Preparation for the Higher Knowledge(Aaatmbindu Upnishad)

 

    Using another simile, the variety in Apara Vidya is contrasted with the singularity of Para Vidya. This contrast is important to note for a student so that he may avoid all needless criticism of the innumerable sources of knowledge for Apara Vidya, all of which have something good to teach. One has to choose carefully the minimum number from these numberless sources to fulfill the purpose of his study. Example 3: Many-Coloured Cows, One Colour Milk 1-2 There could many cows – the scriptures, different organizations, different sects, different cultures and religions, etc. All of them provide essentially the same service to those that have faith in them. They provide the basic inspiration and knowledge to proceed along the spiritual path. 3-4 The basic service provided by the various sources is the knowledge. That is the same. Many people may have written commentaries to cater for various tastes among students. Not all need to be read. We can pick the one that suits us best, and leave the rest. The milk of knowledge is of prime importance, not the type of ‘cow’ it comes from. All religions or organization are respected for the knowledge they preserve and impart to the people. This is like having a respect for all cows, but drinking milk from one. We have many Gurus, but it is necessary to go to only one. Baby Powder! This verse reminded Acharyaji of a nice joke. A lady visitor to the U.S.A. was shopping in a large supermarket. She came to a shelf marked ‘Rice Powder’ and was quite impressed when the attendant explained it was rice that had been powdered. Then she came to a shelf marked ‘Milk Powder’. The attendant explained it was milk that was dried and crushed into powder. Then she came to the shelf marked ‘Baby Powder’ – that sent a chilling feeling all over her, and she hastened away from that shelf!