The Realization of Bali: Embracing Infinite Consciousness

Day 162

The Realization of Bali: Embracing Infinite Consciousness

Reflection and Realization:

Bali's Contemplation: After Sukra left, Bali pondered the teachings. He understood that all existence is consciousness and nothing else. The concept of the sun exists because consciousness recognizes it. It is consciousness that perceives and defines everything, from earth to space, and all phenomena within. Without consciousness recognizing a mountain, it wouldn’t exist as a mountain.

Unity with Consciousness: Bali realized that consciousness includes everything: senses, body, desires, internal and external objects, space, and phenomena. His ability to experience the world came from consciousness, not the body. Thus, he recognized himself as the consciousness that is the self of the entire universe.

Transcending Dualities: Bali noted that since consciousness is one without a second, the concepts of friend and enemy do not apply. Even if his physical body perished, consciousness would remain unaffected. Modifications like hate are also forms of consciousness. Since consciousness is infinite and pure, it cannot have perversions.

Salutation to Consciousness: He acknowledged that consciousness itself has no name and is beyond the subject-object division. Bali saluted the omnipresent consciousness free from object-temptation, realizing it as his true self. He understood himself as consciousness free from craving and untouched by emotions like happiness or sorrow.

Bali's State of Supreme Peace:

Embracing the Nature of Reality: Bali accepted that consciousness doesn’t expand or contract with thoughts. He resolved to remain active until achieving absolute tranquility. Recognizing that he is consciousness, Bali found no difference between experiencing and not experiencing, meditation and non-meditation.

Supreme Equanimity: He acknowledged that desires for liberation or meditation were irrelevant since there was no bondage. Bali decided to remain what he was, unaffected by external circumstances. He accepted whatever came naturally, recognizing no true gain or loss.

Vasistha's Account of Bali's Contemplation:

Attaining Superconscious State: Vasistha described how Bali, after reflecting deeply, entered a state of profound meditation, uttering "OM" and contemplating its significance. Freed from doubts and distinctions between thinker and thought, Bali reached a state of stillness and supreme consciousness.

The Demons' Response: When Bali's subjects saw him in deep contemplation, they sought Sukra, who explained Bali's state. Sukra admired Bali's self-realization achieved through resolute inquiry. He advised the demons to let Bali remain undisturbed as he would return to world-consciousness after a thousand years.

Continuation of Contemplation: After a thousand celestial years, Bali was awakened by celestial music. Reflecting on his brief experience of supreme peace, he decided to maintain that state of inner tranquility.

Bali's Enlightened Rule:

Returning to Worldly Duties: Bali resumed his kingly duties with spontaneous actions, devoid of premeditation. He treated everyone with respect, gave generously, and engaged in sacred rites. During one such rite, Vishnu, in the form of a dwarf, took the rulership of the worlds from Bali.

Detached Equanimity: Vasistha explained to Rama that Bali, destined to be the next Indra, dwelled in the netherworld as a liberated sage. Unaffected by prosperity or adversity, Bali remained at peace, welcoming whatever came his way. His heart, having ruled the worlds for eons, was now at rest, ready to rule again without excitement or disappointment.

Vasistha's Advice to Rama: Vasistha urged Rama to emulate Bali’s vision and attain supreme felicity. He advised abandoning the desire for sensory pleasures, recognizing them as illusory. Rama was encouraged to firmly establish his mind in his heart, realizing his true nature as the infinite light of consciousness.

Concluding Wisdom:

Embrace of Consciousness: Vasistha emphasized that the self is real, and birth and death are imaginary constructs. He encouraged Rama to investigate life’s sufferings and live without craving, understanding that the world has no independent existence outside of consciousness.

Path to Enlightenment: Vasistha warned against misleading teachers and assured Rama that true enlightenment comes from understanding his teachings. By retrieving the mind from distractions and directing it towards the truth, Rama could achieve equanimity and halt the cycle of birth and death.

In summary, Bali’s journey to self-realization highlights the power of introspection and unwavering inquiry. By recognizing the all-encompassing nature of consciousness, one can transcend dualities, embrace inner peace, and attain true liberation.