Day 311: Realizing the Supreme Reality - Brahman Beyond Illusion
Day 311: Realizing the Supreme Reality - Brahman Beyond Illusion
Understanding the Unchanging Nature of Brahman
Introduction to Rama’s Realization
On Day 301, Rama, in a deep conversation with Vasistha, continues his quest to understand the nature of the world and Brahman, the supreme consciousness. Rama now realizes that the world, in its apparent diversity, is an illusion. This illusion—known as samsara—arises from ignorance but is, in reality, Brahman itself. Rama questions Vasistha about the true nature of creation and how it relates to the infinite consciousness.
The Nature of Creation: A Reflection of Brahman
Vasistha explains that Brahman, the supreme consciousness, shines by itself as itself. It is not created nor destroyed—it simply is. Just as a ripe coconut falls when a crow lands on it, creation happens spontaneously from Brahman. This is not a process of creation in the traditional sense; it is a natural manifestation of the infinite consciousness, appearing as the world. All notions of "subject," "object," and "experience" arise within this consciousness. At the core, there is no true separation between them; they are simply one continuous flow of reality, like a dream.
The Light of Consciousness Before and After Creation
Rama seeks clarification on how the light of consciousness shines before and after creation. Vasistha responds by explaining that the light of consciousness shines naturally within oneself. Before creation, there was no duality—no "subject" and "object." However, through ignorance, this division arose, leading to the perception of the world as separate from the observer. In truth, however, the light of consciousness pervades all things, and the entire world-appearance is nothing but a reflection of this light.
This light is eternal, unchanging, and all-encompassing. It is present at all times, whether in the dream world, the waking world, or even in the deep sleep state. In all these states, it is Brahman that shines, and the world is merely its projection. Once this truth is realized, the illusion of separation vanishes, and one experiences the pure consciousness that is Brahman.
The Illusion of Samsara: Birth and Death as Illusions
Rama reflects on the nature of samsara and the illusion of birth, death, and the cycles of existence. Vasistha reassures him that the appearance of birth and death is an illusion, born out of ignorance. When one attains self-knowledge, these notions are dispelled. Just as a dream feels real while one is asleep, the experiences of the waking world seem real until one awakens to the truth of Brahman.
Vasistha further explains that in the ultimate reality, there is no birth, no death, and no suffering. These are simply illusions created by the mind's attachment to duality. When one realizes the truth of Brahman, these illusions dissolve. The "world" is not a separate entity; it is Brahman itself manifesting in diverse forms, but at the core, it is all one.
Realization of Brahman and the Nature of Illusion
Vasistha explains that the world of dualities—good and evil, pleasure and pain—exists only as long as there is ignorance. Once ignorance is transcended through self-knowledge, the world is understood as non-existent. It has no independent reality. The illusion of samsara arises because of the mind's attachment to these notions, but once these attachments are dissolved, one sees the truth: that all is Brahman.
The enlightened person experiences the world as it truly is—without distinction between the seer, the seen, and the process of seeing. They live in the world but are unaffected by its illusions. The mind is no longer driven by desire, and actions are performed spontaneously and effortlessly, like a lamp illuminating the room without any concern for its light.
The Final Liberation: Understanding the Non-Dual Nature of Reality
Rama realizes that the pursuit of liberation is not about transcending the world or escaping samsara. It is about realizing the non-dual nature of existence. Brahman is not something that is separate from the world, nor is it a distant entity. It is the essence of everything—both the manifest and the unmanifest.
Vasistha encourages Rama to understand that once the illusion of duality is transcended, there is no longer any fear of birth or death. The individual ego dissolves into the infinite consciousness, and one remains in the state of pure being. There is no longer a need for spiritual striving, as everything is already Brahman.
Rama’s Realization and Peace
Rama, after hearing these teachings, reaches a state of deep realization. He recognizes that the world-appearance is a product of the mind's ignorance. Once this ignorance is removed through self-knowledge, the world is seen for what it truly is—Brahman in its purest form. He understands that there is no true division between the self and the world, between the experiencer and the experience. All distinctions dissolve into the one reality, and this realization brings Rama to a state of perfect peace and liberation.
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