Summary:

Lecture 1 speaks about the “saha na vavantu” prayer before the class starts. Why we do 3 OM shantis. Why knowledge fails for most people (unfriendly psychology, projection, triggered, etc)

Source: Drg Drsya Viveka

Explanation of “Sahana Vavatu” Verse:

• saha nāvavatu : May the Lord (being a source of blessing) protect both of us (teacher and student).
  • Asking for protection at all times – at home, while eating, thinking, talking etc.
  • Praying that the environment and conditions are conducive for growth and learning.
• saha nau bhunaktu : May he (Lord) nourish both of us (with knowledge). 
  • Besides intellectual nourishment, we also need emotional nourishment. Both needed for knowledge to transform you. 
• saha vīryaṃ karavāvahai :  May both of us make effort for capacity (required for knowledge to be imparted by the teacher and to be received by the student).
  • Student and teacher need to work together collaboratively — for effective knowledge transfer.
  • Teacher needs to be encouraged with questions, and student remaining alert, engaged.
  • Commitment, persistence to master depth.
• tejasvi nāvadhītamastu :  May what is studied by us be brilliantly clear (meaningful and free from vagueness). 
• mā vidviṣāvahai :  May we not be subject to any kind of misunderstanding (so that this communication is complete). 
  • Convert vitanda (intention is to disagree/disprove), into vada (wishes to consider alternative Point of view).
  • Alert of mind tendency to superimpose past conditioning onto present teaching, students, teacher.
• om śāntiḥ  śāntiḥ sāntiḥ :  Let there be freedom from three possible obstacles (that can deny peace and become a hindrance to the pursuit of knowledge – like:
  1. Adhidaivika: Obstructions from forces over which we have no control.
     • EG: You’re attentive, perfect environment, listening for years, but knowledge is going over your head. So you’re asking God’s help to help remove these unknown factors.
  2. Adhibhautika: Disturbances from environment.
     • Surroundings demand your attention. EG: You’re attentive, but family needs help. Noise pollution, problems within family and you’re in the line-of-fire. 
  3. Adhyatmika: Factors centered on self. 
     • EG: My biases. Physical illness, brain unable to concentrate.

Next verse begins the text. This was only an introductory verse.

Keywords:  

—

Course was based on [1] Drig Drishya Viveka book by Swami Tejomayananda [2] Book by Swami Nikhilananda [3] Neema Majmudar.

Recorded 16 Jan, 2024