16 - The Absolute and the Relative: the Need for Re-prioritization and Freedom from the Tyranny of the Senses | Swami Tattwamayananda - a podcast by Vedanta Society, San Francisco

Chapter 2 Verses 57-59. The lecture was given by Swami Tattwamayananda on June 7, 2019.
-The Absolute ('Paramarthika) and the Relative ('Vyavaharika'):
-Their practical implication in daily life.
-The need for setting new priorities in life.
-For a स्थितप्रज्ञ: 'Buddhi' is free from all entanglements of mind (verse:55).
-How, in the case of a स्थितप्रज्ञ:, mind reacts differently to the different stimuli: no excitement, no emotions (Verses: 56,57).
-How 'Buddhi' and mind, linked to the 'Atman', always remains stable and steady.
-In the case of a स्थितप्रज्ञ: senses ( इन्द्रियाणि) are completely withdrawn from the sense-objects (verse:58).
-The illustration of the tortoise withdrawing its limbs in the presence of a danger (verse:58).
-The ability to withdraw the senses where there is a problem is natural for a स्थितप्रज्ञ:
-When the स्थितप्रज्ञ: does not welcome the senses, they retire permanently.
-The internal (mental) 'filtering mechanism' which uses spiritual common sense in everyday-life situations.
-Illustration from Patanjali’s Yoga-Sutra (Samadhi Pada: sutra: 33) & 'Nimi-Navayogi- samvaada' Bhagavata Purana-XI).
-'Pratyahara' of Yoga tradition, 'Uparati' of Vedanta and 'Prapatti' of Devotional philosophy.
-How certain types of mental entanglements can be suicidal: examples...
-The significance of the description of the qualities of a spiritually enlightened person (स्थितप्रज्ञ:):
1) These qualities serve as an ideal for the aspirant.
2) Managing everyday life with the help of Vedanta.
3) Need for a higher desire and a higher ideal.
- The parable of the Wise and the Foolish builders from the Bible.

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