Causes of Bondage in the Body

Day 40

Causes of Bondage in the Body

Inquiry into the Origin of Brahmá:

Ráma seeks clarification regarding the birth of Brahmá and why he doesn't remember his past states like ordinary beings. Vasishtha explains that Brahmá, being unborn and devoid of prior acts, doesn't have reminiscence. Brahmá's existence is self-born and eternal, marked by a subtle body.

Nature of Two Bodies:

Vasishtha distinguishes between created beings, who have both subtle and gross bodies, and Brahmá, who, being uncreated, possesses only a subtle body. The uncreated Brahmá is the cause of all creation but does not have a material body.

Origin of Creation and the Role of Brahmá:

Brahmá's body is said to be composed of the mind alone, not connected to material substances. Vasishtha explains that Brahmá's volition sets in motion the creative process, resulting in the manifestation of the world. This creation is an extension of Brahmá's luminous mind, appearing real but mirage-like.

Dream Analogy and the Illusion of the World:

Vasishtha employs the analogy of a dream to illustrate the illusory nature of the world. The created world, like dream objects, seems real but lacks true substance. Brahmá, unaffected by this illusion, remains in his incorporeal, eternal state.

Brahmá's Indiscernibility and Immanence:

Brahmá, being unborn and of an unblemished understanding, does not succumb to illusion. Vasishtha asserts that Brahmá's nature is akin to the eternal mind, and the world is a mere reflection of his mind.

Brahmá's Volition and Creation:

Vasishtha explains that Brahmá, through his volition, initiates the process of creation. He forgets his formless nature, assuming the appearance of a delusive apparition. Despite this, Brahmá retains awareness of his true self, remaining untouched by material entanglements.

World as a Manifestation of the Mind:

Vasishtha elaborates on the mind's role in creating the world. The world, an extension of the Divine mind, is projected into existence. The mind, as the builder of illusions, is compared to creating castles in the air and utopian cities.

Negation of Materiality:

Vasishtha negates the existence of materiality, emphasizing the unreality of matter. The world is deemed a mere product of the Divine mind, sharing the same nature as its creator.

Mind as the Source of All:

The mind, called the creative Brahma or Virinchi, is described as the inchoative spirit of Brahmá. All created beings reside within the mental or intellectual world, where everything is conceived as a reality.

Role of the Mind in Creation:

The mind, personified as Virinchi, exercises its inherent volition to create. The creation is presented as the visible universe, developed from the essence of the mind. The mind, being formless, projects itself into various forms.

Identity of Cause and Effect:

Vasishtha asserts that there is no distinction between the cause (Divine mind) and the effect (creation). The world, being a prototype of the Divine mind, is as perfect as its author.

Reality of the World:

Vasishtha concludes by challenging the notions of causation and effect within the creation. He emphasizes that the three worlds are prototypes of the Divine mind and denies the existence of any secondary cause.

Modern Reflections:

- Mind as the Architect of Reality:

The text underscores the power of the mind in shaping perceived reality. In contemporary psychology, the role of perception and cognition in constructing reality is explored.

- Illusory Nature of the World:

The analogy of a dream and the mirage emphasizes the illusory nature of the material world. Modern philosophical discussions and scientific explorations delve into the nature of reality and human perception.

- Concept of Materiality:

The negation of materiality aligns with certain philosophical perspectives challenging the substantiality of matter. Quantum physics, for instance, introduces concepts questioning the traditional understanding of material existence.

- Volition and Creation:

The idea that creation stems from volition resonates with discussions on intentionality and conscious creation. In psychology and philosophy, the power of intention and conscious thought is explored in various contexts.

- Identity of Cause and Effect:

The concept that the effect is as perfect as its cause finds parallels in discussions on determinism and causation in philosophy and science. It invites contemplation on the interconnectedness of existence.