BRAHMAN, The Absolute, is the Only Reality.

Here is a Discussion I had initiated in forum I belong to. There usually is a common perception that the Jeevatma and Paramatma are different entities that will 'eventually' merge leading to - what is called - moksha or Self realization..

Question: BRAHMAN, THE ABSOLUTE, IS THE ONLY REALITY. If the individual soul (jeeva) is accepted as Brahman, it has reality because Brahman is real. If we argue that the individual soul is different from Brahman, then reality is denied to such an individual soul. How can we reconcile this?

Answer: In the above statement, Brahman is first termed "Absolute". The moment something is "Absolute", there cannot be more than one of it. e.g. there cannot be two temperatures that refers to Absolute Zero. You may use different scales, but you are still refering to the same Absolute temperature. Right? Thus, Sanathana Dharma teaches us that the Universal Consciousness is Absolute, and does not undergo modification.

Other religions have a top down approach where, the Absolute (aka God) is first defined, and explanations are given to justify the statement. For a beginner, it can only be *assumed* that there should be is Absolute Reality (or a Substratum) from which this visible and invisible universe(s) have emerged from. This is purely a logical deduction (for a beginner). As one can observe that any material that exists in this universe HAS TO BE the product or effect of some cause. The Universe is a continuous transformation, and is a beautiful play of Energy. In Samskrit, there is a beautiful definition for this, "Sarvam Shakthimayam Jagath", which means, the Entire Universe is nothing but Pure Energy.

We all know that matter is frozen energy, or energy is mobile matter. We also know that Positive and Negative charges (Protons and Electrons) come together in a freakishly disciplined way - and in large numbers - to form different elements. Thus positive and negative charges, when combined with each other, and with the help of heat (agni), and pressure (vayu) etc forms matter.
It is also known that Hydrocarbons are the basic building blocks where an unexplained phenomenon called 'life' can manifest. This 'life form' is distinguished from other inanimate/inert matter by it's unique quality called 'Consciousness'. This consciousness is possible in matter which has hydrocarbons, and has water content in them. These oraganic conglomerations of matter are called 'organisms'.

Here it's worth noting that charvaka and related schools (which propose materialistic model of the Universe) may claim that consciousness is produced by chemical combinations. If it is so, then the "I"-ness which is constant throughout one's life does not change with change in harmone levels. (The consciousness is same in waking, dream and deep sleep, and during happiness, anger, and depression alike.)

Here, consciousness, which is unchangeable, and unlimited identifies itself with matter to which it is figuratively 'attached'. Consciousness is never dependent on matter for it's survival (this will be known only in Thuriyam state (Deep meditation) where PURE consciousness alone exists, with absolutely no awareness of 'external' objects.)

[Here, I take cue from Yogasutras of Patanjali (as a pramana), to describe the various states of the Experiencer (Dhrashta) - aka consciousness. ] The Experiencer is the Unchanging, Absolute. It views the physical world via a connection called the ego. The Ego, is at best a virtual entity that acts as a pivot, binding the Experiencer to the material body. The virtual entity (Ego), relies on the Mind, Intellect, sense-organs and organs-of-action to go about 'its' duties.

But, On the face of it, it may seem that there are many realities in the universe but they all have one underlying reality called Brahman.

This is because, there cannot be two "Absolute Realities" existing simultaneously (or even contiguously). i.e. One Reality cannot be contradictory to Another. (If it is so, then they cannot both be called Real.)

Thus, different view-points of an Absolute Reality can, must, and will exist. These are called 'relative' reality (or Rtham) IF there are two incompatible versions of the same reality, then one of them (or sometimes both of them) will not be true.

"What color is the sky ?", asked the teacher.
A tiny hand shot up. "Blue", said the boy.
"No," said the little girl, "the sky is really black. We see it as blue."
The teacher smiled and gave each a candy.
She then looked up at the sky, which was a vast expanse of Space.
It was neither black, nor blue, not had any colors it could call its own.

The Sky is blue, Vs. the Sky is black... Both these "apparent realities" are false as ether (or space) cannot have a color of it's own. Similarly, just as Akasha (ether) has no quality, and yet is seen as blue owing to perception. The Absolute (Brahman), which has no qualities, is seen as one with attributes and qualities by spiritual infants.

Vedanta - Do not get distracted by polemics.

With humble bowings to Sri Adishankaracharya, I begin my post today.

When it comes to Atma-Vichara (Quest for the Self), beginners to the subject usually mistake arguments for questioning. They get into polemical discussions or sophistry to prove their half-baked understanding. The Indian School called NYAYA, which was compiled by the Great Sage - Gauthama, helps us to understand the nature of Enquiry or discussion.

A serious student of Vedanta should be familiar with NYAYA shastra (Epistemology), Vaisheshika (Particle Physics), Samkhya, Yoga, and also of some understanding of (Vedic) Quantum mechanics and (Vedic) Psychology.

Vedanta is not a philosophy that just soothes the ego, and gives a feel-good factor. Vedanta dissects the ego, and also gives a proper understanding of the Self, and the Universe (in relation to the Self.) To the best of my knowledge, I have not seen a system of philosophy, or a branch of religion that compares to Vedanta in it's approach to Rational analysis of the Self, and the Universe.

Philosophers of all ages have argued vehemently to prove a point that they thought was the most valid. Partly, this was owing to their upbringing (or tradition) as we call it. Some of them had valid insights into a particular aspects, but were not effective in conveying their points. And yet others, had direct experience of Reality, and also had the means and mode to convey this information in a clear and lucid manner.

Sri Adishankaracharya, inorder to discourage philosophers from quarrel-mongering, composed the following hymn. This is a shloka from the famous Shivananda-Lahari.

Gato va, Mrithpindo va, Anurapi cha, dhoomo'gnir achalah
Pato va, tanthur va pariharathi kim ghora shamanam...
Vrutha kanta kshobham vahasi tarasaa tharka vachasaa
Padhaamboja bhaja shambor parama saukhyam vrajashudhi.
-- Shivanandha Lahari (6)


Meaning: The various examples used by logicians, like Pot (and space), clod of earth, atom, smoke, fire, or mountain, cloth, and thread etc, which of these can save you from the face of death? You are unnecessarily wasting the water in your throat. Do bow to the lotus feet of Lord Shiva which alone purifies your mind.

Explaining the 14 Lokas: The OSI Model.

I was reminded of a lecture our local group attended by a Swamiji from Chinmaya Mission who was visiting Canada last month. In the due course of the lecture he mentioned about the 14 lokas (which are Satya Loka, Tapo loka, Janaloka, Maharloka, Suvarloka, Buvarloka, Bhuloka, Atala, Vithala, Suthala, Talaathala, Rasaathala, Mahaathala, and Paathala in descending order.) While explaining the seven lokas above he mentioned that Bhuloka was this earth, Bhuvarloka was above the Sun, Suvarloka was above the polestar etc. A friend of mine, asked if this was actually physical locations or just metaphors that really did not exist.. Later, when comparing notes after the lecture, some argued that it REALLY existed - as it was mentioned in the puranas, while others called it humbug. (I am sure this is one of the famous doubts that 'intellectuals' often get.) I took a shot at it, and explained my understanding of the LOKA models in layperson terms. Hope it makes sense.

Most of us are aware of the famous OSI Model which makes communication between hetrogenous machines possible.




The Model begins with the physical layer which rests on the physical link that's "visible and tangible" to everyone. Then comes more subtler layers which are neither "real", nor "mythical metaphors" but purely concepts that can be explained as layers to make it easier to understand. If someone says, the data-link layer is 2 inches above the physical layer, and that the transport layer is 4 inches above the datalink and so on it would be laughable. These are neither "above" nor "below" anything. Thus, I can only show you the physical cable that connects two computers but cannot pinpoint to the different layers around the layers even if I take a magnification lens and search till end of eternity.

Extending on this simile, when two "applications" need to talk, it cannot directly do so. An application will send it's 'thoughts' to the lower layer, till it hits the physical level. Once it reaches the physical level it is conveyed "up the chain" by the other 'computer' and when the message reaches the other application and acknowledgement is done, the process is said to be complete.

In our case, the TOP level application is the same. An idea arises in the PARA, and this is conveyed via Pratyag, Madyama and Vaikhari (audible sound, produced by VAKH - the organ of action.) This sound waves travel via a medium (Space), till it is picked up by the physical layer (eardrums), conveyed to the sense organ (shravana indriya), this is conveyed to the manas, then to buddhi, then to ahamkara and finally to the Consciousness. IF any one of the links is missing (i.e. my voice does not reach you, or you cannot interpret what I say, or your mind is 'elsewhere' or you are unconscious) then the communication (loop) is broken or incomplete. This simile can be extended to all levels (sight, sound, touch etc.) Thus, every interaction or knowledge transfer that takes place goes from Consciousness to Consciousness - but takes a convoluted path and passes through physical links (this giving rise to misunderstandings and misinterpretations.) In Deep meditation, when there is absolute control of one's thoughts, one can directly pass on information with minimal or zero aberrations.(This is a topic for the future.)

The whole exercise of Advaita is to alienate the seven layers, fourteen lokas, five bhuthas, three kaalas, three gunas, three shariras, five koshas, twenty four thattvas, and whatever else is not that ONE. Then and only then will you become THE ONE.