Day 212 - THE LORD continued:

Day 212 - THE LORD continued:

Indeed, only that cid-akasa (infinite consciousness), which alone exists even after cosmic dissolution, exists now, devoid of objectivity. The concepts and notions illuminated by consciousness within itself shine as creation, due to the movement of energy within consciousness, just as dreams arise during sleep. It is impossible for an object to exist outside of the omnipresent infinite consciousness.

All mountains, the world, the firmament, the self, the jiva, and all elements are nothing but pure consciousness. Before creation, when only this pure consciousness existed, where were these (heaven, etc.)? Space (akasa), supreme space (paramakasam), absolute space (brahmakasam), creation, and consciousness are mere words indicating the same truth.

Duality in dreams is illusory, just as the duality in the world's creation is illusory. Objects seem to exist and function in the inner world of consciousness in dreams and the outer world of consciousness when awake. Nothing truly happens in both states. Consciousness alone is the reality in dreams, and consciousness alone is the substance in the waking state. That is the Lord, the supreme truth, that you are, that I am, and that is all.

True Worship

The worship of that Lord is true worship, and by that worship, one attains everything. He is undivided, non-dual, and not created by activity; he is not attained by external efforts. His adoration is the source of joy.

External worship of a form is for those whose intelligence has not awakened and who are immature. When one lacks self-control, they use flowers in worship; such worship is futile, like adoring the self in an external form. However, these immature devotees find satisfaction in worshipping an object they created, earning worthless rewards.

Mode of Worship for the Enlightened

I will now describe the mode of worship appropriate for enlightened individuals like you. The Lord to be worshipped is the one upholding creation, beyond thought and description, and beyond the concepts of 'all' and 'totality'. He is referred to as 'God,' undivided by space and time, whose light illumines all objects, pure and absolute consciousness. He is the intelligence beyond all parts, hidden in all that is, the being in all that is, and veiling the truth. This Brahman lies between being and nonbeing, it is God, and the truth indicated as 'OM'. It exists everywhere, like the essence in a plant. The pure consciousness within you, me, and all gods and goddesses is God. Even the other gods with form are nothing but pure consciousness. The entire universe is pure consciousness. That is God, that 'all' I am; everything is attained from and through him.

God's Omnipresence

God is not distant from anyone, O Holy one, nor difficult to attain. He is forever seated in the body and everywhere like space. He does everything, eats, holds everything together, moves, breathes, and knows every part of the body. He is the light in which all limbs function and diverse activities take place. He dwells in the heart's cave, transcending the mind and senses of cognition; thus, he cannot be comprehended or described by them. For instruction, he is indicated as 'consciousness'. Though it seems he does everything, he does nothing. That pure consciousness engages in the world's activities as the spring does in the flowering of trees.

.... To be continued