Home » Lessons on Vedanta » Panchadashi Lessons » Panchadashi Module - G: Joyful Living » Panchadashi Unit - G02: To be this ONE » Panchadashi Lesson G0209: Gaining Knowledge

Panchadashi Lesson G0209: Gaining Knowledge

Panchadashi
Module - G
Unit - G02
Lesson G0209: Process of gaining the knowledge
By Raja Subramaniyan

Our sense organs are our primary source of knowledge. Data from the external world is collected and fed into the mind at the request of the mind. This data is then converted as knowledge by the mind as described below:

The mind travels through our sense organs to the external world and brings back the information. Then it is converted as knowledge.

Example: When someone says, "Look at this", we send our thoughts through our eyes. The thoughts then pervade the object and take the form of the object. Now there are two objects. One is the physical object that lies in the external world. The second is the thought object in our mind.

The mind is also an inert object just like the external object except for one difference. It appears live because it has the capacity to reflect ONE. This reflection called EGO illumines the thought object. Because of this, we become aware of the object or in other words, we gain the knowledge of the object.

Thus, the process of gaining knowledge consists of two steps. The mind forms the thought (of an object) and then the EGO illumines the thought.

However, with respect to the knowledge of 'I am this ONE', it is a single step process. The first step alone is enough to gain this knowledge. When we enquire on the meaning of the sentence "YOU ARE THAT" we ultimately understand that our true self is changeless ever-witnessing joy. The object of this knowledge is the self. Unlike as in the case of the external object, self does not require further illumination to be converted as knowledge.

Example: In a dark room, we use torch light. All the objects in the room could be seen only when they are illumined by the light coming from the torch. However if we are to see the torch light in a mirror, we recognize it instantly. The reflection of the light does not require any further illumination. It is self-revealing.

Similarly, the knowledge about the self is self-revealing and it does not require the EGO to reveal it. Not only it is not required, but also it is not possible for the EGO to reveal the self. EGO is the reflection of self. Therefore, it cannot reveal self.

Example: To continue the same example the light coming out of torch light cannot illumine the light in the reflection. Not that there is no reflection but the reflected light is not required to be illumined by the torch light

ONE is reflected in the mind. The reflection is called EGO. The EGO is required to gain the objective knowledge. Whatever knowledge we gain is with the help of this EGO. We receive inputs through our sense organs and corresponding thoughts are formed in the mind. Such thoughts are to be illumined by the EGO (reflected consciousness) in order to convert them as knowledge. Therefore, the EGO is an essential component in gaining the objective knowledge.

With respect to the knowledge of the subject (self-knowledge), gaining knowledge is a single step process. We use the scripture in place of the sense organs to get data about our real self (ONE). Once we understand the meaning of the sentence, "I am this ONE" corresponding thought about the subject is formed in our mind. However, such thoughts need not be illumined by the EGO since the subject is our real self, and the EGO is a mere reflection.

Example: Moon reflects the light from the sun. We need the moonlight to see the world in the night. Nevertheless, to see the sun in the morning we do not need the moon. The moon may be still there in the morning sky. It may even continue to reflect the light from the sun. However, such reflected light is of no consequence for perceiving the sun.

Similarly, ONE is the original source. The knowledge "I am this ONE' is gained through enquiry and corresponding thoughts are formed in the mind. The EGO need not and cannot illumine such thoughts to convert them as knowledge.

However, during the night the reflected light is essential. Similarly, while we are ignorant we need the EGO to perceive the world. Even after gaining the wisdom in order to perceive the illusory world we need the EGO, which is a part of the illusion.

Example: To play a game of monopoly or trade, one requires artificial money. A rich man still needs the fake money to be in the game.

Similarly, the world is an illusion. Our body/ mind complex is also part of the illusion. We need this illusory body/mind complex to transact in this illusory world. However, we need to be aware of the reality all the time. In reality, we know that the very same ONE, which is me, pervades into everything in the universe.

Once this knowledge is gained, it is permanent. Nevertheless, it may not be steady at all times. In order to be of use any knowledge it should be steady.

Example: Suppose the rich man playing the game of monopoly forgets that he is rich, he will feel miserable if he does not have enough fake money.

Such is the case with the knowledge "I am this ONE", if it is not steady. We may not remember this in our day-to-day life, which will result in continued suffering as if we do not have the knowledge. Those without this knowledge are ignorant thinking "I am this body/mind complex" and are caught in the miseries of life. Nevertheless, those who gained the true knowledge may also suffer until the true knowledge becomes steady.

Panchadashi Lesson G0208: Method of Enquiry << Home >> Panchadashi Lesson G0210: Steady Knowledge

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: 0.0766 s * PHP: 0.5305 s * Total: 0.6071 s
Document Retrieved from database.
Copyright © 2002-2012 Celextel Enterprises Pvt. Ltd.
Vedanta Spiritual Library is Powered by MODx CMS.
Wednesday * February 22, 2012 * 11:37 PM [IST]

Rama

Swami Vivekananda

Sri Ramakrishna

Sarada Devi

Krishna