Periyava on the Supreme Art There is one form of art which is superior to all other forms and that is the art of remaining quiet and silent. If one begins to practice this art, one will find how difficult it is. Hence it is called Brahma Vidya. If a person claims to have done a most difficult feat, we ask him in Tamil, “Is what you have done a Brahma Vidya”? Sri Sankara Bhagavatpada gave to the world Brahma Vidya in the form of Advaita. It has now been recognized that it is only through experiencing advaita (advaitaanubhavah, अद्वैतानुभव्:) that one can realize the Ultimate Truth. Sri Adi Sankara had mastered all the arts during the brief span of his life, and, with that experience, he proclaimed advaita as the highest of all achievements. There is a story that the disciples of Sri Bhagavatpada wanted him to ascend the Sarvajna peethah सर्वज्ञपीठ:), an honor reserved for one who has mastered all knowledge. Each step to that throne represents different branches of knowledge. The steps have to be ascended after answering questions pertaining to the different arts and branches of knowledge, asked by experts in each subject. According to the story, a cobbler enquired whether Sri Bhagavatpada knew how to stitch a chappal. It is said that Sri Acharya took the cobbler’s needle and rubbed it against his nose, before starting to stitch. This is a characteristic action pertaining to the trade, and cobblers do this to grease the needle with the oily substance found on the sides of the nose, to enable the needle to penetrate the leather easily. The cobbler in the story was surprised and satisfied at this preliminary action of the Acharya and conceded that he knew the cobbler’s trade. There are several arts or vidyaas including the art of earning money. But all these arts serve a limited purpose and provide only momentary joy. One may amass wealth without finding real happiness in life. But the art of silence, and the resultant saanti (peace), ensure perennial joy and permanent happiness. One who can bring his mind to a state of saanti can find joy even in the midst of troubles. It is this art of remaining quiet with peace within that all of us should cultivate.
Posted on: Thu, 17 Jul 2014 05:20:36 +0000
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