Day 214 - The Nature of Consciousness and Its Illusions

Day 214 - The Nature of Consciousness and Its Illusions

The LORD continued:

False Impressions of Consciousness

Consciousness can falsely believe itself to be unhappy, much like a person who, despite not being dead, might cry out, "Alas, I am dead." Similarly, consciousness might wrongly imagine it is miserable or limited. Such thoughts are irrational and unfounded. This mistaken belief in the reality of the world appearance is a result of ego-sense, making the consciousness perceive the world as real. However, since the mind is also part of this consciousness, realizing that the mind is unreal reveals that the world is unreal too.

Illusions and Reality

Just as oil is absent in a rock, diversity in perception—such as the seer, sight, and scene—does not exist in pure consciousness. Distinctions like 'I' and 'you' or 'one' and 'many' are imaginary. These concepts, such as substantiality versus unsubstantiality or void versus non-void, vanish upon closer examination, leaving only pure consciousness.

Imagination and Purity

Consciousness does not truly change or become impure; any impurity is merely a product of imagination. Recognizing this truth means discarding the imagination and ending impurity. Even those who realize this must firmly reject the imagination to avoid impurity. Dropping a piece of straw is as easy as overcoming worldly obstacles. What can't be achieved through self-effort?

The Essence of Consciousness

The infinite, unmodified consciousness can be realized through the inner light of self-awareness. It is pure, eternal, always present, and beyond the mind. This consciousness, though pure, appears tainted due to its manifestation in the material world. It is omnipresent, not divided by the particulars of existence.

Self-Knowledge and Self-Forgetting

Consciousness, in its self-forgetfulness, entertains thoughts and perceptions, just as a sleeper remains aware even while dreaming. Identification with its own object makes consciousness seem reduced to thinking or worrying. Much like impure gold looks like copper until purified, consciousness appears limited until self-knowledge is attained.

Egosense and Awareness

When consciousness becomes self-aware, the ego-sense arises, but this is nothing other than consciousness itself. Even then, consciousness remains the true reality in all forms and experiences. Vital airs create vision and sensations, but the experience of sight, touch, smell, and hearing is pure consciousness. Consciousness, unconditioned and unmodified, is the essence of all experiences.

The Reflection of Consciousness

The universe is merely a reflection in consciousness, like a scene in a crystal ball. Consciousness remains unconditioned by this reflection. Jiva (individual self) is the vehicle of consciousness, ego-sense is the vehicle of jiva, and so on. Actions spring from thoughts, which are functions of the mind, conditioned by consciousness. When the mind merges in the spiritual heart, prana (vital energy) ceases to move, leading to a state of tranquility.

The Puryastaka and Linga-Sarira

The reflection of consciousness within itself is known as the puryastaka. Although described in various ways, including elements, inner instruments, and senses, it is fundamentally consciousness. The subtle body, or linga-sarira, arises, exists, and dissolves in consciousness. Thus, consciousness alone is the ultimate reality.