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कैसे खेलें जीवन का खेल? समदृष्टि कैसे लाएँ? || आचार्य प्रशांत, नितनेम साहिब पर (2019)
आचार्य प्रशांत
26.2K views
6 years ago
Maya
Guru Nanak Dev
Japji Sahib
Guru Tegh Bahadur
Self-realization
Spiritual Goal
Grace
Iconography
Description

Acharya Prashant explains that life is often described as a play or a stage, but for most people, it feels more like a prison or a place of suffering because they are not the ones playing; rather, the world is playing with them. He emphasizes that true playfulness only begins when one is free from internal bondages. He clarifies that Maya is not something imposed by the Divine, but is the result of an individual's own misuse of the freedom to choose. While the Divine provides the freedom to choose the Truth, humans often choose worldly distractions, and this choice is what constitutes Maya. Therefore, one should not blame the Divine for their suffering but should take responsibility for their choices and strive to move beyond these self-imposed bondages. Discussing the nature of suffering and grace, Acharya Prashant refers to the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev and the sacrifices of Sikh Gurus. He explains that for a person focused on a singular spiritual goal, even difficulties like hunger, pain, or imprisonment can be seen as forms of grace because they serve as reminders of the Divine. Just as a traveler uses both a functional vehicle and its breakdown as opportunities to focus on the destination, a seeker uses every life situation to deepen their connection with the Truth. He notes that while prosperity often leads to forgetfulness, adversity can become a unique opportunity for remembrance and spiritual growth. Finally, Acharya Prashant addresses the iconography of saints and deities, explaining why they are often depicted in specific stages of life or with half-closed eyes. He asserts that we remember individuals in their most beautiful state, which is when they are most connected to the Truth. For saints, this is often their mature, enlightened state rather than their youth. The depiction of half-closed eyes is symbolic, indicating that while they are aware of the external world, they are simultaneously focused on the internal reality. He concludes that one should only cherish and remember that which is connected to the eternal Truth, as everything else is transitory and insignificant.