5 Pages - <<Back [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

Sri Gnanananda Thapovanam, Its Inspiration And Role Today [Page 5]

Sadhana in Thapovanam which is essentially a Gurukula may be summed up by the sloka from the Guru Gita:

"There is no truth higher than the Guru, no austerity more purifying than service to him, no realisation greater than knowledge of the Guru (Tattwa). Salutations to the Guru!

There is no Thapovanam apart from Sri Gnanananda and the inspiration of Sri Gnanananda is the inspiration of Thapovanam. We have had a few glimpses of Sadguru's inspiration. We would request those interested in a deeper study to refer to the book 'Sadguru Gnanananda' - a Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Publication. We shall conclude recalling some of the thought-provoking observations of Swami Abhishiktananda in his book 'Guru and Disciple'


"Herein lies the real significance of the call of India, that it invites none to enter those inner depths which are beyond all that human reflection can attain to, or human thought or "31 words can express.."Here (in India) the umblical cord has never been severed between the unique experience in depth and the multiplicity of forms which the experience is reflected on various mental levels.

"They (scriptures and tradition) are never more than means of introduction to the mystery: here we come to the secret of instruction by a Guru. Ideas never enclose or contain truth in their structure, as the West so often tends to think! Study of scriptures has no other goal than that of preparing for the awakening".

"Here we cannot separate Knowledge from salvation. Yet this salvation through Knowledge is not a gnosis; it is the return of the soul into her depth through ascetic practice. The man who does not have in his depth this thirst for salvation, mumukshutva, which alone can lead to true Knowledge, will never truly 'hear' India's message…"

"Gnana, Bhakti and Karma are proving to be satisfactory paths only if, on the level of thought, devotion and action they already reflect the dawn light from the depths of the person's being. Their inspiration is always far beyond them..."

"He (Sri Gnanananda) refused all cheap spirituality. His teaching is fundamentally the way of total renunciation so that finally there is no ego left to manifest itself. May the sceptic try the way of dhyana, which he taught! It is not a case of his being the intermediary inducing certain mental states in his disciples thus helping them to penetrate to the inner mystery. He goes straight to the essence by a path as barren as that of the "Ascent of Mount Carmel". His communication with his disciple is never through the intermediary of things. It is direct, in depth, at the source of his being. It is true that nothing is felt except a peace which reveals and illumines and which transforms the one who can receive it His teaching is pure Vedanta…."

At Sri Gnanananda Thapovanam we are dedicated to the pursuit of Vedanta. We hope we may be able to share with seekers of all religions, from all traditions, cultures, and nationalities, the benefits of the insights of our Sadguru and the spiritually charged atmosphere of the ashram established by him and where in his Samadhi his living Presence is felt by all.

OM TAT SAT
5 Pages - <<Back [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]