, at the dawn of this age, when the saints, yogis and rishi-munis came together to discuss the fate of the world. What’s going to happen to humanity, what are the solutions for the riddles of life? Then the lecturer was very satisfied, because he appreciated the other saints’ inquiries, glorifying them for the questions, telling them that “You have had very proper questions, because they concern the absolute truth and they target the benefit of humanity.” 

So, this is proper inquiry – if our questions concern the absolute truth or divine topics and also try to serve the benefit of others. So asking properly means that you try to consider these points. Even if we know the answer, sometimes we have to ask as a service to inquiry, the method. Because proper questions and proper answers are beneficial for those who ask, for those who answer and for all those who are around, who might listen to the advice. So we can say that proper inquiry is a sacred method of divine studies. 

And, of course, the methods of instructions depend on the line, depend also on the nature of the master. Because in some schools the masters explain in a very elaborate manner. In other schools first you have to apply for darshan and then you might come full of questions, but there is no chance to speak a word. And the master does not say anything at all. And what happens? You understand. Something is revealed to you. That proves that real spiritual inquiry is not an intellectual debate. It’s like an awakening in the heart. This is a super-high way of understanding subjects and topics. 

We know that the best use of our speech is not discussing worldly topics, but the ultimate use of this human’s capacity of speech is the glorification of the Supreme. So, no worldly topics, no debates, no so-called spiritual gossip, but glorification. Not even philosophy, because that’s also on a lower platform. Glorification of the Supreme – that is the very best use of our speech. And the best way of glorification is when you chant the holy names. Do you want to go to an even higher platform? An even higher platform is when you cannot pronounce the holy names due to this emotional surcharge. So, what is the best use of our speech? When we cannot speak. 

(to be continued)