Knowledge of Distinguishing-Characteristics
Author of Kannada Article: Thaarodi Suresha,
Bengaluru
English translation: Dr. Hungi Papanna
Eswara
How to identify a counterfeit note among currency
notes? Is it not that among many hundreds of footwear one has to wear his own pair?
To identify, one has to have the Lakshana-jnaana
(knowledge of the special characteristics) of the object. It is also necessary
that one should know the features lest one should get deceived. For example, if
one wants genuine saffron, he should know the difference between pure and
adulterated saffron. Even to detect gold one must be aware of its distinctive features.
Another advantage from Lakshana-jnaana is equanimity. When one can discern the Lakshanas (distinguishing
characteristics) of body-organs, one won’t lament about the shortcomings of his
bodily features. When our perception is based on the natural characteristics, even
a monkey would appear handsome. Again, when we see a blind person we sympathize
with him.
Man after all naturally experiences the states of
wakefulness, sleep, and dream. If one is aware of the naturalness of these
states, one does not feel miserable but feel at peace considering them to be
naturally innate.
Vidyaavinaya sampanne braahmane gavi hastini |
Shunichaiva shwapaakecha
panditaah samadarshinah ||
In the above hymn, all the named living beings
(souls) are seen as distinct from each other by the external eyes. But one who
sees the characteristics of the all-pervading God in a Brahmin, elephant, and
dog would see only God in spite of the external differences. It is like experiencing
the sweetness which is common in different figures prepared as elephants,
birds, and fish from the sweet stuff. One who is familiar with the sweetmeat focuses
only on the sweetness without looking at the different shapes.
Then how to look at the Lakshanas and the shortcomings of human beings? Should one see
through the mindset of the parents for whom even an ugly child is a darling?!
For specifying the characteristic marks of the
object with certainty, one has to decide on the basis of the original purpose
of its creation and whether the result can be gained from the object. One
should be thoroughly familiar from the root to the top of the object. For
example, what is the comprehensive knowledge of a human body? The external eyes
see the head, torso, and limbs. The internal organs are seen with the help of
machines. By personal experiential knowledge, the mind, the sensory and the organs
of action are known. That which cannot be seen by bare eyes may be seen through
a microscope. In the same way, the Rishis say that one can see through the
divine vision obtained by austerity and meditation, the hidden Almighty God too
who is giving the power of conscience. If one leads such a life
using all the privileges one is endowed with, then only he may be called a
human being in the real sense. If the body, mind, sense organs, life-force and
principles in entirety are helpful for the vision of God, then only that person
may be called a knowledgeable one.
That which carries one towards Lakshya (goal) is Lakshana. The
commentary of the Lakshya itself is Lakshana.
There are two types of characteristics - General
and Special. Food, sleep, fear, and progeny are common even for animals. But
what is unique or exceptional about a human being is his wonderful body. For, the
Seers proclaim that it is only in the human body one can have the realization
of God. So, one who possesses the lakshana-jnaana
of his body will put in the effort to achieve a fulfilled life complete with worldly
enjoyment and supreme joy.
Ayurveda states: Rshireva
vijaanati dravya samyogajam phalam! Only the Seers who have the knowledge
of Trigunas (Satva, Rajas and Tamas)
and the individual characteristics of things, also know the fruits of fusing them.
They have the subtle knowledge and the ability, obtained by the power of their
austerity and meditation, to know in entirety the characteristics of
substances. Also, they are familiar with the knowledge of the different effects
of substances not only on the human body but also on the path towards God-head.
This way the potentiality of programming to attain the most supreme goal, without
making the Mother Nature poor, was acquired by the Seers by the Lakshana-jnaana alone.
On the whole, for equanimity and a life of purity,
truth-beauty, and auspiciousness Lakshana-jnaana
is very essential.
Note: The Kannada version of this article can be viewed at AYVM blogs