Adhyātma is the combination of Adhi + Ātma. Adhyātma means moving away from the temporal world, engrossing oneself in one’s soul. He who is engrossed in his ‘Swa’ or self is known as Swastha, which is to be healthy, happy and complete.
‘Swasmin tishthati iti swastha’
The word swāsthya, or health, is derived from this phrase. Material pursuits are the root cause of this material world, which is an illness. It leads to an unending cycle of birth and death.
The true preceptor is like a Doctor who prescribes a cure for this unending cycle in the form of carrying out the Bhagavat Katha.
Our senses are Rajoguni (driven with passion), they externalise our energies and drive us to the worldly activities. Since we are compelled to carry out worldly actions, we might as well make a Yagya of our Karmas, and carry out all actions in the spirit of prayer. Then that particular action will not cause influx of Karmas to the soul. Just ensure that each Karma is based on righteousness and carried out for the happiness and well being of others. One of the meanings of Dharma is doing one’s duty.
Duty towards one’s family, duty towards one’s society, duty towards one’s nation, and last but not the least, duty towards oneself. Each one of us should think carefully about our duties. Carrying out these duties is true Dharma. Also, by carrying out these duties, the Rajoguna nature of our senses will be appeased. By immersing oneself in helping others, one stays away from Tamoguna (quality of inertia). Tamoguna takes you towards inertia, sleep, laziness and ignorance. Rajoguna, when utilised in meritorious activities is washed away, and what is left is the Sattvaguna (quality of good nature). The Sattvaguna inculcates lasting personality changes for the better. The votary becomes introspective, and takes great strides on the path of spirituality, which culminates in self-realisation. This path is known as Adhyātma.
One cannot begin the inward journey without fulfilling one’s obligations towards the external world. Fulfilling those obligations is also Dharma.
