3.3 Simplicity Of Qualifications

Discrimination, dispassion, six fold wealth and mumukshaa - if all four are found in someone, that person is the primary rightful seeker of the knowledge of brahman. There are a total of nine qualifications. However, the six fold wealth is the maturation of dispassion. So then discrimination, dispassion and mumukshaa are the three main qualifications. In these, dispassion and mumukshaa are most important. The various gradations of higher and lower seen in seekers are a product of the intensity of dispassion and mumukshaa.
 
There is no doubt that those who have the four fold qualifications will attain liberation. However, there may be those that do not have any of these, or have these in a small measure, but out of enthusiasm, engage in the contemplation of brahman. Such people should not be dejected. Through hearing of Vedanta and through reverent company of knowers of brahman, dispassion and mumukshaa will arise at the right time.
 
It is not right to say that only those with all these qualifications are fit for contemplation of brahman. As per the Gita, even the most sinful person can sit on the boat of knowledge and cross the ocean of samsaara (Gita 4.36). What to talk of performers of meritorious actions and devotees? Therefore, every human being has a right to the contemplation of Vedanta. Who would not like the attainment of supreme bliss and cessation of misfortune generated by the contemplation of Vedanta?
 
No scripture has mentioned how long should one cultivate qualifications. As long as these qualifications are cultivated some time prior to contemplation of Vedanta, ignorance can be removed. If you leave your house even for an hour to listen to Vedanta from your teacher, there has to be some degree of discrimination, dispassion, only then do you go! In that location, there is no sense pleasure, no action, you just listen quietly. Therefore, shama, dama and uparati are gained automatically. You sit on a hard floor, bear cold and heat, therefore titikshaa is gained automatically. You leave aside your pride and listen, therefore faith is attained automatically. There is no compulsive thinking either, therefore samaadhaana is attained automatically. Hearing Vedanta results in the desire for liberation, therefore mumukshaa is gained automatically. Hearing of Vedanta in the abode of the teacher results in the four fold qualification. If you systematically attend satsang everyday, then these qualifications become deep rooted and stable. Then, what is the big deal if someone attains the knowledge of the essence in the middle of a discourse!