The call of Knowledge

PHOTO: R. SHIVAJI RAO

SPIRITUAL LEANINGS: Sunanda Parthasarathy

The real illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read or write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn. – Alvin Toffler.

“I often begin my lectures with this quotation,” says Sunanda Parthasarathy, concluding the interview that touched upon the various aspects of Hindu philosophy. Daughter of the illustrious Swami Parthasarathy, whom she speaks of with great reverence and admiration, Sunanda describes her mission as dissemination of knowledge. Clad in a white sari, the Spartan surroundings of the T. Nagar apartment reflecting austerity, Sunanda receives you with a warm smile. Sunandaji, as she is affectionately called, will be delivering lectures (July 4-7, 6.30-8 p.m.) at the Kamaraj Memorial Hall.

The discourse, organised by the Vedanta Institute, will be preceded by a bhajan session at 6 p.m. The topic chosen is “Renunciation of Action — Key to Success” (Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 5).

An apt subject when the urge of acquisition seems to be driving people crazy. “But that is not the issue here,” gently corrects Sunanda. “It is not Renunciation vs Acquisition. It is the act of letting go, to move on to a higher and higher level, until you discover yourself and realisation dawns.”

The image one projects is not the real self, nor the persona within. It is the core that has to be reached. Ego, desires, vasanas (those traits with which one is born) — all these make up the individual and they have to be shed to attain elevation and peace. Only knowledge can give it. Knowledge, again, is not what a university offers. “That is intelligence. What is referred to here is intellect that will determine your standard as a human being.” This, incidentally, is Sunanda’s silver jubilee year in the field of Vedanta.

Is there any difference in her approach? “None. I’m exactly where I was 25 years ago. After all, it is Truth I’m speaking. The change, however, has happened in the audience. I’m glad to find young people coming in large numbers. And they ask questions. An enquiring mind finds repose once it gets the answers. Our scriptures have all the answers. What was earlier accepted passively is now questioned. That is a good trend.”

Audiences abroad? “People of all faiths come. Actually, religion doesn’t matter in this context. You can talk about the teachings of the Gita without talking about Krishna or Hinduism. Once, a Muslim woman took down copious notes and later told me that the crux was the same as Islam.”

To be born, grow up, get educated, earn a livelihood, marry, procreate, grow old and fade away — this is what a human being does. But certainly something more is expected and that can be realised with some guidance. “Mind control plays a vital role,” asserts Sunanda. That comes with training and discipline.

How or when did she get involved in Vedanta. “I grew up in an ashram — that of Swami Chinmayananda, for whom the Gita was a way of life. The only grihasta the swamiji took along was my father. It was marriage that brought me out.”

Was matrimony a hindrance? “Not at all. I was very clear in what I wanted to do — take Vedanta to all parts of the country and globe. ‘Married life need not thwart your aim,’ reassured my father and Swami Chinmayananda. And it didn’t. I fulfilled my duties even as I pursued my goal. In fact, my mother-in-law is my best PRO,” laughs the philosopher. With the support of her husband and children, Sunanda worked with renewed vigour.

And she was surprised when her son turned up at the Vedanta Academy near Mumbai to enrol himself. A qualified engineer, he has now dedicated himself to service at the institution, where Vedanta is taught as a three-year course. “My mother is an active volunteer there,” informs Sunanda.

At 80, Swami Parthasarathy, an avid cricket player, keeps himself fit through yogasana and jogging. What does the daughter do? “Well, I do yoga and can participate in all the activities pursued by the youth,” she smiles. Toffler’s words crown the session, summing up her philosophy.

Vedic studies

Vedanta Academy was founded by Swami Parthasarathy at Malavli, 100 km from Mumbai on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. It offers threeyear full-time residential courses for students regardless of race or religion. The medium of instruction is English with a module in Sanskrit. On completion, graduates are awarded a diploma in Vedanta.

THE LECTURES

Date: July 4-7

Time: 6.30 p.m.

Venue: Kamaraj Memorial Hall

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu