What Is Aatmikta?
“Aatmikta” is a term that is mentioned in several scriptures of Sanathana Dharma which is called Hinduism by outsiders. In modern society, we are used to our schools and colleges developing skills and knowledge. Aatmikta is not the same as knowledge of dharma as is the initial expectation of those used to the present academic system.
Aatmikta is more like stamina which an athlete develops through regular training. Some people called it sadhana shakti as it is developed by regular sadhana. When an individual chooses to develop their “aatmikta”, and relentlessly strives with their sadhana to cultivate their connection with aatmikta, they no longer are the person that they were in the past.
Self-realization is the word often used to describe the journey of an individual to discover and connect with the self or aatma within themselves. However, the word ‘self’ is used as a weak and inaccurate translation of aatma. That is why we are using the word aatmikta instead of self-realization.
Aatmikta leads to non-material happiness, which cannot be obtained by materialistic things. Let us now focus more on this facet of happiness attributable to aatmikta.
- The sadhak (who has cultivated aatmikta) is better able in sustaining inner tranquility in adverse external circumstances. The person can better cope with anxiety and fear, and they maintain harmonious relationships with people. This particular state of bliss is something way bigger than the satisfaction you derive upon accomplishing materialistic goals.
- A person who has developed atmikta with regular sadhana is aware that they are connected with the divine source; they have received God’s grace. And, when a person experiences this sense of connectedness with the Divine source, happiness becomes their nature. This again is an ecstatic feeling that is much beyond material things and desires.
Almost all the scriptures of Hinduism emphatically say that a “state of blissfulness” is a typical characteristic of aatman. Therefore, it is obvious that when a person reaches the goal of realizing their true self, they automatically become blissful. And, we have to understand that this joy is long-lasting. But, when we take into consideration the pleasure you obtain from material and worldly things, we get to see that it’s just transitory. Not only does material happiness last for shorter durations, but it is also frequently characterized by small inconveniences causing irritation and spoiling the mind. While aatmik joy is steady.
- Need for sadhana to connect to aatmikta: in order to realize the aatmikta in us and discover the aatma connect with it and resonate with the joy, calmness and stirring experience it creates – a process is followed to reach that stage of aatmikta with regular practice. Such a process is called saadhana. There are hundreds of ways of doing saadhana to connect to the aatma present in us and realize the aatmikta.
- An aspirant who has cultivated some decent level of “aatmikta” through sadhana can recognize excessive worldly desires and attachments. They become wiser and start seeing the big picture and start pursuing better goals. The word sadhak is used often for someone who has cultivated aatmikta – such a person realizes that excessive desires are problematic and they can ignore their pull. The mind acquires freedom from unneeded aggravations and such a freed mind becomes synonymous with genuine happiness.
- Aatmikta reduces the narrow mindset; the person can connect with society as a whole. They develop an empathetic way of interacting with fellow human beings. The “aatmikta” sadhak experiences oneness with all people and life forms. And, there is no need to specifically highlight the fact that this feeling of oneness provides happiness that no material comforts can give.
An individual who has cultivated “aatmikta” can discharge their duties and work more selflessly. On account of these selfless actions, not only do they become happy but the people in the vicinity immensely benefited. And, when you become the reason for the joy of others, the inner contentment you feel is very satisfying
If aatmikta is so good why more people don’t experience it?
The distraction of the materialistic maya: while aatma is present in us unless we control the animal instincts in us, we cannot connect with the aatma. The materialistic world with its focus on survival and animalistic needs/desires can be called maya.
Why do English educated have low aatmikta?
One of the reasons why aatmikta is so less among English-educated Indians is their lack of awareness of concepts due to a lack of good material, presented in a way that they understand or biases created by misguided/wicked forces that create barriers to their energy to pursue or discover aatmikta
Due to these circumstances even if an educated person had the interest to learn aatmikta they suffer from a lack of proper guidance and as a result, develop a bad experience in pursuit of aatmikta. They hit a wall and do not discover the nirvana of the aatmikta experience. Their expectation of discovering the joy of aatmikta is unmet. Unfortunately, these people, talk about their failed experiences and this could further discourage other educated people even if they have some interest in aatmikta.
For this reason, it is advisable to start the journey of aatmikta only with a good resource who can customize the approach to your mindset/situation; in order to get a positive experience with good intentions of discovering aatmikta.
Note: Also read about ethics and values as per Hindu Sanathana Dharma – Samanya Dharma, Apad Dharma, Vishesha Dharma
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