No doubt, AI is here to stay, and if used in a fruitful way it will prove to be a boon for the future. However, if one were to observe carefully, in general, for a layman, AI primarily works on inputs/data provided by a person and after processing the same with a simulation of human cognition, provides some output/response. Thus, usage of AI primarily involves 3 steps – input–process with simulation of human cognition–output. Further, the process of providing response/output is also based on the data/information available/accessible globally which may or may not be accurate/correct. In fact, we have seen that AI tools, on the internet, after providing the requisite output, provide a disclaimer/indication that the result can have mistakes/errors so the same ought to be checked with authentic sources.

If one were to ask the ultimate metaphysical question – the meaning and purpose of life and the means to attain eternal, perennial peace, satisfaction and bliss within oneself, would the AI tools be able to give a satisfactory answer and guidance? Can a broad and random question–answer session with the AI really solve all our doubts with respect to life? The answer is a clear no. For this, we need to connect with another higher AI – Ancient Intelligence.

This ‘Ancient Intelligence’ or source of wisdom is found in the pristine scriptural Yoga and Vedanta texts of Bharata such as the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads. These texts have inspired and guided all true seekers generation after generation. They contain the answers to all our core questions about life as well as provide the practical techniques to conduct our life in such a way that we may attain the highest joy and satisfaction within ourselves. Further, these timeless texts are the ‘personally experienced’ outcomes of our ancient hundreds of Rishis/Sages and therefore have no doubt regarding authenticity.  

Moving further, it is to be noted that one cannot assimilate and absorb the teachings contained in these scriptural texts by randomly or irregularly listening to a spiritual sermon or a podcast or reading a verse/shloka here and there. These teachings have to be regularly, systematically and carefully studied and the meaning thereof has to be fully understood. In fact, the term ‘Upanishad’ itself means ‘sitting and learning at or near the feet of the Guru or Spiritual Master.’ 

The systematic manner of study of these teachings is known by the term ‘Svadhyaaya’.

Bhagavan Shree Krishna in Chapter 16, verse 1 of the Bhagavad Gita prescribes ‘Svadhyaaya’ as one of the Daivik Sampatti or Divine Wealth of a person. Gurudev Swami Chinmayanandaji, in his commentary, Holy Geeta, on the said verse writes about ‘Svadhyaaya’ as under:

“STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES (Swaadhyaaya) — Traditionally, this term indicates regular study of the scriptures. Study of scriptural literature daily, in measured quantities, will provide the necessary inspiration to live the divine life in our day-to-day existence. But, scriptural study is indicated here by a very significant term (Swaadhyaaya = Swa + adhyaaya – Self-study), which in Sanskrit suggests that the study of the scriptures should not be merely an intellectual appreciation, but as the student reads the text-books, he must be able, simultaneously, to observe, analyse and realise the truth of what he is studying within his own life. Regular studies, coupled with regular practice (Yajna), will give us the courage to live in self-control of the sense-organs, which in its turn will supply us with steadiness in meditation for realising the Highest.”

To summarise the above, Svadhyaaya consists of the following: