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.