Dr Malini Yugendran
Auckland, March 27, 2023
Sri M, a renowned Indian spiritual teacher, delivered a lecture on ancient Indian wisdom in Auckland on March 26, 2023.
The event, organised by the Satsang Foundation (New Zealand Chapter) was attended by more than 300 people at the Chinmaya Wellbeing and Event Centre in Mangere Bridge.
He emphasised the importance of the Vedas and the Upanishads in understanding the ancient wisdom of India, the four pillars of knowledge contained in the Vedas and explained how the Upanishads offer a deeper understanding of them.
According to him, the concept of letting go can help individuals live a happier and more fulfilling life by freeing themselves from the past and experiencing the present fully.
The Vedas and Upanishads
Sri M said that the Vedas are a collection of ancient scriptures originating in India, considered the oldest and most sacred texts in Hinduism.
The term ‘Veda’ means knowledge, and these texts contain knowledge and wisdom on various subjects, including spiritual and philosophical concepts, rituals, hymns, and chants.
“The wisdom of the Vedas was scattered and came from many sources of great Rishis. It was the great Veda Vyasa who compiled it into the four Vedas: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda – It includes hymns and spells for healing, protection, and prosperity,” he said.
Sri M said that four sayings appear in the Vedas.
Known as the Mahavakyas, these are ‘Aham Brahmasmi,’ ‘Tat Tvam Asi,’ ‘Prajnanam Brahma,’ and ‘Ayam Atma Brahma.’ They encapsulate the idea of unity and the understanding that everything is interconnected.
“These Mahavakyas are discussed in the Upanishads which are not separate from the Vedas,” he said.
Underscoring the importance of the Upanishads, he said that these scriptures offer a deeper understanding of the Vedas and contain teachings that lead to the understanding of truth and the destruction of ignorance. The word ‘Upanishad’ means ‘to sit near’ and ‘to destroy,’ suggesting that the teachings help individuals sit near a teacher to learn and destroy ignorance.
The Concept of Letting Go
Sri M also discussed the concept of Letting Go, which is essential for individuals to live a happier life. Letting go involves releasing emotions, situations, people, or beliefs that are holding us back and no longer serving us. It is not about forgetting the past or denying our emotions but acknowledging them and choosing to move forward. By letting go, individuals free themselves from the past and experience the present moment fully.
Sri M said that letting go is a challenging concept, as it requires bravery, honesty, and compassion towards ourselves. He said that we must accept that we cannot change the past, but we can change how we react to it. Forgiving ourselves and others and focusing on the present is key to letting go and experiencing life to the fullest, he explained.
Kavita Wadhwani, who attended the lecture said, “I have been following Sri M for a long time, and it was wonderful to hear him speak in person. His talk on letting go struck a chord with me, as I have always been spiritually inclined. I believe that letting go of past burdens is an important first step on the path to spirituality.”
Bharati Sonu, who also heard Sri M, said, “The experience has helped me explore my inner self and spirituality on a deeper level. I find it fascinating how teachings and scriptures that are centuries old still hold significant relevance to the present generation and have values that apply to current life. The 1.5 hours spent in the Satsang provided an environment for me to delve deeper into my spiritual journey.”
A detailed report on Sri M and the Satsang Foundation appeared in Indian Newslink on March 12, 2023 and in our Digital Edition dated March 15, 2023. Please read it here.
Dr Malini Yugendran is an Indian Newslink Reporter based in Auckland.
