The Four Pillars of Knowledge: A Journey Towards Self-Realization

During my recent visit to Art of Living Center for part-2 Course of my Meditation journey I got to know about 4 pillars of Knowledge:

1. Viveka:

Viveka is the ability to discern between what is real and what is not. It is about identifying the temporary and the permanent, the short-term and the long-term, the sustainable and the perishable. Viveka enables us to make wise decisions about our lives, our relationships, and our careers. It helps us align our actions with our long-term goals and values. For example, when making a career decision, viveka can help us discern if a job is aligned with our purpose, if it provides meaningful work, and if it contributes to our personal and professional growth.

2. Vairagya:

Vairagya is the detachment from material possessions and the ego. It means creating a broader vision for our lives that goes beyond the material and superficial. Vairagya involves letting go of our attachment to possessions, status, and reputation. It helps us to find meaning and fulfillment in serving others, rather than in accumulating wealth or power. For example, a person who practices vairagya may lead a simple life, dedicate their time to charity, and find joy in helping others, rather than in acquiring material goods.

3. Shat Sampatti:

Shat Sampatti is composed of the six virtues that help us overcome the illusion of the physical world. These virtues are:

- Kshama: The ability to be calm and keep a peaceful mind. By letting emotions rise high, we inhibit our intellect from perceiving things as they actually are. Kshama means to have that internal tranquility of the mind, to sharpen the intellect, we need to first calm our mind. If the mind is disturbed and in unrest, then the intellect cannot become sharp. The mind will go on getting entangled in small trivial problems. You need to learn to keep your mind calm and steady.

- Titiksha: The ability to persevere through suffering. Titiksha involves keeping calm and persevering through difficult situations, rather than becoming reactive or emotional. It is the ability to bear pain, hardship, and difficulty with patience and fortitude.

- Shraddha: The ability to trust or have faith in the path. Without faith, we cannot move forward in our spiritual journey. Shraddha means having faith in oneself, in others, in the universe, and in the divine. It helps us to overcome doubts and fears, and to stay committed to our goals and values.

- Upratti: The ability to renounce anything that does not fit our dharma (duty). It means doing everything whole-heartedly and with complete dedication. Upratti helps us to live a life of integrity, where our actions are aligned with our values and our purpose.

- Dama: The ability to control our senses and our reactions to external stimuli. Dama involves perfect control over our senses, leading to a path of righteousness. It helps us to overcome our desires and cravings, and to stay focused on our goals and values.

- Samadhan: The ability to concentrate and focus our mind. Samadhan involves achieving a state of total relaxation and contentment, where creativity can emerge. It is the ability to be fully present and engaged in the moment, without distraction or disturbance.

4. Mumukshutva:

Mumukshutva is an intense desire to be freed from suffering and a complete commitment to Jnana Yoga. It involves a deep desire to be free from the suffering of the material world and to pursue a deeper aspect of life. Mumukshutva is the driving force behind our spiritual journey, motivating us to seek knowledge, wisdom, and enlightenment. It involves a complete commitment to the path of Jnana Yoga, which is the path of knowledge

In conclusion, the four pillars of knowledge - Viveka, Vairagya, Shat Sampat, and Mumukshutva - provide a comprehensive framework for personal growth and spiritual development. These pillars encourage individuals to seek deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them, develop detachment from material possessions and the ego, cultivate virtues such as calmness, perseverance, faith, and self-control, and ultimately aspire for freedom from suffering.

By incorporating these teachings into our daily lives, we can learn to make better decisions, overcome obstacles, and live a more fulfilling and purposeful life. Through dedicated practice, we can deepen our connection with ourselves and others, find inner peace, and reach a higher level of consciousness. The four pillars of knowledge serve as a guide to help us navigate the complexities of life and lead us towards greater happiness, contentment, and self-realization.