Ancient Knowledge from Indian Texts

Day 231:  Understanding Samsara and the Dream of the Jiva Introduction to Samsara Samsara , the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, is essentially the original dream of the jiva (individual soul). Unlike the fleeting dreams we experience during sleep, this dream is perceived as our waking reality. Consequently, what we consider our wakeful state is actually a dream. The jiva transitions from one dream to another, mistaking these dreams for reality while ignoring the true reality. The dream of the jiva is not like the dream of a regular person; it is experienced as the wakeful state. This long dream of the jiva materializes instantly, even though it is unreal and unsubstantial. The jiva moves from one dream to another within that dream. As the misconception of the dream as reality becomes stronger, the dream is experienced as real, and the true reality is ignored. The Cosmic Consciousness The entire universe is but a manifestation within the cosmic consciousness, housing fourt...

Day 230 - Vasistha continued Consciousness sees whatever it imagines as existing. Its concepts and notions are never barren. Just as a golden bracelet is both gold (reality) and bracelet (appearance), the self includes both consciousness and the notion of materiality. Consciousness is omnipresent and is present wherever a notion arises. A dreamer imagines living in different places, moving from one to another. Similarly, the  jiva  moves from one body to another, with the body being just a reflection of the  jiva 's notion. The unreal body dies and is reborn in another unreal body. In a dream, one experiences both seen and unseen things, just like the  jiva  in its experiences of the world. Overcoming Past Habits and Liberation Past mistakes can be corrected through self-effort today, and past habits can be overcome similarly. However, the notions of  jiva -hood and the functioning of senses can't be eliminated without achieving liberation. Until then, they...

Day 229 -  The Story of Arjuna Vasistha's Teaching on Consciousness and Creation Vasistha continued: Just as the cosmic body, made of intelligence-energy and cosmic elements, arises as a notion in infinite consciousness, all other bodies ( puryastaka or subtle bodies) arise similarly. Whatever the jiva (subtle body) imagines while still in the womb, it perceives as real. The cosmic elements and senses evolve in the microcosm just as they do in the macrocosm, though they aren't actually created. These descriptions are just for teaching purposes. The ideas used in instruction vanish upon deeper enquiry. When you closely observe ignorance, it disappears. The unreal is based on unreality, like the water in a mirage, which isn't real. Truth reveals the reality of all things and makes delusion vanish. The self is real. Terms like jiva and puryastaka (subtle body) are unreal, and investigating them is exploring their unreality! We use these terms to explain the unreal nature o...

Day 228 - The Continuation of Rama and Vasistha's Dialogue Rama's Inquiry on Sensory Experience Rama said: "What is to be known is known, what is to be seen is seen; we are all filled with the supreme truth, thanks to the nectarine wisdom of Brahman imparted by you. This fullness is filled with fullness. Fullness is born from fullness. Fullness fills fullness. In fullness, fullness is ever established. However, for the further expansion of awareness, I ask again: pray bear with me. The sense-organs are obviously present in all: yet how is it that the dead person does not experience sensations, though while living he experienced their objects through those organs?" Vasistha's Explanation of Consciousness and Perception Vasistha continued: "Apart from pure consciousness, there are neither senses, nor the mind, nor even their objects. It is that consciousness alone which appears as the objects in nature and as the senses in the person. When that consciousness ha...

Day 227 - The Nature of Disturbance in Consciousness Rama asked again: "In that self which is pure consciousness, how does this mild disturbance arise?" Vasistha replied: "I am convinced, O Rama, that the infinite consciousness alone is real and that there is no disturbance at all in its nature. We use words like 'Brahman' for communication, not to imply duality. You, I, and all these things are pure Brahman: there is no ignorance at all." Rama asked again: "But at the end of the previous section, you urged me to inquire into the nature of this ignorance!" Vasistha replied: "Yes, at that time you were not fully awakened. Expressions like 'ignorance' and 'jiva' are aids to instruct the unawakened. Suitable aids (or tricks) awaken the seeker before imparting the knowledge of the truth. Declaring 'All this is Brahman' to an unawakened person is like petitioning a tree for relief. The unawakened are awakened through suitabl...

Day 226 - The Story of the Rock: Part II Understanding the Egosense and Transcendental Consciousness Vasistha continued: "O Rama, all these—the egosense, space, etc.—appear as real substances though they have never truly been created. In the absence of creation, everything is seen. Sages, gods, and perfected beings remain in their transcendental consciousness, experiencing the bliss of their own nature. They have abandoned the illusion of duality, the observer, and the object, along with the consequent movement of thought. Their gaze is fixed and unwinking. The Nature of the Enlightened Sages Unmoved Minds "Though active here, these sages do not entertain even the slightest notion of illusory existence. They are firmly rooted in the abandonment of the relationship between the knower and the known (subject and object). Their life-force remains calm, like painted pictures, with their minds unmoved, having abandoned the conceptualizing tendency of consciousness. They engage in a...

Day 225 - Understanding Creation Time, Space, and Consciousness "Time, space, and other factors in creation are none other than consciousness. When it is realized that all these are but thoughts and notions and that the self is one and indivisible, how can they be regarded as unreal? In the seed, there is nothing but the seed—no diversity. Yet, there is the notion of potential diversity (of flowers, fruits) supposedly present in the seed. Similarly, cosmic consciousness is one, devoid of diversity, yet the universe of diversity exists only in notion. Diversity as Illusion "The stone is single; the notion of numerous lotuses arises only in relation to that single stone. Similarly, the notion of diversity arises in consciousness without causing diversity. Just as water in a mirage both exists and does not exist, diversity in relation to the infinite consciousness is both real and unreal. All is indeed Brahman, the infinite consciousness. The notion of the existence of lotuses i...

Day 224 - The Story of the Rock A Parable of Cosmic Consciousness Vasistha continued: "O Rama, let me share another instructive parable with you. The Rock of Consciousness A Tender, Eternal Rock "There is a great rock, full of tenderness and affection, always clear and obvious, soft, omnipresent, and eternal. Within it, countless lotuses bloom. Their petals sometimes touch each other, sometimes not, sometimes are exposed, and sometimes hidden. Some face downwards, some upwards, and some have intertwined roots. Some have no roots at all. Everything exists within this rock, though they appear not to. Cosmic Consciousness as the Rock "O Rama, this rock is the cosmic consciousness, homogeneous like a rock. Within it, all diverse creatures of the universe seem to appear. Just as one imagines different forms within a rock, the universe is also ignorantly imagined to exist in this consciousness. Even if a sculptor carves different forms from the rock, it remains rock. Similarl...

Day 223 - The Story of the Wood-Apple A Parable of Infinite Consciousness Vasistha continued: "O Rama, let me share with you an instructive parable. The Eternal Wood-Apple An Immeasurable Fruit "There is a wood-apple fruit, unimaginably large, that never decays or perishes despite existing for countless ages. It is the source of the nectar of immortality and indestructibility, and it is the abode of sweetness. Although ancient, it is ever new, like the new moon. It is the heart of the universe, unmoving and unshaken even by cosmic dissolution. This immense wood-apple fruit is the original source of creation. Eternally Ripe "Even when fully ripe, this fruit never falls from its place, nor does it become overripe. Not even Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, or other gods know its origin. No one has seen its seed or the tree it grows on. It simply exists, without beginning, middle, or end, without change or modification. Inside this fruit, there is no diversity; it is completely full,...

Day -222 - The State of Turiya Transcendental Consciousness Rama said:  "Lord, I am free from duality. I realize all is Brahman. My intelligence is purified, without doubts, desires, or questions. I do not desire heaven or fear hell. I remain established in the self. By your grace, I have crossed the ocean of samsara and realized self-knowledge. Unattached Action Vasistha continued:  "O Rama, actions performed without attachment are not true actions. Sensual pleasures are fleeting and repetitive experiences do not bring lasting joy. Only a fool desires such transient pleasures. Pleasure belongs to desire—so give up desire. If you experience the self, do not store it as a memory or egosense. Resting in self-knowledge, avoid falling into the pit of egosense again. Let hopes and notions vanish, and live unattached. Equanimity and Purity Vasistha explained:  "When not engaged in sense-experiences and accepting what comes unsought, you remain in equanimity and purity, free fr...

Day 221 -The Illusory Nature of Perception Jiva's Perception of Reality The Lord said: "The jiva (individual soul) perceives its body and the world within the void, just like a dreamer sees diverse objects within their mind. Even today, cosmic consciousness perceives the universe of diversity within itself, similar to a dreamer perceiving their own dream. Thought-Forms and Egosense The Lord continued: "The jiva thinks of itself as Brahma, Vishnu, etc., but these are just thought-forms. These thought-forms perceive and experience other thought-forms. The primary reality in these perceptions is the egosense, which arises the moment consciousness conceives an object within itself. This moment creates time and space, and in every atom, this self-veiling and self-knowledge drama unfolds, all as thought-forms in cosmic consciousness, which remains unchanged. Dreams and Reality The Lord explained: "A mountain in a dream appears to exist in time and space, but it does not...

Day 220 - Understanding the Cosmic Being Beyond the Mind and Senses The Lord clarified:  "The self or Siva, which is also called 'that', 'truth', or 'reality', exists beyond the senses. Even when the senses cease, this self exists like limitless space. Scriptures use terms like 'consciousness', 'Brahman', 'Siva', 'self', 'Lord', 'supreme self' to awaken spiritual thirst in the ignorant. Though these words imply diversity, in truth, there is no diversity. The True Nature of Consciousness The Lord further explained:  "The truth indicated by terms like 'Brahman' is pure consciousness. Compared to it, even space is as gross as a mountain. This pure consciousness appears as the knowable object and gives rise to the concept of intelligence, though it is not an object of knowledge. A momentary conceptualization gives rise to the ego-sense ('I know'). Creation and Perception The Lord elaborated:  ...

Day 219 - Worship in Everyday Actions Every Action is Worship The Lord said: "Whatever you do, whether you act or refrain from acting, consider it all as worship of the Lord, who is pure consciousness. Recognizing all actions as worship delights the Lord. Likes and Dislikes are Illusions The Lord continued: "Likes, dislikes, attraction, and aversion are not inherent in the self; they are mere words. Concepts like 'sovereignty', 'poverty', 'pleasure', 'pain', 'mine', and 'others' are actually forms of worship of the self, for the conceiving intelligence is the self. True worship of the cosmic being is the knowledge of the cosmic being. The Self as Cosmic Consciousness The Lord elaborated: "The self or cosmic consciousness is what we call 'this world.' It is a mysterious wonder that the self, which is pure consciousness, forgets its nature and considers itself as the individual (jiva). In the cosmic being, there is...

Day 218 -  Internal Worship of the Self Nature of Perpetual Meditation The Lord declared the greatness of internal worship of the self, which purifies completely and destroys all darkness. This worship involves perpetual meditation, whether one is walking, standing, awake, or asleep, in and through all actions. One should contemplate the supreme Lord seated in the heart, bringing about all internal modifications. This internal intelligence should be worshipped with whatever comes unsought, remaining firmly in the stream of life and experiences, bathing in self-knowledge. Contemplation of the Lord One should contemplate the Lord as: The light illumined by solar and lunar forces. The intelligence hidden in all material substances. The awareness flowing through bodily avenues. The prana (life force) that moves in the nose. The transformer of sense contacts into meaningful experiences. The dweller in the heart, throat, middle of the palate, middle of the eyebrows, and tip of the nose. ...

Day - 217 Infinite Consciousness and Creation Sprouting and Sustaining Life The Lord explained that infinite consciousness causes seeds to sprout with the help of earth, water, time, and other elements, eventually becoming food. It makes flowers bloom and allows the nose to smell their fragrance. Similarly, consciousness creates and sustains the substances in the world and their corresponding sense organs using appropriate means, which it also brings into being. The energy of this consciousness can create the entire universe and, by considering "This is not," reduce everything to a void. Reflection and Creation This apparent creation is merely a reflection of consciousness within itself, which seems to have acquired a body over time. The trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva) is both the manifestation of and the cosmic power that determines "So it shall be, and it shall not be otherwise." However, consciousness itself does not create anything; it is like a lamp illuminatin...

Day 216 - Infinite Consciousness The Nature of Divinity Some divinities like Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva are not deceived by cosmic illusion. They share the true nature of infinite consciousness, like red-hot iron sharing the nature of fire. These divinities are not created by infinite consciousness and do not exist separately from it. They are mere notions arising in ignorance. In a way, the supreme being is the father of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Infinite consciousness is the only one worthy of worship, but it is so immediate and omnipresent that no rituals or mantras are needed. Realizing this infinite consciousness effortlessly is the best form of worship. Essence of Awareness Lord Rudra is described as the pure, spontaneous self-experience, the one consciousness in all substances. It is the seed of all seeds, the essence of world appearance, and the cause of all causes, though it does not actually cause anything. It is the awareness in all sentient beings, knowing itself as its own...

Day 215 - The Lord's Explanation Real and Unreal Universe The Lord said that the universe is both real and unreal. The divine being, free of duality, unites and transcends these opposites. Manifest consciousness forms the universe, and the unmanifest universe is consciousness. When consciousness believes "I am this," it becomes bound, but it is freed by this very knowledge. Conceptualizing leads to self-forgetfulness, yet even in diversity and activity, consciousness remains undivided. It is the supremely peaceful Brahman that appears as the universe through the mind and its three modes: sattva, rajas, and tamas, or waking, dreaming, and sleeping. Destroying the Mind's Illusions When the mind destroys itself, the veil of illusion is lifted, and the truth is revealed. The notions of world appearance and individual existence vanish. The clear mind no longer clings to objective perceptions. This state is known as 'pasyanti'. In this pure state, the mind stops ima...

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...

Day 213 -  The Nature of Consciousness VASISTHA continued: The Lord explained further: Functions of Consciousness Consciousness operates in different forms: as space, as life (jiva), as actions, and as substances. This occurs naturally and effortlessly. Just as all oceans are part of one vast body of water, this consciousness, though described in various ways, is one unified mass. In the body, like a lotus, this consciousness experiences life, like a bee gathering honey. In the universe, all beings—gods, demons, mountains, oceans, and more—exist within this infinite consciousness like eddies in the ocean. The wheel of ignorance, which drives the cycle of life and death, also spins within this cosmic consciousness, powered by its constant energy. Consciousness, in the form of the four-armed Visnu, defeats demons, like a thunderstorm quenching the earth's heat. It takes the forms of Siva and Parvati, Brahma the creator, and many other beings. This consciousness is like a mirror holdi...

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...

Day 211 -  Teaching Imparted by Lord Siva Description of the Lord VASISTHA continued: There is the sacred abode of Lord Siva, known as Kailasa. I lived there for some time, devotedly worshipping Lord Siva and practising austerities. I was in the company of perfected sages with whom I engaged in discussions about the truths of the scriptures. One evening, while worshipping Lord Siva, the atmosphere was filled with peace and silence. The darkness in the forest was so dense that it seemed solid. At that moment, I saw a great light in the forest. Using my external sight, I saw the light and, with my insight, I enquired into its nature. I realized it was Lord Siva himself, walking with his consort Parvati. Nandi, his vehicle, walked ahead, clearing the path. I informed my disciples of the divine presence and went to where the Lord was. I saluted Lord Siva and offered him worship. I spent a long time gazing at the divine vision. Lord Siva then asked me, "Is your austerity proceeding wel...

Day - 210 - Vashishta's discourse continues Ego-Sense and Mind Ghost of Egosense : The false notion of the body being real gives rise to the egosense or mind, which creates fear. Laying this ghost allows one to live without fear in the world. Subservience to Egosense Impermanent Body : The body, created by the illusory ghost known as the mind, is impermanent and unstable. Vasishtha urged Rama to give up this subservience and rest in the self. Friends and Relatives Poisonous Actions : Actions done under the influence of the egosense are poisonous and lead to death. The fool, devoid of wisdom and courage, is already dead, like firewood ready for the fire. Mind's Inability to Harm Awakened Intelligence : When the egosense is ignored and abandoned by awakened intelligence, it cannot harm the self, which is infinite consciousness. Play of Egosense Weeping and Wailing : All suffering in the world is the play of the egosense. The self, like space, is unaffected by it. Actions and the ...

Day 209 - The Teachings of Vasishtha to Rama The Enlightened State Vasishtha's Silence : Vasishtha became silent when he noticed Rama completely absorbed in self-realization. After Rama returned to normal consciousness, Vasishtha resumed his discourse. Attaining Self-Knowledge Exalted State : Vasishtha praised Rama for gaining self-knowledge and encouraged him to remain in this elevated state, free from worldly entanglements. The cycle of birth and death (world-appearance) revolves around ideas and thoughts. When these thoughts cease, the world-appearance also ends. Self-Effort and Wisdom Arresting the Wheel : Vasishtha emphasized using supreme self-effort, strength, wisdom, and common sense to restrain thoughts and notions. This is the only way to achieve mastery over the mind, abandoning the false belief in divine intervention. The Illusory Nature of the Body World-Appearance : The world-appearance started with the Creator's thought-force but is inherently false. Bodies, born...

Day - 208 -  Vasistha's Response to Bhusunda Admiration and Departure Vasistha responded to Bhusunda's inspiring account with admiration, blessing him and expressing gratitude for the experience. Bhusunda, in a gesture of friendship, accompanied Vasistha for a distance before they parted ways. Teaching Rama Vasistha then advised Rama to practice pranayama and live like Bhusunda to achieve similar equanimity and peace. Rama's Inquiry The Body's Origin Rama asked Vasistha about the body's origin, its existence, and who dwells within it. Vasistha explained that the body is an illusory appearance, existing only when the mind perceives it as real. The body is experienced during dreams, daydreams, and various activities, but it is ultimately a product of the mind. Illusory Nature of the World Vasistha emphasized that notions like "this is wealth" or "this is the body" are manifestations of the mind's energy and are illusory. The world and its appea...

Day 207 -  Attaining Equanimity Through Pranayama The Practice and Its Benefits By practicing pranayama regularly and systematically, I have achieved a state of purity and unwavering equanimity. This state of samadhi, or total equanimity, remains unshaken, whether I am walking, standing, awake, asleep, or dreaming. With my focus on the self, I rest in the self, unaffected by changes in the world or environment. I have lived this way since the previous cosmic dissolution, constantly staying present and not contemplating the past or future. I act in the present without concern for results, remaining balanced and peaceful. Union of Prana and Apana My state of happiness and health stems from contemplating the moment of union between prana and apana, revealing the self. I avoid vain thoughts of what I have obtained or will gain. I neither praise nor censure anyone or anything, and my mind remains steady, not exulting over good or becoming depressed over what is considered evil. This bal...

Day 206 - The Teachings of Bhusunda on Prana and Apana The Nature of Prana and Apana Bhusunda explained that prana is the vital air in constant motion inside and outside the body, established in the upper part. Apana, similarly in motion, dwells in the lower part. The practice of controlling this life-force brings benefits to both the awake and the asleep. The Movements of Life-Force The natural outflow of the vital force from the heart-lotus is called recaka (exhalation). Contact with the source of the pranic force, located twelve fingers below in the heart-lotus, is known as puraka (inhalation). When both apana and prana cease to move, it is known as kumbhaka (retention). Effortless Movement of Life-Force The vital air moves up to twelve fingers from oneself, known as recaka. When apana remains in dvadasanta like unfashioned potter's clay, it's called external-kumbhaka. When outgoing air moves to the nose's tip, it is recaka; moving to dvadasanta is external-recaka. The s...

Day 205 - The Unshaken Tree Natural and Cosmic Calamities Bhusunda spoke of a wish-fulfilling tree unaffected by natural and cosmic calamities, even during demonic invasions or cosmic dissolutions. This tree's stability provided safety to its inhabitants. Surviving Cosmic Dissolution During cosmic dissolution, Bhusunda abandoned his nest and united with cosmic space, free from thoughts. He practiced specific meditations to remain unaffected by heat, wind, and floods, and stayed in a state akin to deep sleep until the next cosmic cycle began. VASISTHA's Curiosity Vasishtha questioned why others couldn't do what Bhusunda did. Bhusunda explained that it was the supreme being's will, which dictated the nature and fate of each being. His unique thought-force maintained the tree's presence through all cycles. Memories of Epochs Witnessing World Changes Bhusunda remembered a time when the earth was devoid of vegetation and covered in lava, with no day or night except at th...

Day 204 -  Bhusunda's Tale -  The Divine Celebration While the deities reveled in their festivities, their vehicles also became intoxicated and started to dance. Female swans danced alongside the crow, Canda, who was Alambusa's vehicle. Overcome by desire, these swans mated with the crow, leading to their pregnancies. After the celebration, the deities presented Uma's transformed body as food to Lord Hara (Siva). Understanding the truth, Siva was displeased, and the deities restored Uma to her original form, reuniting her with the Lord. The deities then returned to their abodes, and the swans reported everything to the goddess Brahmi. The Aftermath Brahmi acknowledged the swans' pregnancies and advised them to rest and go where they pleased. She then entered deep contemplation. The swans laid twenty-one eggs, which soon hatched, giving birth to twenty-one offspring in the family of Canda, the crow. These offspring, blessed by Brahmi, attained self-knowledge and liberati...

Day 203 -Description of Bhusunda's Person Bhusunda's Characteristics Appearance and Demeanor:  Bhusunda was as dark as a rain-laden cloud, with a composed and tranquil demeanor. His voice was gentle, and he spoke with a pleasant smile, displaying a deep understanding of the three worlds. Knowledge and Wisdom:  He viewed all things with equanimity, weighing the lives of beings by their experiences. His knowledge encompassed both the knowable and the transcendental. Calm and Joyful Presence:  Bhusunda's presence was serene and joyful, exuding calmness. His tranquil mind was familiar with the cycles of birth and death in the world. Eloquent Narration:  After greeting me, Bhusunda began his narration in a melodious voice, likening it to the delightful rumbling of a rainy cloud. Manners of the Matrika Goddesses Bhusunda's Origin from the Matrikas Divine Associations:  Bhusunda explained his origin from the Matrika goddesses, who were associated with the god Shiva. He...