Hari OM
'Text-days' are for delving into the
words and theory of Advaita Vedanta.
We are now studying Aatmabodha. As
always, with each week, you are encouraged to review the previous teachings and
spend some time in contemplation of the meanings as the affect your life.
Please do consider purchasing the text. Remember, also, to recite the mangala charana before each study and
review the lessons before each new one.
The
text now moves the student up a notch and advises of the state which, if one is
dedicated, can be attained.
êpv[aRidk<
svR< ivhay prmawRivt!,
pirpU[RicdanNdSvêpe[avit:Qte.40.
Ruupa-varnaadikam
sarvam vihaaya paramaarthavit,
Paripuurna-chid-aananda-svaruupenaava-tishtate
||40||
He who has realised the Supreme, discards all his
identifications with the objects of names and forms. Thereafter, he dwells as
an embodiment of the Infinite Consciousness and Bliss.
In
short, such a practitioner becomes the Self.
The way to this level has been explained; single-pointed meditation. Constant
and dedicated practice, without compromise or justification. At that point, we
are told, where Realisation is the seeker's (paramaarthavit), all the illusion
of Maya, the world of plurality, fades from perception and the Truth of Unity
unfolds.
This
merging of the world of forms and the names given to them results in the one
who is doing the knowing to become that very Knowledge, the Supreme Self, which
is always referred to as Infinite Consciousness and Bliss. Just as the dreamer
ceases to be the dreamer upon waking, but becomes instead the waking actor, so
it is that the one who Realises Unity now understands all else to be false,
just as the dream was false. This is the consistent message of those who have
walked the path before us. The ego dissolves.
What
is more, having attained this state, that Self, whilst still attached through a
physical body, must see out the praarabdha, the destiny of that body, but will
do so now in the altered state of consciousness. No more can the world affect
such a perfected one.
The next shloka will explore this further. We will not rush
through these, for there is much to consider and absorb. Do not just read these
words and think, 'right, just as I will never climb Everest, neither will I
scale the Self' - no! Think instead, 'this message is constantly and
consistently delivered, therefore perhaps there is something to search for and
even if not found in this life, the journey towards it can only be of benefit.'
There is a name given to this advanced level of being-ness; inivRkLp smaix/ nirvikalpa samaadhi. It is a state of
full awareness without thought, though there is an awareness by the jnaani of
'presence', abhaava vRtti - kernel of thought of awareness. It is present in
the jnaani the way that salt is present even when dissolved in water.
These
are subtle matters. Ponder them well.
