Day 194 - The Unity and Universality of Brahma Introduction

Day 194 - The Unity and Universality of Brahma

Introduction

In this chapter, Vasishtha elaborates on the identity of Brahma with the mind, living soul, the body, the world, and all things. He aims to eliminate all dualisms by establishing the universality of Brahma.

The Nature of Intellect

The Intellect and the Self

Vasishtha begins by comparing the countless waves in the sea to the forms taken by the intellect. Just as waves are temporary forms of water, the intellect manifests itself in various forms, including the soul. This intellect is essentially our true self.

The Immaterial Soul

He poses a question about the relationship between the immaterial soul and the material world. If the soul is free from earthly concerns, how can it have earthly desires? The spiritual soul, he suggests, has no concern with the material world.

Manifestations of the Intellect

Forms of the Intellect

The intellect manifests itself in various forms: the living soul, the mind and its desires, the world, and all things within it. This shows that all these properties belong to the eternal intellect.

Characteristics of the Intellect

The intellect of the Supreme Spirit is described as a profound sea, calm and cool, yet bright and clear. This intellect is inherent and inseparable from itself, just as heat is from fire and fragrance is from flowers.

The Unity of the Universe and Intellect

Non-Separation of the Universe

The intellect and the universe are not separate. Just as light is inherent in sunbeams and waves are part of water, the universe is contained within the nature of the intellect.

Interconnectedness of Mind and World

Ideas, the ego, the mind, and the living soul are all interconnected. The senses are part of the mind, and the body is connected to the senses. Consequently, the body and the world are one and the same.

Eternity and Intellect

The vast universe is no different from the unbounded sphere of intellect. Nothing is ever created or destroyed; everything exists perpetually within the intellect.

Perception and Reality

Knowledge and Reminiscence

Our knowledge of everything is essentially a remembrance of what already exists within the intellect, much like all spaces are contained within infinity.

The Intelligent Man's Perception

An intelligent person sees the forms of outward things but does not let them affect his mind. Only the ignorant set their minds on the transient things of this world.

The Wise Man's Dispassion

Wise individuals recognize that worldly desires and affections are sources of trouble. By considering these things as nothing, they remain free from the pleasures and pains associated with possession and loss.

Overcoming Dualities

False Distinctions

The perceived difference between the world and the soul is as false as distinguishing between "sky" and "skies." Both terms refer to the same infinite vacuity, symbolizing the singular nature of the soul.

Purity of Mind

Those with pure, vacant minds who see customary differences without being affected remain indifferent to pain and pleasure, like insensible blocks of wood and stone.

True Understanding and Liberation

Seeing the True Nature of Things

A person who perceives their blood-thirsty enemy as a true friend understands the true nature of things, recognizing that those who harm us may, in fact, grant us immortality.

Dispassionate Living

A dispassionate person can uproot feelings of joy and grief, much like a river uproots trees. Those who do not understand and guard against passions and affections are unworthy of saintly veneration.

Freedom from Ego and Attachment

One who lacks a sense of ego and is not attached to the world saves their soul from death and confinement after this life.

Final Liberation

Extinguishing Desires

Liberation is achieved by extinguishing desires, like the flame of an oilless lamp. Such a person remains unshaken in all circumstances and stands as a mighty conqueror of his enemies.

Unmoved and Free

True liberation is characterized by remaining unmoved under all circumstances, having nothing to gain or lose, and being unaffected by prosperity or adversity.