Rama Seeks Answers: The Cause of the Universe and Suffering

Day 137

Rama Seeks Answers: The Cause of the Universe and Suffering

Rama's curiosity about the nature of reality deepens. He ponders the paradox of a sorrow-free Brahman creating a world filled with suffering. Vasistha, his wise guide, offers enlightening yet challenging concepts to illuminate the path to understanding.

Brahman's Infinite Potential:

Vasistha explains that Brahman, the absolute reality, is all-encompassing. It contains within itself all possibilities, both positive and negative, including happiness and sorrow. The universe, with its diverse experiences, emerges from Brahman like waves on a vast ocean. The jiva, the individual soul, is also a limited manifestation within this infinite reality.

The Illusion of Maya:

Vasistha introduces the concept of Maya, the indescribable power of Brahman. Maya acts like a cosmic magician, creating the illusion of reality. It can make the unreal appear real and vice versa, much like how the empty space appears blue due to atmospheric refraction. This explains the seemingly contradictory nature of the world – a beautiful creation brimming with suffering.

The Importance of Inner Peace:

Vasistha emphasizes the importance of achieving inner peace. A mind clouded by desires and anxieties cannot perceive the true nature of reality. When the mind finds peace, it can see the universe as a manifestation of Brahman's infinite potencies, where diversity and suffering are simply different facets of the same underlying oneness. Ignorance, however, distorts this perception and leads to the illusion of separation and suffering.

The Power of Consciousness:

The creation process itself is described as an intention within the infinite consciousness. This intention condenses and forms the blueprint for the universe, bringing forth the vast array of existence. It's a subtle play of consciousness, where thought takes form.

The Diverse Worlds:

Vasistha unveils the existence of fourteen worlds within the infinite consciousness. These worlds hold beings at various levels of spiritual evolution, from those dwelling in deep darkness of ignorance to those basking in the light of complete enlightenment. This vast spectrum reflects the gradations of consciousness present within Brahman itself.

Humans and the Quest for Truth:

Among all living beings, only humans are deemed capable of understanding the profound truths about creation and existence. However, Vasistha acknowledges the limitations of many humans who are still entangled in the web of sorrow, delusion, fear, and hatred. These very emotions are products of Maya's illusion.

Questioning Creation Stories:

Vasistha cautions Rama that the stories about creation found in scriptures are not meant to be taken literally. They are pedagogical tools used to convey complex spiritual truths to seekers at different levels of understanding. The ultimate truth is that Brahman, the infinite consciousness, is all that truly exists. There's no separate creator or creation; it's all Brahman manifesting in diverse ways.

Brahman is the Essence:

Vasistha reiterates the core principle of Vedanta philosophy – Brahman is the essence of everything. It's the consciousness that underlies the mind, intellect, sound, and all substances that make up the universe. Ignorance veils this truth, but when the veil is lifted through self-realization, only Brahman remains.

The Mystery of Ignorance:

Rama delves deeper, questioning the origin of the "intention to diversify" within the all-encompassing Brahman. Vasistha acknowledges the paradoxical nature of this question. The infinite consciousness, by its very nature, shouldn't have a need or desire for diversification.

The Gradual Path to Knowledge:

Vasistha, however, steers Rama away from getting caught up in intellectual debates about the origin of creation. He advises Rama to focus on attaining self-realization through spiritual practices. As Rama progresses on this path, the deeper truths about Brahman and Maya will unfold for him intuitively. It's a gradual process of unfolding wisdom, not a one-time intellectual explanation.

Dissolving the Illusion:

True knowledge gained through self-inquiry dispels ignorance, similar to how weapons destroy weapons. When you become aware of Maya's illusory nature, it loses its power over you. Just as light dispels darkness, knowledge dispels ignorance.

The Veiling Power of Maya:

Ignorance, or Maya, acts as a veil, obscuring the true nature of reality. It creates the illusion of duality and separation, leading to the perception of a diverse and often sorrowful world. Ironically, Maya itself is not aware of its own deceptive nature. However, the moment sincere inquiry into its true nature begins, Maya starts to dissolve.

The Path to Liberation:

Vasistha underscores the importance of self-knowledge as the key to overcoming ignorance. Studying scriptures and engaging in spiritual practices pave the way for self-realization. True liberation comes from the realization that Brahman is the only reality. All other beliefs and experiences are part of the illusion created by Maya.

Don't Dwell on the Origin, Seek Liberation:

Vasistha advises Rama not to get entangled in the "how" of ignorance's origin. Instead, the focus should be on "how to get rid of it." Once you eradicate Maya, the illusion, its origin becomes irrelevant. Liberation lies in understanding its illusory nature, not in the details of its creation.

A Pervasive Force:

Ignorance, according to Vasistha, is a pervasive force that has touched everyone, regardless of their intelligence or achievements. Even great scholars and heroes haven't been spared from its influence. It's the root cause of all suffering, and removing it is the ultimate goal.

Steps Towards Freedom:

Vasistha doesn't leave Rama without guidance. He suggests a path towards liberation:

1. Self-inquiry: This involves deep contemplation into the nature of reality and the self. By questioning our assumptions and beliefs, we can begin to see through Maya's illusions.
2. Spiritual Practices: Practices like meditation, devotion, and ethical living help purify the mind and intellect, creating a fertile ground for self-realization.
3. Guidance of a Teacher: A wise teacher can provide valuable insights, support, and personalized advice on the path to enlightenment.

A Gradual Process:

Vasistha emphasizes that attaining self-realization and liberation is a gradual process. It takes dedicated effort, patience, and perseverance. Just as a tree grows slowly and steadily, so too does spiritual growth.

Beyond Duality:

As Rama progresses on this path, the duality of creation and creator, self and world, will begin to dissolve. He will experience the oneness of Brahman, the underlying reality that permeates all existence.

The Ever-Present Witness:

Vasistha encourages Rama to recognize himself as the ever-present witness, the unchanging consciousness that underlies the ever-changing world. This awareness liberates one from the cycle of birth and death.

Beyond Scriptures:

Vasistha concludes by suggesting that Rama shouldn't rely solely on scriptures for understanding. The ultimate truth lies beyond words and concepts. Direct experience through self-realization is the key.

The Yoga Vasistha emphasizes the importance of both intellectual understanding and practical application. While the philosophical discussions offer Rama a framework to understand reality, the ultimate goal is to transcend words and experience Brahman directly through dedicated spiritual practices.