PART II- WISDOM FROM ANCIENT INDIA

 Spiritual guru guiding a shishya, symbolizing wisdom, learning and the ancient Indian guru-shishya tradition. 

HOW CAN ONE FIND A SPIRITUAL TEACHER OR GUIDE?

(Bhagavad Gita 4.34)

answers this 

saying
तद्विद्धि प्रणिपातेन परिप्रश्नेन सेवया ।
उपदेक्ष्यन्ति ते ज्ञानं ज्ञानिनस्तत्त्वदर्शिन: ॥ 

this means

“Learn the Truth by approaching a realized master with humility and service. They will impart true knowledge.”

also 

the Mundaka Upanishad

says 

A true Guru embodies two essential qualities 

• Shrotriya: Deeply learned in scriptures and living their wisdom authentically.
• Brahma-nishtha: Established in realization of Brahman, the Supreme Reality.
• 
  

Such a teacher (Soumya)—calm, compassionate, and free of ego—selflessly reveals spiritual truth to sincere seekers, guiding them beyond doubt toward liberation.

Scriptures serve as the roadmap, but the Guru is the compassionate guide who leads us along the spiritual path.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF SUFFERING IN SPIRITUALITY?

Bhagavad Gita 2.51 

answers this 

कर्मजं बुद्धियुक्ता हि फलं त्यक्त्वा मनीषिण: ।
जन्मबन्धविनिर्मुक्ता: पदं गच्छन्त्यनामयम् ॥ 

this means-

“The wise give up attachment to results and attain the state beyond suffering.”

Suffering is a teacher that cultivates detachment and directs us toward inner growth.

Types of Suffering

• Adhyatmik: Inner suffering of mind and body due to ignorance.
• Adhibhautik: Suffering caused by other beings or external factors.
• Adidaivik: Suffering due to divine or natural forces beyond human control.
• 
  

Root Cause: Mis-identification with the temporary body, mind, and desires.

Bhagavad Gita 2.14 

says

By practicing tolerance (, devotion, gratitude, and Karma Yoga (selfless action), suffering becomes a doorway to liberation and lasting peace.

MOST GOOGLED MYSTICAL QUESTIONS ASKED IN 2025 SO FAR 

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF MY LIFE? 

The Indian Vedas answers this by introducing  the four Purusharthas-Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. 

These offer a complete roadmap for living a balanced, meaningful and spiritually fulfilling life.

1. Dharma – Righteous Duty

Living ethically, fulfilling responsibilities and seeking truth. Dharma aligns us with the cosmic order and brings harmony to both individual and society.

How to do it? 

- Following ethical principles and leading a virtuous life

- Fulfilling responsibilities towards family, society and

nature

- Seeking knowledge and truth as means of self-evolution

2. Artha – Prosperity and Stability

Pursuing material success and financial well-being with integrity. Artha supports one’s duties and enables spiritual growth, when guided by Dharma.

How to do it? 

- Financial security for oneself and family

- Contributions to society through charity and righteous

deeds

- A foundation for spiritual growth, as basic needs must be

met before higher aspirations can be pursued

3. Kama – Joy and Fulfillment

Embracing love, beauty and life’s pleasures in a balanced, conscious way. Kama encourages emotional richness without attachment or excess.

How to do it? 

- Experiencing love, relationships and family life

- Appreciating art, music and beauty in life

- Enjoying life’s pleasures without attachment or

overindulgence

4. Moksha – Liberation

The ultimate goal: freedom from the cycle of birth and death. Moksha comes through self-realization, detachment and union with the Divine.

How to do it? 

- Seeking higher wisdom through meditation, self-inquiry,

and devotion

- Practicing detachment while fulfilling worldly

responsibilities

- Realizing the impermanence of life and surrendering to

the Supreme Truth

WHY DO I FACE CERTAIN HARDSHIPS & SUFFERINGS?

The chapter 2, Shlok 62 & 63 of Bhagwad Gita answer this- 

ध्यायतो विषयान्पुंसः सङ्गस्तेषूपजायते।
सङ्गात्संजायते कामः कामात्क्रोधोऽभिजायते॥

क्रोधाद्भवति सम्मोहः सम्मोहात्स्मृतिविभ्रमः।
स्मृतिभ्रंशाद् बुद्धिनाशो बुद्धिनाशात्प्रणश्यति॥

This means- 

A person who is always thinking of (worldly) things (i.e. not

just material things, but any aspect or anyone of this world),

develops an attachment to them.

From attachment comes desire (to acquire them or to keep

them once acquired).

From this desire comes anger (due to either not being able

to acquire them, or their loss).

From this anger comes delusion (due to rush of emotion and

loss of sound judgment (viveka)).

From this delusion comes confusion of memory (of

knowledge and right conduct).

This confusion of memory causes a loss of intellect, which

then leads to the downfall of the person.

 To avoid suffering, one must practice mindfulness, detachment, and inner awareness. Lasting peace doesn’t come from indulging every thought or desire—it comes from mastering them. 

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER DEATH & WHAT IS THE NATURE OF THE SOUL?   

 The Yakshaprashna Mahabharata answers this-

अहन्यहनि भूतानि गच्छन्तीह यमालयम् ।

शेषाः स्थावरमिच्छन्ति किमाश्चर्यमतःपरम्

This means-

 This verse highlights the ever-present truth that all living beings move closer to death each day. Yet, despite this certainty, most remain absorbed in worldly pursuits, ignoring mortality. This denial is astonishing. The verse urges reflection on life’s impermanence and the need to recognize death as a key to understanding dharma. 

also 

The Bhagwad Gita Chapter 2 Shlok 20 says 

 न जायते म्रियते वा कदाचिन्
नायं भूत्वा भविता वा न भूयः।
अजो नित्यः शाश्वतोऽयं पुराणो
न हन्यते हन्यमाने शरीरे॥ 

This means- 

The soul never takes birth and never dies at any time nor does

it come into being again when the body is created. The soul is

birthless, eternal, imperishable and timeless. The Soul is never

destroyed when the body is destroyed. The verse  speaks of the immortal nature of the soul 

also 

The  Shankabhshyam says- 

पुनरपि जननं पुनरपि मरणं

पुनरपि जननी जठरे शयनम् |

इह संसारे बहु दुस्तारे

कृपयाऽपारे पाहि मुरारे

This means-

 This verse, attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, reflects the weariness of the soul caught in the endless cycle of birth and death and pleads for divine liberation.