Original Kannada Article by: Tarodi Suresha
English Rendering by: Dr HP Eshwar
Everybody desires to be well off in life. To live well one has to first comprehend what wellness is about. If we observe a tree, the seed has secretly hidden in itself, an evolution plan for the tree. When the seed is sown in soil, it spreads its intention at every stage of its growth. A mango seed will grow only into a mango tree. We say that the tree has grown well, only when this happens. In the above example, the well- being of the tree lies in its seed, the seed’s wish for evolution and a
growth according to its plan.
In a similar way, all the secrets of our human life are hidden in our soul (Atman). For this reason, every step we take in our life should reflect the intentions of the soul. To live in conformity with the objective of the soul is considered as proper conduct or else it would be like reaping a neem tree on sowing a mango seed!
If water has to reach the trunk, branches and leaves of the tree, the root of the tree has to be watered. Similarly our life tree too has a root. Any command flowing through the constituent body parts requires a contact with its root. This nucleus is the Jeeva or soul. Unless the objects given to the sense organs are in line with the plan of Atman, its properties or its Dharma (naturalness) will not be reflected in its growth. If the root has to manifest in all its glory, all our actions should originate at the root and end up once again at the root viz. Atman.
fig (source) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashvattha
The human body is also like a tree. This unique tree is upside down with the roots at the top and the trunk, branches and leaves at the bottom as per the saying -“Oordhva Mulamadhashaakham Ashwattam Praahuravyayam”. This has been called the eternal Peepal tree. Its roots are in the brain. The root of the soul exists here. The head is superior to all other organs of the body. All the nerves, naadis (energy channels) and organs originate from the head spreading downwards in the form of branches. In this top down life-style, the soul exhibits waywardness. Bhaaratiya Rshis were the
first to understand this concept.
We open our eyes when we wake up from sleep. It means that we step into outward life activities from a state of sleep. But the Jnaanis who have realized the inner truth come out of deep meditative sleep called a sleep-without-darkness and ignorance after being in a state of Yoga Samadhi. This yogic union with self is our true State. The term Jeevana (life) stems from Jeeva. One cannot just lead an external life, sidestepping the intentions of the soul. When all activities of life are outbound, when it cannot be called Jeevana (living), how can we say it is a life of well-being? Alterations should not occur in our life cycle (i.e. from Atman back to Atman).
If life has to evolve without modifications, it should not skid away from its roots and its planned scheme. Only such a life can be termed a well lived life. The effulgent Atman possesses the entire essence and represents Satyam (Absolute Truth), Shivam (Auspicious Lord) and Sundaram (unsurpassable Beauty) and serves as the root of our human life tree, offering a very good refuge to seek supreme bliss. The enlightened ones have given their decision that the sensual pleasures should be enjoyed without forgetting the intention of the Atman viz. yogic union. The sages have formulated a life style to lead such a life following Atman’s objectives known as the Purusharthas (four-fold cardinal principle of Life). If one leads a life according to the spiritual commandments, then one has led a life of well-being. It is so as it helps us to dwell with the supreme God who is the yardstick of well- being. A life lived well incorporating Dharma (right conduct), Artha (rightful earning of wealth), Kama (gratification of rightful desires) and finally Moksha (emancipation) makes it worthy.
Note: The Kannada version of this article can be viewed at AYVM blogs