A Genderless Atman
Chennai, 1958 – imagine a room full of women gathered for their first Devi Group. This was at a time when India’s women’s movement was still focussed on legislative rights (Hindu Code Bill debates, property rights, education & a lot more we didn’t have access to). This was a historic moment, albeit a quiet move.
One can only imagine the lengths of struggle Pujya Gurudev would have faced in that era to bring this august gathering in place. The bureaucracy and the opposition he would have had to battle to bring this together. Societal and cultural debates that he would have to deal with. Women’s access to study of scriptures was restricted and considered unnecessary. Against these odds, Gurudev did something completely radical by opening the doors for women to go a step beyond just studying. He gave them a platform to lead.
Gurudev’s reasoning was philosophical. We are aware that as Vedantins and sadhakas, we have studied in almost every scripture, including Upanishads and other shastras, that Atman is beyond everything; including gender. In such a case, the question that we need to ask is how Liberation would be exclusive to a few and would leave out women. The Knowledge, the path to Liberation has to be inclusive and hence accessible to women too. Isn’t it? Hence for Gurudev, this wasn’t a social decision. But one that was rooted in our shastras. Etched deep in the pages of Vedas. And one that had stood the test of time.
Thus, going beyond just philosophy. He walked the talk. He built institutions. The Devi Groups collectively came together to create a strong generation of Sevikas. These women eventually went on to lead Balavihar sessions, conduct satsangs and shape communities that would eventually be the Chinmaya Mission we know today. They worked with Gurudev to spread the knowledge of the Gita, the Upanishads, Prakarana Granthas and all that we read, listen and contemplate upon today.
When Sandeepany Sadhanalaya opened its doors in 1963, women trained alongside men. Again at a time when this would have raised several eyebrows. But Gurudev powered on in his signature style. Not only this, CORD, his vision for rural development, placed women at the heart of community transformation.
To quote Gurudev, “You are the mother, the model, the guru.” This isn’t a compliment for women, these words were spoken to give women both responsibility and recognition. Not to be taken lightly. And we, as women, should never forget them. Not only this International Women’s day but everyday as women these words should echo in all that we do. In our Sadhana, in our Tapas, in our daily study of Vedas and in our Karma.
To explore these timeless teachings more deeply, you are warmly invited to enroll for the upcoming Chinmaya International Conference in May. To know more click here.
Hari Om!
Shaili Arjani
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