The Cause of Suffering and the Path to Liberation (Continued)

 Day 141

The Cause of Suffering and the Path to Liberation (Continued)

Dasura's explanation to his son delves deeper into the root cause of suffering in the world – the illusion-creating power of notions (sankalpa).

The Illusory King and the Nature of the Universe:

Dasura clarifies that King Khottha, representing the ego, is nothing but a fleeting notion that arises and dissolves in the vast emptiness. This notion is the source of the entire universe, including the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The city built by the king symbolizes the living being with its various organs and functions. The different kinds of beings within the city represent the diversity of existence, all products of the ego's illusion.

The Role of Ahamkara and the Cycle of Rebirths:

The illusory city is guarded by ghosts, which represent ahamkara, the ego-principle. Ahamkara creates a false sense of separation between the self and the world, leading to attachment and the cycle of rebirths. Dasura explains that the king (ego) enjoys himself within this world (body) and experiences different states of being – waking, dreaming, and experiencing various lives. However, this enjoyment is temporary and ultimately leads to disillusionment.

Liberation through Cessation of Notions:

True liberation comes only through the cessation of all notions. Even spiritual practices and seeking the guidance of gods are not enough. Dasura emphasizes that the real, the unreal, and the combination of both are all just notions. He urges his son to abandon these notions and turn his mind towards the infinite consciousness that lies beyond.

The Origin and Growth of Notions:

The young man inquires about the origin and growth of these notions. Dasura explains that a subtle notion arises within the infinite consciousness, causing it to become aware of itself as an object. This notion then becomes gross and fills the entire space, leading to the illusion of a separate self and a world. These notions multiply, leading to suffering. He emphasizes that there is no inherent cause for sorrow in the world except for these illusory ideas.

The Unreality of Birth and the Key to Freedom:

Dasura reveals that these notions arise by mere coincidence, with no real causal connection. Because they are unreal, they can be dissolved. He instructs his son to let go of the notion of his own existence, as this is what perpetuates the illusion of the future and the cycle of rebirths. Freedom lies in ceasing to entertain these notions.

Effortless Cessation of Notions and True Peace:

Dasura assures his son that giving up notions is effortless, unlike physical actions. When all notions cease, true peace is attained, and the root cause of suffering is destroyed. He reiterates that everything in the universe is just a concept, a mental construct. He advises his son to abandon all thoughts and focus on realizing this truth.

The Weakening of Notions and Detachment:

As these notions weaken, one becomes less affected by emotions like happiness and sadness. The knowledge of the unreality of objects prevents attachment. Without hope or expectation, there is no elation or depression.

Mind as the Jiva and the Source of Illusions:

The mind itself is the jiva (soul) when it reflects in consciousness. The mind creates the illusion of past, present, and future. Sense experiences further multiply these notions. However, since these are not real, they can be destroyed by giving up sense pleasures.

Vasistha's Validation and Concluding Message to Rama:

Vasistha descends from the tree and confirms the truth of Dasura's teachings. He advises Rama that regardless of his belief in the world's reality or unreality, the key is to be established in the Self. He emphasizes that the Self is the unchanging reality, untouched by the senses and the impermanent world. The story serves as a metaphor for the nature of the world-appearance.

Vasistha concludes by offering Rama different perspectives on how to approach the world. He can see himself as the omnipresent being who does nothing, the doer of all actions, or inquire into the true nature of the Self. All paths lead to the same state of perfect equanimity and liberation from desires and attachments. Vasistha urges Rama to find peace by realizing his true Self, the ultimate state of consciousness.