Home » Lessons on Vedanta » Panchadashi Lessons » Panchadashi Module - F: Essence of Picture of Life » Panchadashi Unit - F02: Analysis of Scenario » Panchadashi Lesson - F0211: Analysis of Self Universe GOD

Panchadashi Lesson - F0211: Analysis of Self Universe GOD

Panchadashi
Module - F
Unit - F02
Lesson - F0211: Analysis of Self Universe GOD
By Raja Subramaniyan

The enquiry is the primary method to reach the ultimate destination of Joyful Living. The enquiry has to be done on Self, GOD and Universe because we are currently holding on to the lower level of truth in all these three aspects. Due to the limitations of our five sense organs, we receive inadequate information to comprehend the whole truth. In this situation, it is essential to get the inputs from the Scriptures and do the enquiry. We need to understand the meaning of:

1. The real meaning of the word 'I' (Self)
2. The literal meaning of the word 'I' (Ego)
3. The meaning of the word 'GOD'

If we arrive at the truth of these three items then we will get the clarity that the universe is an illusion on the nameless, formless and attributeless ONE.

To facilitate the enquiry, we will now consider an example in which space is perceived in four ways as described below:

1. Pot Space
2. Space that is reflected in the pot water
3. Space that is reflected in the water droplets that make up a cloud
4. Space

In reality, there is only one space. It appears to be many due to the presence of various adjuncts like pot water and cloud water.

Now we compare the

Space with ONE
Pot with Physical body
Water in the Pot with Subtle body (Including Mind)
Pot Space with Real meaning of the word 'I' (Self)
Reflected Space in the Pot water with Literal meaning of the word 'I' (Ego)
Water droplets constituting cloud with Impressions constituting Causal Body
Cloud with Universe (An illusion - Power of ONE)
Reflected Space in the cloud with GOD

At the causal body level, we cannot talk about our independent individual body. Our impressions are the result of our actions in all our previous births. The cumulative impressions of all the living beings have resulted as this universe.

Statement 22: ONE can be compared with space.

Space is the one, which provides place for everything in the universe.

ONE is the substratum of the universe.

Space is unlimited.

ONE is infinite.

Space is not reduced when it is accommodating other objects.

ONE remains unchanged whether the universe is manifested or not.

Space cannot be constrained by anything.

ONE cannot be constrained by the universe.

Space is all-pervasive.

ONE is omnipresent.

Space is accommodating everything in the universe.

ONE is supporting the universe (including the space).

Space is part less, class less and non dual.

ONE is also part less, class less and non dual.

Space is changeless

ONE is also changeless

Following are the differences between Space and ONE

Space is part of the creation and therefore subject to arrival and departure. ONE is eternally present.

Space is inert and does not have intelligence,

ONE is Ever Witnessing Joy.

Statement 23: Our physical body can be compared with a pot.

Pot is made up of clay. The constituent of our physical body is not very different from it. In scientific terms if we break up to, atomic level there will not be any difference between the pot and our physical body.

Both are inert objects made up of five basic elements.

Both were created at certain point of time.

Both will decay and disintegrate.

Both need maintenance in order to be useful.

Both will be no more after a certain point of time.

Both have the three limitations namely Object, Space and Time.

Both are subjected to cause-effect principle.

Both are used by us. (Pot is used for storing the water. Body is used for living)

All of us know that we are different from the pot but many of us do not know that we are different from the body.

Statement 24: Our subtle body can be compared with the water in the pot.

Water has the capability to reflect the space. Subtle body (mind) has the capability to reflect ONE

Water is inert matter. Mind is also inert matter.

Water in the pot is limited. Subtle body (mind) is also limited.

Water in the pot appears to be very deep because it is reflects the infinite space above. Mind appears to be sentient because it reflects the consciousness.

Water in the pot distracts our attention from the space in the pot by reflecting the space outside. Mind, by appearing to be an independent live entity, distracts our attention from our real self, ONE, by reflecting the ONE

The pot without water looks lifeless. Body without subtle body (during deep sleep mind is absent) looks lifeless.

All of us know that the water is different from the pot but many of us do not know that the mind is different from body (brain).

Statement 25: The real meaning of 'I' (Self) can be compared with the Pot-Space.

Pot Space is the space that is contained by the pot.

I appear to be contained by my physical body.

The space within the pot is not any different from the space outside the pot.

There is no difference between me and ONE.

Pot space has a special status since it can be used unlike the open space.

I have special status since I can use my physical body/mind unlike ONE.

Space supports the existence of pot and the water in the pot.

I support the existence of my physical and subtle body.

The space is the basis on which the pot exists.

ONE is the substratum on which the universe is manifested.

Both inside the pot and outside the pot the all pervading space exists.

I am omnipresent.

The clay in the shape of a pot appears to enclose a small portion of the space and define the volume of the pot.

The physical body appears to enclose me and give me a form and name.

The pot space is used for storing any contents.

I can do transactions in the world as long as I have access to the body/ mind.

Pot space is not limited by pot but appears to be limited by it.

Similarly, I am not limited by this body but I think I am limited by it.

Space is changeless which accommodates changes in everything.

I am the changeless ONE, which accommodates all changes in the universe.

Statement 26: The literal meaning of 'I' (Ego) can be compared with the Reflected-Space in the pot water.

The pot water appears to hold the space with the stars and the moon. It is obviously false since the space within the pot cannot hold the stars and the moon. Therefore, reflection is not real. It just represents the real space.

Reflected space appears to be limited by the boundaries of the pot. However, the real space is not limited by the pot.

Similarly, the literal meaning of the word 'I' is just a reflection of the original ONE.
ONE is infinite. It is omnipresent.
I seem to be finite, mortal and ignorant due to the constraint imposed by the body
The universe which includes the space, pot and my body are illusion that is projected on my real self (ONE) because of my power of illusion. However, my mind (which is also part of the illusion) is not aware of this truth.

My mind is also an inert object and I illumine the mind. However, my mind assumes an independent entity (called Ego) which is shielding me.

The water in the pot is creating the reflection of the space above. This reflection is distracting our attention from the real space that is contained in the pot. We do not see the pot space and expect the pot to contain unlimited space within it.

Similarly, my mind, which is housed in my body, is capable of reflecting the infinite and omnipresent ME. This reflection is the ego. This ego is distracting my attention from the real ME and makes me believe that I am the limited ego but at the same time raise my expectation to become immortal.

The water in the pot is supported by the space within the pot. If there is no space in the pot, the water cannot be inside the pot. However, due to its inherent power to reflect the space, water distracts our attention from the space it is occupying. Similarly, if there is no mind we cannot perceive ONE. However, due to its inherent limitation, our mind distracts our attention away from ONE, the real ME.

Water and pot are changing all the time and space is changeless. It supports all the changes. I (ONE) am changeless and I support all the changes in the changing universe, which includes my body and mind.

Statement 27: The universe can be compared with the clouds.

Water bearing cloud has the capability to reflect the space.

The orderly functioning of the universe is reflecting the power of ONE.

Water in the cloud is wide and expansive unlike the water in the pot and reflects the space without any distortion or limitation.

Universe also reflects ONE without any distortion or limitation. There is no edge (limitation) to the universe.

Statement 28: GOD can be compared to the Reflected Space in the cloud water.

The cloud water reflects the space with all the stars and the moon. It is obviously false since the cloud cannot hold stars and the moon. Therefore, reflection is not real. It just represents the real.

Reflected space also appears to be unlimited since the cloud is huge.

GOD is appears to be infinite, omnipresent and omnipotent but it is the reflection of ONE.

ONE is the only reality. GOD is a reflection (and hence an illusion) which appears very similar to the original.

It is not possible to see the reflection of space in the cloud. It can only be inferred.

It is not possible to perceive god directly and it can only be inferred. Everything that we see is God. However, God is not limited to what we perceive. His omnipresence can only be inferred and not perceived.

Panchadashi Lesson - F0210: What should we do? << Home >>

Requires Log-in
Log-in Required Register * Log-in * Log-out

Online Books

All Rights Reserved. Unauthorised Copying, Distribution and Publication of these Online Books
without the prior written permission of the Publishers or Translators are prohibited.
MySQL: 0.0648 s * PHP: 0.8142 s * Total: 0.8790 s
Document Retrieved from database.
Copyright © 2002-2012 Celextel Enterprises Pvt. Ltd.
Vedanta Spiritual Library is Powered by MODx CMS.
Wednesday * May 23, 2012 * 06:53 AM [IST]

Rama

Swami Vivekananda

Sri Ramakrishna

Sarada Devi

Krishna