ADVENTURES IN ADVAITA VEDANTA...

Adventures in Advaita Vedanta, the philosophy and science of spirit. We are one you and I; are you curious why?..


On High

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.

A third shloka of saadhana now.

ityRgUXvRmx> pU[R< siCcdaanNdmÖym!,
AnNt< inTymek< yÅad!äüeTyyvxaryet!.56.
Tiryaguurdh-vamadhaH puurnam sacchid-aananda-madvayam,
Aanantam nityamekam yat-tad-brahmetya-vadhaarayet ||56||
The One, Eternal, Non-dual, Infinite which pervades all the quarters above, below and all between, which is of the nature of Existence-consciousness-Bliss; Realise that to be Brahman.

Again we see repetition, but with another emphasis. Here we are given a full description of 'That' and then the instruction to work towards it becoming something that we know for ourselves. Indeed, it could be said this is the verse that says, 'if you want it, work for it'. This is like window-shopping. We've now seen the thing we most want on display, front and centre, but until we put in the effort to earn the spiritual currency, we cannot even enter the department store, never mind buy the thing in the window!

This thing that we want is beyond space, time… any dimension possible. Dimensions, actually, are only possible because of IT. If and when we attain that state of perfection, we can expect to be able to 'see' in all directions and through all possible existences. None of it will feel separate from us.

All experiences as we know them now are in the realm of duality. There is no experience, as such, when in the State of Reality. So whilst it is necessary to talk in terms of such for guiding the student, it is revealed here, very subtly, that actually this high state is beyond even this concept. There is no 'other' in the perfected condition. Things cannot be seen because there are no matter equipments, yet all is 'seen' simply by 'being'. In this condition, Existence is simply Being. Awareness is All. Bliss is mood.

It may be worth mentioning here that serious saadhaks, who dedicate themselves to meditation and all other saadhana, can start to have 'glimpses' of this state. Be reminded though, that until this state is stable and unending, one remains jiiva and not jiivanmukta. It is a pitfall of many worthy seekers to think they have reached the summit and then to drop all efforts. The result, very often, is a fall from that inner grace. Just as with mountains, beware 'false peaks'!