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'!