Today we discussed an important shloka in Swami’s class. This explains about how to obtain Atma-Jnana, Self-knowledge. There are three factors of this, in the 34th shloka, 4th chapter; these are pranipatena, pariprashnena, and sevaya.

Pranipatanam is the act of bowing before a True Master, a Sadguru. Swami explained this custom. The feet represent travelling. By bowing to a Master’s feet, we are expressing the dedication, ‘I am following your path.’ That is the significance of bowing at the feet of a Realized Master.

Then second is pariprashnam, where the disciple asks questions to the Master to clear all doubts. This isn’t just a physical meaning; this indicates the spiritual enthusiasm of the disciple. This quality is called jijnasa. The disciple is always in reflection of the Guru’s words, and sustains his enthusiasm constantly.

Third is through seva, the service of a Master. Here, Swami said that seva doesn’t just mean massaging the Guru’s feet, or other physical forms of service. If that were true, so many of us here would be sad, since not everyone can have that opportunity. Instead, seva is irrespective of whether one is in the ashram or society. This is acting according to the Master’s will. That is true Seva.

20, Oct. 2006
Piyush, USA