How does the Knowledge of Vedānta improve our lives?

We need to pause every once in a while to question ourselves about why we are doing something. It provides clarity and conviction to keep moving along the path with rejuvenated energy.

We were about to end the first chapter of Kaṭha-upaniṣad this week in our study group. At that moment, our Vedānta Teacher gave us an assignment to reflect on two questions. 

1. Why do we commit to walking the spiritual path?
2. How do we expect the Knowledge of Vedānta to improve our lives?

Jotting down some thoughts that came to my mind this morning as I was reflecting on the above questions.

Without the Vedāntic knowledge, I identified myself as this body, mind, and intellect (BMI). I used the BMI to gain happiness. Because these instruments constantly change, I have experienced intense moments of joy. I have also gone through intense moments of sorrow at various points in my life. I was tired of the roller coaster ride of emotions going up and down in circles. That started the search for how to get out of this roller coaster ride of emotions.

I was not exactly sure that there was a way to get down from that ride. An inner voice from deep down in my heart was telling me there must be more to life. It assured me that it is possible to be in a steady state of peace. Yet, my experiences were contradictory to that voice. I commit to the spiritual path because I search for what my inner voice tells me. I also seek a state of undisturbed peace, bliss, and fulfillment. 

With the Knowledge of Vedānta and by practicing Self-introspection, I am slowly realizing that my identity is not this BMI. I am something other than that which is making me practice being an unattached observer. Slowly but surely, the path to the goal is revealing itself.

Vedānta reveals that the true cause of sorrow is ignorance of self-identity. It declares that I am Brahman, the unchanging Reality (sat-cit-ananda). Because of ignorance of my true identity, I think I am the BMI (Body, Mind, and Intellect). I search for happiness at the physical level, the mental level, and the intellectual level. The cause of our sorrows is expectations to fulfill our desires at every level. We think that fulfilling our desires gives us happiness. This results in a disturbed and confused mind. It is an unending cycle of expectations because my own BMI and the world are constantly changing. By studying, reflecting, and contemplating on Vedantic Knowledge from texts like Kaṭha-upaniṣad, I learn how to stay balanced. I learn how to be unaffected by the inevitable changes in the outer world. This can be done by detaching myself from the changing BMI and attaching to the unchanging Brahman.

Vedānta reveals my nature to be Brahman. It states that the Self in me is the same as the Self in others. In the process of realizing that Truth with sādhanā, I learn how not to dissipate energy. I avoid holding on to ridiculous expectations by the BMI. My responsibilities become clear; there is no confusion. My thoughts become pure with no ill intent. I am driven to do my best. There is no doubt in my mind about meeting my own or others’ expectations. This makes my mind pure and clear to see that others are on the same journey as I am. I start to see the oneness in all. There is more kindness, more compassion, and more empathy toward others. It becomes easy to let go of expectations. My life is no longer about what I want constantly. It becomes a life filled with gratitude. I watch my mind become free from disturbing thoughts. It becomes pure and clear. This prepares me to contemplate and meditate on my true identity. I reach a state of being completely fulfilled, independent, and undisturbed despite the constant change around me.