Day 305: The Infinite Consciousness and the Nature of Creation
Day 305: The Infinite Consciousness and the Nature of Creation
Rama’s Inquiry on Identification and the Nature of the Self
How Consciousness Identifies with the Body and Matter
Rama questioned Vasistha about how omnipresent consciousness identifies itself with physical forms like the body, rocks, and wood. Vasistha explained that this identification occurs in the same way that an individual identifies with their hand, or as one considers nails and hair to be part of the body, even though they are not central to one’s identity. Similarly, the infinite consciousness perceives rocks, wood, and other forms as extensions of itself, arising from initial notions in creation.
Consciousness and the Dream-Like Nature of Creation
Vasistha explained that just as a dream is entirely composed of the mind, all forms in the universe arise in the infinite consciousness. Within this cosmic body, some parts are sentient, while others appear insentient, like rocks and wood. In truth, no real distinction exists; everything is pure consciousness. He likened this to the way waves rise and fall in the ocean but remain water. When one realizes, “I am the ocean, not the wave,” they awaken to the true nature of existence.
This wave-like world appearance, Vasistha said, is simply energy moving within Brahman, the ocean of consciousness. The forms are temporary, much like waves that rise and fall but leave no permanent impact.
The Origin of Experience and the Nature of Mind
In the beginning, consciousness itself generated the experience we know as “mind,” which in turn gave rise to Brahma, the Creator, symbolizing the first experience or awareness of creation. This awareness began as nameless and formless, a unified whole from which arose the notions of “I” and “you.” Even these notions are part of the same original consciousness, with no actual separation.
Vasistha emphasized that creation is like a dream, where consciousness witnesses itself in diverse forms. In this cosmic dream, consciousness sees itself as though it were an audience watching a play, all while remaining unaffected and unchanged.
The Infinite Consciousness as the Core of Creation
Vasistha continued by explaining that Brahman, the infinite consciousness, is akin to an ocean, while individual experiences and perceptions are like waves within it. Regardless of creation’s seeming permanence or impermanence, it remains Brahman, unaffected by changes. To those who are awakened, creation is as fleeting as a daydream, lacking substance or lasting significance.
He highlighted that if one searches for another explanation for this world appearance, it could simply be viewed as a hallucination or delusion. If this is the case, one should practice contemplation, which allows the mind to let go of modifications, until it reaches a state of true peace.
The Path to Liberation and Supreme Peace
To those seeking liberation, Vasistha advised a practice that does not attempt to alter the mind forcibly. Real liberation comes when one realizes there is no real creation, which leads to unending peace and freedom. True liberation, called nirvikalpa samadhi, is unconditioned and without boundaries. It brings about eternal rest in self-knowledge, far beyond states of wakefulness or sleep. Vasistha clarified that the path to this state is through consistent self-knowledge, which reveals that there is no objective universe.
This perfect state, he said, cannot be achieved through rituals, charity, or meditation. These practices may offer temporary benefits, but only self-realization, as gained through studying these teachings, truly dispels illusion.
The Illusion of Materiality and the Purity of Consciousness
In the beginning of creation, there was no earth, no materiality—just movement within consciousness that led to manifestations such as earth and the elements. Like an air current that moves without intent, the cosmic energy flows and manifests as the universe. Thus, the mind alone is Brahma, and through its projections, we see the universe. The universe is therefore not separate from consciousness; it is consciousness appearing in different forms.
By thoroughly investigating the nature of reality, one realizes that only pure consciousness exists, beyond description. In the end, only silence remains, as all activity and questioning dissolve into the ultimate truth.
Duality and Non-Duality Within the Infinite Consciousness
Vasistha noted that the infinite consciousness remains itself whether it “opens its eyes” (appears as the universe) or “closes its eyes” (exists in silence). The two states are merely different perceptions of the same reality, with consciousness unaffected by either. Like a person alternates between wakefulness and dreams, consciousness moves between states of creation and quiescence without losing its essence. The universe and all experiences are part of this same consciousness, which witnesses itself within.
In essence, creation is pure coincidence within consciousness, like a ripe coconut that falls just as a crow lands on it, giving the illusion of causation.
Attaining Liberation Through the Study of Knowledge
Vasistha advised Rama to dedicate himself to studying these teachings to end the illusion of separation from consciousness. Unlike ordinary studies, these teachings are a path to liberation, enabling the reader to realize that life itself is a manifestation of the supreme state. By simply understanding these truths, one can attain freedom from delusion.
To experience this realization, Vasistha advised consistent, thoughtful study of this scripture, allowing it to resonate and transform one's perception until self-knowledge naturally arises. Rama was urged to see that the universe is no more substantial than a dream, an endless manifestation within each particle of consciousness, beyond counting or comprehending. As Brahma had once explained, infinite universes exist within each point of reality, all emerging within Brahman’s limitless self.
Brahma’s Teaching to Vasistha: The Vision of Infinite Realities
Brahma once shared with Vasistha that what appears to be the material universe is, in fact, the infinite self. To the wise, it is pure intelligence, unbound by form; to the unenlightened, it appears as physical. Brahma illustrated this with the concept of the cosmic egg, an immense, timeless sphere within which the self perceives itself as a being, an “I am,” or an individual self.
This individual self expands its awareness into faculties such as the mind and intellect, which creates the perception of separation between “this” and “that.” The self thus assumes the qualities of mountains, oceans, and forests, and within each particle, it witnesses diverse worlds. When seen through ignorance, these realms appear as countless worlds and beings, but when realized as Brahman, all existence merges into pure, undivided reality.
Reflection and Insight
Through Vasistha’s teaching, Rama realized that the world is akin to a long dream—fleeting, illusory, and empty of independent reality. Understanding this, one sees that no matter how many forms appear and disappear, all are simply manifestations within the infinite consciousness. With this insight, Rama gained a deeper understanding of the unity between word and meaning, realizing that all experiences are merely expressions of consciousness interacting with itself.
This realization, Vasistha said, is the foundation for spiritual knowledge. By understanding the nature of one’s mind and all perception, one attains freedom, viewing every experience as a play within the eternal self. This, Vasistha concluded, is the ultimate truth that allows one to experience the world without attachment, engaging with life while remaining rooted in peace.
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