Panchadasi Lessons

Joyful Living
Based on Dvaitha Viveka Prakaranam of Panchadashi
by Vidyaranya Swamigal
Dedicated to Swami Paramarthananda
By Raja Subramaniyan

Index
Module A: Understanding the ONE
Module B: Understanding the FIVE elements
Module C: Understanding the FIVE sheaths
Module D: Understanding the TWO creations
Module E: Understanding the FOUR sayings
Module F: Essence of the Picture of Life
Module G: Essence of Joyful Living
Module H: Essence of Life
Module I: Essence of Living in Meditation
Module J: Essence of the Drama of Life
Module K: Joy of the Practice
Module L: Joy of the Inner Self
Module M: Joy of the Oneness
Module N: Joy of the Knowledge
Module O: Joy of the World

Module: A
Understanding ONE

Contents:
Unit 01 Introduction to the course
Unit 02 Introduction to ONE
Unit 03 Introduction to Delusion
Unit 04 Introduction to Creation
Unit 05 Introduction to Eternal Cycle
Unit 06 Introduction to Five Sheaths
Unit 07 Inquiry (1st step to knowledge)
Unit 08 Introspection (2nd step to knowledge)
Unit 09 Inner Transformation (3rd step to knowledge)
Unit 10 Initiation to the benefits of the knowledge

Unit 01
Introduction to the Course
Number of Sessions: 1

On completion of this unit, the student will be able to
(a) Define Joyful Living
(b) Understand the only purpose of living

Notes to the teacher: (Ref 1.1 and 1.2 of the original text)

Give a general overview of the goals of all human beings in the world and explain how spiritual pursuit is related to the remaining three human pursuits.

Introduce Scriptures as a means to achieve the goals in life.

It is expected that the students see the gross picture that
- every material pursuit will ultimately end with spiritual pursuit
- spiritual pursuit alone will lead them to Joyful Living

Goal is Joyful Living – Only means to Joyful Living is to gain Knowledge – Only means to knowledge is from

- Scriptures
- Competent Teacher
- Sustained enquiry by the student.

Explain Gajendra Moksha – Elephant/ Living being – Crocodile/ Delusion (loss of freedom –bondage- and increasing pain called samsara) – Sudharshana Chakra/ Self-Knowledge

The enquiry by the student is essential because they have wrong knowledge about the meaning of ‘I’.

Unit Test:
1. What are the two requirements to gain Joyful Living?
2. It is suggested that we should question and seek scientific explanation in spiritual pursuit. TRUE or FALSE
3. Compare the objectives of Intelligent Quest and Emotional Quest and discuss the possibility of finding a solution to both these quests
4. How do you expect to solve all the problems of the world by learning this subject ‘Joyful Living’?

Lesson 1: Introduction
Session: A01

Joyful Living means living life with,
- Non-diminishing happiness
- Undisturbed peace, calmness, serenity and internal quietness
- Everlasting security
- Complete satisfaction, sense of fulfillment and contentment
- Full of love, kindness, compassion and affection
- Total acceptance of all the events and behavior of everyone
It also means living without ever
- Getting angry, upset or frustrated
- Harboring vengeance, disgust or suspicion
- Feeling jealous, hatred, animosity or irritation
- Being affected by boredom, loneliness or separation
- Fearing, worrying or having anxiety
- Having guilty consciousness, shame, self-pity or sorrow for others
- Being stressed out with tension
- Having pressure to perform or feeling inadequate

The possibility of gaining such Joyful Living is within the reach of highly intelligent people who have access to the right teaching. Both these (Intelligence and Right teaching) are essential requirements and there are no alternative paths available to reach Joyful Living.

Human pursuits in life appear to be many. Each person apparently has a goal in life. However, on deep enquiry it can be shown that there is only one goal in life for everyone and that is to live joyfully. Without knowing this fact, ignorant people pursue different goals in life. Their apparent goals keep changing because they are not happy or contented even after achieving their goals.

People use science and religion alternatively to achieve their goals. The same person, who uses intelligence extensively in the professional career, keeps it on hold when it comes to religious pursuit and accepts all the traditional faiths without questioning. The truth is all the religions have a perfectly logical and scientific basis, which is open to questioning by an inquisitive mind. Therefore, anyone who is capable of performing well in the professional life should be able to excel in the field of spirituality, which will lead to Joyful Living.

There is a link between science and religion. Science deals with our intelligent quest and religion with our emotional quest. These two quests cannot be solved independently, since the ultimate destination for both the quests is the same.

Intelligent Quest: From time immemorial man has always wanted to find out the origin and limits of the universe. He is striving to find the root cause for the entire creation and where we are heading. This eternal search is leading us into bigger mysteries rather than solving them.

Emotional Quest: Man is also trying to find out ways and means to live happily with complete security and peace. He wants to avoid all sorts of negative emotions and live joyfully. With progressive economic development and globalization initiatives, one is hoping to end this ever-elusive search soon. However, the end of the tunnel is not yet visible.

There is a link between this Intelligence Quest (science) and Emotional Quest (religion) which is not very obvious. That is the reason one needs a right teacher who can show this link. Once we understand this link, both our quests will end and our life will be transformed.

This course attempts to explain this link by discussing the nature and function of GOD. Following features make this course unique.

It does not prescribe or advocate any fixed ideas or beliefs

It deals with the ‘here and now’ aspect of our life and not with after-life.

It expects understanding on the part of the students and does not prescribe any dos and don’ts without logical reasoning.

Role of intelligence

Intelligence is defined as “The capacity to acquire and apply knowledge”. High degree of intelligence is required to reach the goal of Joyful Living.

It is important for the student to approach this subject with an attitude of “What is in it for me?” He should primarily be interested in the benefit that is to be derived (removal of ignorance leading to Joyful Living) and not pursue this as a pass time activity or sheer intellectual exercise.

The students should validate the teaching through their own personal experience in life and then internalize it. Knowledge is transferred in a systematic process in this course and absorption of the knowledge is very essential at each step. This will require logical reasoning and analytical skills on the part of the student.

The students, irrespective of their religious background, are expected to have an open mind for investigation to find the ultimate truth. Holding on to any faith/ belief blindly, will be an obstacle.

The objective of this course is to enable the students reach the goal of Joyful Living. Mere reading and understanding this course will not bring about Joyful Living. This course is similar to a travel guide giving the route map and the details of the destination. After gaining sufficient understanding, one has to undertake the journey and reach the destination (of Joyful Living)

There is no requirement to change the life style or shift the priorities or focus in order to travel in this path. Every one is free to continue their life as they do now with the right understanding of why they are doing what they are doing.

The understanding that every human being is doing the right thing and following the right path will be the result of this understanding. It is like a river flowing towards the sea. Every river will ultimately find the way to the destination. Nevertheless, if the site map is made available the river can reach the destination faster and more efficiently. This course offers that option.

Benefits of doing this course

1. This course will present hitherto unknown facts, which will appeal to any intelligent person. The logical analysis will make the reading very interesting.
2. There will be a paradigm shift in the way we look at the world after reading / understanding the contents of this module.
3. If the prescribed path is followed, the student will find the whole world as a theme park and life will turn into an eternal picnic
4. This course will serve as an illustrated road map to Joyful Living.
How the benefits will accrue:
1. The student should have an inquisitive mind and not be oriented towards getting a certificate at the end of the course.
2. The student should take the required time and effort to follow the route map suggested in this book and reach the destination of Joyful Living.

By following the path shown by this book, one can reach the destination of Joyful Living.

- As a person travels in the path towards Joyful Living, a crisis in life will start appearing as a problem and a problem in life will start appearing as just another situation, progressively.
- In the initial stages of the path, he will look forward to Monday as eagerly as he looks forward to the weekend.
- In the advanced stages of the path, he will not be tired of doing work. He will come back home as freshly as he left for work in the morning, since working will be joyful.
- On reaching the destination, he will have nothing to gain from the external world and consequently he will have no duties to perform. All his actions will have one single motive: Compassion and welfare of fellow human beings.
- He will love everyone and will hate no one.


Unit 02
Introduction to ONE
Number of Sessions 10
(02 to 11)
Number of Lessons 8
(02 to 09)

On completion of this Unit, the student will be able to
(a) Define ONE with its three perceptions
(b) Identify the basis of the universe
(c) Understand the meaning of the phrase ‘You Are That’

Notes to the teacher: (Ref 1.3 to 1.9 of the original text)

Give a general overview of ONE and discuss how it is related to God and living beings. Water - Ocean – Wave example.

Describe Ever Witnessing Joy nature of ONE.

Discuss the role of logic and Scriptures in understanding God.

Discuss Transient Logic

Unit Test:
Session A11
1. How is ONE different from one? (Lesson 2)
2. What is enlightenment? (Lesson 2)
3. Explain why there is no more than one knower (Lesson 3 & 4)
4. How is it possible to know the knower? (Lesson 3 & 4)
5. Why cannot the knower be changing with time? (Lesson 5)
6. Prove that the knower is eternal. (Lesson 6)
7. Define the term ‘object’. (Lesson 8)
8. Prove that self is a source of happiness (Lesson 8)
9. Is the self is the only source of happiness? (Lesson 8)
10. What are the implications of Secrets of Life? (Lesson 9)

Lesson 2: Understanding ONE
Session: A02

‘ONE’ is the subject matter. It is not the same as the first of the numerals.

When there are many apples, we begin counting them One, Two, Three etc. Assume there is only one apple in the world. Then we need not say ‘one apple’. Just the word ‘Apple’ is enough to refer to that object.

Assume there is only this ‘Apple’ in the world and there are no other fruits in the world. Now we do not even have to say ‘Apple’. We can just say ‘Fruit’ since it is the only one.

A fruit is different from a vegetable. Assume that there are no vegetables in the world except ‘the fruit’. Now we can no longer call that a ‘fruit’ and need a new word to represent the object.

Finally assume that there is nothing else in the creation except that one. What can it be referred to as? It has to be ONE!

This ONE is nameless, formless and without attributes and therefore cannot be perceived by our five senses. This is the subject matter of all the religions in the world. Millions of words in the Scriptures describe this ONE saying that it is beyond words.

ONE cannot be comprehended by the mind. Nevertheless, the mind is the only tool to know ONE! By proper study of Scriptures, the mind can comprehend the truth that ONE is beyond the comprehension of the mind, which means the mind has comprehended ONE and that is enlightenment!

In this module, we shall explain ONE logically. The Scriptures will guide this logic. Mere logic will lead us nowhere. Since ONE is beyond the reach of our five primary source of knowledge, we need to depend on the sixth primary source of knowledge, namely the Scriptures. Just as we cannot validate the information received from the other five sources of knowledge, the information received from the Scriptures cannot be validated. However, we are expected to use our sixth sense (Sense of discrimination) and logic to understand the information revealed in Scriptures and not blindly believe in any information.

No mystical experience form part of any step. Nor any super human effort is required. It is purely logical all the way. Only consistent enquiry coupled with deep desire to know the ultimate truth will enable us to comprehend ONE.

ONE, which is nameless, formless and attributeless, is being explained based on its three perceptions namely Knower, Existence and Happiness.

Lesson 3: Introduction to the KNOWER
Session: A02

Statement 1: In the creation, there are many different objects.

Objects in the universe vary from each other in terms of specific name, form, content and other attributes.

Each object creates separate thoughts in our minds because of these varied attributes, when we perceive them through our five sense organs.

Statement 2: The knower of these objects is different from the objects known.

The term ‘objects’ means everything in the universe, which includes stars, solar system, earth and all its contents.

The term ‘knower’ means the one who is aware of/ conscious of the existence of these various objects.

Subject is different from the object.

We are aware of our body and mind. Therefore, our own body-mind complex is also included in the term ‘Object’.

Statement 3: What is known cannot be the knower.

This is a purely a logical statement. Can fire burn fire? No. Therefore, we derive the statement ‘What is burnt is not fire’. Similarly, the function of the knower is to know. Can knower know the knower?

By definition, it is not possible to know the knower.

Our body-mind complex is an object. The knower is the subject. Who is aware of this subject? This question cannot be answered because it is the function of the subject to know and to be aware.

As fire cannot burn itself, the knower cannot know himself. Therefore, the knower is independent and different from what is known.

Does knower exist, if yes, who is the knower?

Lesson 4: YOU are the KNOWER
Session: A03

Statement 4: You are the Knower/Observer/Awareness/Consciousness/Witness

Since we are aware of objects, we are aware that a knower exists. That knower is our real self, which powers the mind and lends sentiency to the body-mind complex.

For example if some one asks, ‘Do you know German language’ the knower looks at the mind and checks if there is knowledge of German Language. If it is there the answer is ‘I know’ else the answer is ‘I do not know’.

This ‘I’, who knows whether the knowledge is there or not there, is the knower.

Example: The driver of a car is independent of the car. Similarly the body/mind complex is a vehicle driven by the knower.

This knower is not a part, product or property of the body-mind complex.

Knower is an independent, immortal and invisible entity.

Knower enlivens the body-mind complex.

Knower is not limited by the boundaries of the body-mind complex.

Since YOU are aware of YOUR body-mind complex, YOU are the KNOWER.

Statement 5: The knower is one but the objects known are many.

The assumption that there is one knower within each human being is not tenable because knower is not different. Knower does not have any form, smell and such properties, which can be perceived by our senses. Knower is the subject and all the perceived properties belong to the objects. Therefore, there is no difference in knower.

In order to be different, it is already shown (Ref Statement 1) that the objects should have separate and specific properties. There are differences in the bodies, minds and such objects perceived in the world. The perceiving knower does not vary person to person in any way.

Electricity is only one. The electricity that powers a television and the electricity that illumines the bulb are the same. Similarly, objects known are different but the knower of the objects is only one. The fact knower is only one is not obvious because we are under the impression that the body/mind complex is the knower. In Statement 4, it is already shown that the knower is different from the mind/body complex.

Statement 6: The knower is known indirectly.

There are many minds in the creation. All these minds are illumined by one knower. The illumining knower can be known only indirectly based on the objects illumined.

Example: When we see an object, we see two things. First is the object and the second is the light. If there is just the object and no light, we do not see anything. If there is just the light and no object, we still do not see anything. In order to perceive that there is light we need objects because we cannot see/perceive pure light directly.

In outer space, if an astronaut looks away from sun, he will see total darkness (except stars…source of lights) although the sun might be just behind him. The bright light from sun is not visible to the astronomer at all. An object that is illuminated by the sunlight is required to be present in front of the perceiver to perceive the existence of the sunlight.

Similarly, the knower illumines the mind and therefore we see the knower indirectly.

Statement 7: The knower appears to be different but in reality, it is one.

The knower is the experiencer with reference to a specific experience. The same knower assumes the role of experiencer experiencing varied experiences. If there are no experiences, as in the deep sleep state, the knower is present as one.

Example: A swami (sanyasi) has no relations. Nevertheless, when a group of disciples assembles in front of him, he is called Guru. The attributes of the swami (like height/ weight etc) do not change just because the swami is functioning as a guru now. The status is relational and keeps changing.

With reference to a specific relative, the same person is called by different titles like Uncle / Brother/ Father/ Son etc. If there are no relatives, none of these title hold good.

Similarly, there is only one knower but many objects (Objects include living beings). In relation to each living being, the knower has a specific experience.

Experience is the result of the knower encountering objects through the body/mind complex. The difference is only in the objects and not in the knower.

The knower illumines the mind that then perceives many objects. When an object is seen, a thought is created. Then the knower experiences the object.

Knower + Mind (with a thought) = Experiencer (In the waking stage)

Knower + Mind (With dream thoughts) = Experiencer (In the dream stage)

Knower + Mind (No thoughts) = Experiencer of the deep sleep.

When one person sees the pot, he gets pot experience. When another person sees the cot, he gets cot experience. It appears that there are two experiencers. Nevertheless, in truth there is only one knower that appears to be different experiencers since two different body/mind complexes are involved.

Example: If sun is reflected in multiple mirrors, it appears to be multiple suns.

Similarly, the same knower illumines different body/mind complexes and appears to be more than one knower.

Each mirror appears to be the source of light since it reflects the light from sun. Similarly, each human being assuming the role of knower perceives others as independent entities.

A man could be a good father and a bad son. The ‘good’ and ‘bad’ are the attributes with respect to the role played by him and do not belong to the absolute person.

Similarly, male, female, animal etc are the attributes that belong to the object (body/ mind complex) and the experiencer (Knower) is one and is not changed/ affected by the objects.

Lesson 5: Knower is Continuous/ Unchanging
Session: A04

Transient Logic: Objects can be stated discrete / moving/ changing with reference to something (knower) that is continuous / non-moving/ unchanging.

Example: Thread is one continuous object that holds many discrete pearls. If the thread is discrete, it cannot hold the discrete pearls together.

Movement of the train could be experienced only with reference to the nonmoving platform.

An owner of a small restaurant opens it in the morning. Employees, customers and other vendors arrive and depart. The owner can not report on arrival and departure of everyone if he has changed in between.

Statement 8: The knower does not change but the objects are changing.

If knower is also changing, it is not possible to perceive the changes in the objects. In order to observe a change, the observer needs to be changeless.

In the mind there are various thoughts that arise and subside. The knower of the arrival and departure of thoughts exists continuously without any break. If not, it is not possible to identify the arrival and departure of various thoughts.

The one, who is aware of the arrival and departure of all our thoughts, needs to be present all the time continuously. Otherwise, we will not be able to say, “It was in my mind. But now I am not able to recollect it”.

One may have knowledge of cooking and knowledge of engineering. The knower of these two branches of knowledge is not different. Variation exists only in the object of knowledge and not in the subject.

Similarly, knowledge of one person is different from the knowledge of another person and the difference is only in the medium of knowledge (mind) and not in the knower. Knower is only one.

Statement 9: The knower is continuous but the objects appear/ disappear.

If the knower is also disappearing then some one else should be available to perceive the disappearance of the knower. However, it is already proven that the knower is only one. Therefore, it is beginning less and endless.

Example: In a drama, different actors come on the stage and go back. The light in the hall illumines everything on the stage. If there is no light, no actors can be seen on the stage. However, even if there are no actors on the stage, we still need light to know this fact.

Similarly, to comprehend the changing nature of the objects the knower has to be changeless.

To comprehend the appearance and disappearance of the objects the knower has to be eternally present.

Thus it is proven that knower is one, unchanging and continuous.

The equivalent words for ‘Knower’ are Observer, Witness, Consciousness and Awareness.

Summary:
Statement 1: In creation, there are many different objects.
Statement 2: The knower of these objects is different from the objects known.
Statement 3: What is known cannot be the knower.
Statement 4: You are the knower. (Observer/Awareness/Consciousness)
Statement 5: The knower is one but the objects known are many.
Statement 6: The knower is seen indirectly.
Statement 7: The knower appears to be different but in reality, it is one.
Statement 8: The knower does not change but the objects are changing.
Statement 9: The knower is continuous but the objects appear/ disappear.

Knower is the ONE.

ONE is the real meaning of the word “I”, the knower.

I am the knower and I exist forever.

Lesson 6: Introduction to TRUTH/ EXISTENCE
Session: A05

Statement 10: Knower exists.

No proof is required for this statement. We are the knower and we know that we exist. This is self-evident.

Knower is self-revealing. In order to say something exists we need to use any of our primary sources of knowledge. We cannot say something is without any basis. We need to prove the existence through some source of knowledge like eye, ears…etc.

However, in order to know our existence, we do not have to depend on any source of knowledge. We do not have to deduce that we exist. We KNOW that we exist.

Knower is self-evident.

Statement 11: Knower exists forever.

Objects (Mind/ Body included) appear and disappear but the knower exists forever. This is proved in Statement 9.

We know that we exist. From when did we start existing?

Example: On landing in America, Columbus asked a native, “When did you come here?”

The answer will be “I do not know”, which actually means “Always”.

Since we do not know when we started our existence, it can be deduced that we exist all the time.

From the fact that knower is one, we can derive that the knower is eternal. If the knower does not exist forever, it means the knower is subject to birth/death. This is not possible since Knower is only one and there is no one else to observe its birth and death. Just because knower is the ONE, it has to be eternal.

Statement 12: Existence is the very nature of Knower.

If the knower has borrowed existence then it will not last long. Since it is proved that the knower exists forever it has to be knower’s essential nature.

The equivalent words for ‘Existence’ are Truth, Ever and Eternal. The truth is defined as something that exists forever, in the past, present and future. That which cannot be changed/ modified/ destroyed is the absolute truth.

Lesson 7: Practical “Who Are You?”
Session: A06 – A08

NOTES to the teacher:
1. Interchangeable usage of the words ‘I’, ‘mine’ and ‘my’
2. Automobile Accident Experiment – You Are Not Your Body
3. Organ Transplant Experiment – Your Mind is different from your brain
4. Hotel Owner Experiment – You are not your mind
5. Eyes Can’t See Experiment – Sense Organs are independent of the body
6. Invisible Man Experiment – Do you exist?
7. Columbus Experiment – When did you start existing?
8. A for Apple – I for I
9. Apparent Man Vs Real Man
10. Wrong Identity of the Apparent Man
11. Wrong Identity of the Real Man
12. Wrong Identity – Possession, People, Property, Position, Profession
13. Changing Apparent Man Vs Changeless Real Man
14. Anatomy of the real man
15. Discovery of a new star Vs Discovery of the real meaning of the word “I”
16. I am the knower and I exist forever. My real nature is boundary less limitless uninterrupted absolute pure everlasting happiness, which is full of me without any trace of sorrow.
17. The subject matter of this course is the good qualities of YOU

Lesson 8: Introduction to Happiness
Session: A09

Statement 13: We desire some objects in the world.

Whatever we could perceive using our five senses are referred here as ‘objects’.

Example of Objects: Music, Sweets, Painting, Movie and Ice Cream

People, Places and Events are also included in the term ‘Objects’.

Example: Daughter, Singapore, Promotion, Profit

Among the infinite objects in the universe, we desire some of them. We like or love the object of our desire.

Practical: Make a list of nine objects you desire.

Statement 14: All the objects of our desire are sources of happiness.

We like or love the object of our desire because they give us happiness.

Practical: Take each item in the list and check if it gives you happiness.

Statement 15: The depth of love/liking is directly proportional to the degree of happiness.

We will be able to rank our preference for objects according to the level of happiness they give us.

Practical: Check the order of priority in the favorites list. Does it correspond to the degree of happiness it gives?

Statement 16: We like ourselves.

We do not like anyone talking bad about our objects of desire. We also do not like someone talking bad about ourselves. Therefore, it is clear that we like ourselves.

Statement 17: One’s own self is also a source of happiness.

Since all the objects we desire are a source of happiness, we like/ love them. Since we like/love ourselves, our self is also a source of happiness.

Practical: Now add an item ‘Myself’ as the 10th item in the favorites list.

Statement 18: The love/liking for the objects is conditional.

The objects of our desire are liked/ loved by us because they give us happiness. In case if they do not give us happiness, we will be glad to remove them from our favorites list.

Example: I love my pet dog. It is affected by rabies. I arrange to kill it.

Statement 19: The love/liking for the self is unconditional.

There is no condition attached for liking the self.

Practical: From the list of 10 items, remove those items, which do not give you unconditional happiness. The last item ‘self’ will remain.

We always like ourselves.

Statement 20: Unconditional love is superior to Conditional love.

We like/ love objects of the world as long as they give us happiness. However, we love ourselves without any condition. Therefore, the true love is there only for our selves and the love for the objects of our desire are false.

Statement 21: One cannot like/ love anything/anyone more than one self.

We like or love any object in the world only for the sake of self.

Example: Suppose some one says, “I love my children more than myself”. It is said out of ignorance. The key word in the phrase ‘my children’ is not the word ‘children’ but the word ‘my’.

If one of his daughters elopes with his enemy’s son, she is no longer loved.

If the word ‘my’ or ‘mine’ is removed from the phrase, then the object/person is no longer a loved one.

Example: A mother prefers to starve and feed the child with the available food because it gives her more happiness.

We are solely concerned with the happiness of the self.

Thus, more the maturity of mind, man seeks higher level of happiness, from gross body level to mind level, then to intelligence level.

Just as the mother sacrifices her meal for the sake of being happier, noble souls gain higher happiness when the whole nation is benefited through their apparent suffering.

We normally pity a saint who renounces the whole world and is meditating in the forest. The fact is he pities the world. He gains much higher level of happiness than the rest in the world.

Even those who do social service do so because it gives happiness in return.

Statement 22: One commits suicide for the sake of self.

It may appear that suicide is caused by the dislike for the self. The truth is just the opposite. The only reason for committing suicide is the deep love/ liking of the self.

The reason for trying to commit suicide is that a problem and the self are inseparably together. Just because one likes oneself, one commits suicide to save the self from the problem.

Example: A man wants to commit suicide because of poverty or disease. If a solution is offered (money or cure for the disease), then he no longer wants to commit suicide.

Thus, it can be seen that ‘self’ is the only source of happiness.

Statement 23: Every one wants to live forever.

This is a universal phenomenon applicable to all the living beings.

Example: Even a 100-year-old person would like to live longer.

The reason why we want to live forever is that we like happiness. Since we are the only source of happiness we do not want to lose our self.

Therefore, the nature of one’s self is happiness.

The supreme object of love is self that gives us fulfillment and completeness and there is no other object of love in the world. The only source of happiness is self. There is no happiness in any objects of the world. Due to ignorance, we attribute the source of happiness to the external objects and seek them for making the ‘self’ happy.

Lesson 9: Secrets of life
Session: A10

Implication of knowing that “I am the only source of happiness”

If we understand this truth, our perspective in life will drastically change. The popular beliefs on the concept of love have to be changed according to the secrets listed below:

Secret 1: Love and Hatred are two sides of the same coin.

When I realize that my lover does not love me anymore, I start hating. The degree of my hatred corresponds to the degree of my love. The more I love the more I hate.

The reverse is also true. Assume your son who deserted you in your old age, realizes his mistake and comes back to you. Then you love your son whom you hated earlier.

Thus, such a love is not true love. It is born out of our ignorance.

Secret 2: We are always highly selfish. (Love is only for the self)

There are no objects of desire in the world because the ONLY source of happiness is oneself. Whatever we do is to ensure the continuousness of our happiness.

All our thoughts, words and action have only one purpose: Happiness for ourselves.

Secret 3: We do not like anyone. We like only ourselves.

Since the only source of happiness is self, we do not really care or like anyone else. If we are under the impression that we like something or someone, it is due to the ignorance of the source of happiness.

We spend our lifetime chasing various objects/ persons in the word thinking that they are the source of our happiness. On enquiry, it can be found that the happiness of our selves is projected on the objects/ persons and it is not inherent in the objects/persons.

Example: We do not like anything that is not associated with the phrases “I” or “Mine”

It is wrong to think that one can like anyone other than oneself. The only purpose of the apparent love/ liking for someone else is happiness for the self.

We may superimpose the hatred on external factors on our self and hate our self. Same way we superimpose our love for our self onto others and wrongly assume that we like/love them.

Secret 4: No one ever can like us.

If someone says ‘I love you’, it is a big lie, because it is motivated by self-love. This statement is made out of ignorance of the truth.

Love is only for his/her association with us. Suppose we disassociate our relationship with that person, and we are no longer loved.

Secret 5: To gain peacefulness, remove the self from everything around.

Then you will no longer love or hate anything. When the ‘my’ or ‘mine’ is taken away from the object, it will be neutral. There is no love or hate.

Example: If we notice a dent in a car, we are not affected/ bothered. However, the moment we realize that the car belongs to someone known to us, we are affected. The degree of suffering depends on the degree of our love/liking of the owner of the car. If the car turns out to be our car, we are affected the most.

We need to know more about our self since it is the only source of happiness.

Your real nature:

From the three perceptions discussed so far, it has been logically proven that you are the knower, you are eternal and you are happiness. In other words, we have now learnt the true meaning of the word ‘I’ is not the body/mind complex, but “Ever Witnessing Joy”.

This logical conclusion, that our true nature is “Ever Witnessing Joy” is supported by the declaration in the Scriptures. Scriptures also state that the true nature of ONE is “Ever Witnessing Joy”.

Therefore, we now have to accept the declaration of all the Scriptures that YOU and ONE are the same. (You Are That)


Unit 03
Introduction to Delusion
Number of Sessions 5
(12 to 16)
Number of Lessons 2
(10 to 11)

On completion of this Unit, the student will be able to
(a) Identify the cause of our unhappiness in life
(b) Understand the concept of Delusion

Notes to the teacher: (Ref 1.10 to 1.14 of the original text)

Give a general overview of ONE and discuss how it is related to God and living beings. Water - Ocean – Wave example.

Unit Test:
Session A16
1. How do we know that our real nature is Ever Witnessing Joy? (Lesson 10)
2. What is the contradiction in our knowledge? (Lesson 10)
3. How the contradiction is resolved? (Lesson 10)
4. ‘An obstacle does not change the reality’ – Discuss (Lesson 10)
5. How ‘Delusion’ is different from ‘delusion’? (Lesson 11)
6. What are the two powers of Delusion? (Lesson 11)
7. Discuss the concept explained by Snake-Rope example (Lesson 11)

Lesson 10: Why we are not happy?
Session: A12

It is logically shown that our true nature is happiness. The Scriptures also confirm this fact by declaring that we are ‘Ever Witnessing Joy’.

However, our daily experience shows that we have lots of sorrows in life. Life seems to be a mixture of pleasure and pain. Everlasting happiness is not evident.

Therefore, it may appear that there is some mistake in our logical conclusion and in the declaration of the Scriptures.

On enquiry, we find that there is no mistake in our conclusion.

The true nature of the self (happiness) is evident and not evident at the same time.

It is evident because we like ourselves.

It is not evident because we feel that we are incomplete and we seek fulfillment from the objects in the external world.

There is a contradiction.

If we are aware that we are the source of happiness, we will not be chasing material objects for happiness.

At the same time, we know that we are the source of happiness, since we like ourselves the most.

If we observe the world, we see people like themselves very much and at the same time, they seek happiness in the external world by pursuing various objects.

How can this contradiction be explained? How can our true nature (happiness) be evident and not evident at the same time?

The answer to the question is it is generally evident but not specifically evident.

Statement 24: We are generally aware that happiness is our true nature.

Statement 25: We are not specifically aware that happiness is our true nature.

The general awareness and the specific unawareness of our true nature (happiness) seem to be the issue. This can be explained with an example.

Example: A child is learning to sing under a teacher. The father of the child wants to see how the child is progressing and visits the classroom where many students are singing together. Does the father hear his child’s voice or not?

The answer is ‘Yes’ and ‘No’.

The father is able to hear the child’s voice but at the same time not able to ascertain whether the child is singing well or not. This is so because he hears the child’s voice in general and not specifically.

Similarly the knowledge ‘We are happiness’ is generally known (therefore we like ourselves) and not known specifically (therefore we assume that the external objects give us happiness).

For such a contradiction (Being evident and not evident at the same time) to happen there has to be an obstacle. This obstacle causes the blurred vision.

An obstacle (which makes an object some time evident and some time not evident) is defined as a phenomenon, which distorts the existence/ expression of an object and shows it as non-existent and not evident.

Example: When we look at the clear sky in the night, we see stars. The star exists and it is evident. Nevertheless, in the morning we do not see the stars. In this case, the obstacle is the sunlight, which makes us claim that the stars are non-existent and not evident while the truth is otherwise.

An obstacle does not change the reality. It changes our perception of the reality.

Our true nature is happiness. Due to the presence of an obstacle, we are not able to perceive it clearly. This obstacle distorts the existence and expression of our real nature. This is the cause of the contradiction.

The name of the obstacle is Delusion.

Statement 26: Delusion is the obstacle, which distorts the existence and expression of our true nature.

Voices of the rest of the children are the obstacle to ascertain the singing capability of a specific child.

Similarly, Delusion is the obstacle, which prevents us from seeing our true nature of happiness very clearly.

This obstacle has to be removed in order to get a clear view of the true picture.

Lesson 11: Understanding Delusion
Session: A13

We have seen that there is only one obstacle that stands between everlasting happiness and us. The name of this obstacle is Delusion. In order to remove this obstacle, we need to understand its true nature systematically.

Statement 27: There is just one obstacle, namely Delusion

The good news is that there is just one obstacle, which is preventing us from seeing our true nature clearly. Once this one obstacle is removed, we will have clarity.

The bad news is Delusion (with a capital D) is more complicated compared to the normal meaning of the word ‘delusion’. Normal delusion can be dispelled once true knowledge is revealed. However, Delusion is much stronger.

Although we know that, we are not the body-mind complex we continue to be deluded to think that we are.

Although we know that we are eternal, immortal, we continue to be deluded and be afraid of death.

Although we know that our true nature is happiness, we continue to be affected by the problems of the world.

Thus, Delusion is much stronger. Ordinary delusion will go once we understand truth.

Example: A husband is deluded to think that his wife sincerely loves him, while in fact she is cheating on him. His delusion will go the moment he gains the true knowledge about his wife.

This is not the case with the stronger Delusion, which will go only when we thoroughly understand it in addition to knowing the truth. We know the truth that we are the only source of happiness. In addition, we need to understand the effect (already discussed in the previous lesson), powers and origin of Delusion.

Delusion has two powers, power to shield and power to distort.

Statement 28: Delusion has the power to shield.

The shielding power covers up our true nature (Happiness) from us.

Statement 29: Delusion has the power to project.

The projecting power projects a false image on the truth and distorts it. Due to this Delusion, we think that we are mortal.
Example: There is a 4 feet long rope lying at a distance in the garden. We are not able to see it properly due to poor lighting. The poor lighting is the obstacle. It has two powers. The shielding power covers up the specific nature of the rope so we do not see it as rope. However, it does not fully cover the rope. If it does then we would not have seen anything.

The projecting power of the obstacle projects a 4 feet long snake on the useful rope, making it appear as a harmful creature. If the projecting power distorts the view and shows us a 4 feet long cloth or chain, then we would not have been affected.

Poor lighting is the obstacle, which shields the rope partly and distorts it to appear as a snake. Similarly, Delusion is an obstacle, which shields our true nature and also distorts it.

The shielding power of the Delusion covers up the true nature of our self, which is Ever Witnessing Joy. However, it does not cover it up fully. It shows the Joy part alone. That is the reason for us to like our self because we see a part of the true nature of our self. If it had covered our nature fully from us, we would have been as happy and contented like animals. Animals have awareness but they are not aware of their self.

Human beings have more problems compared to animals because the shielding power of Delusion covers up our real nature only partly. Therefore, unlike animals we are aware that we are the source of happiness.

If the shielding power of the Delusion covers up our true nature fully then we do not have any problem. Ignorance is bliss! We need to progress from this half-baked wrong knowledge to complete true knowledge by removing the Delusion fully.

Then we will realize that Knowledge is bliss.

The projecting power of the Delusion distorts the true picture of our self. Instead of showing the Immortal (Truth) Knower, it shows an opposite quality (mortal body/mind complex) as our real self.

If the projecting power were not present, it would have been much easier for us to remove the Delusion. Since it is superimposing an opposite quality on the reality we are Deluded. If we had mistaken the rope for a chain, we would not have been afraid. But, since a dangerous snake is projected on an innocent rope, we have a deep problem on hand. Similarly, since we are thinking that we are a limited, mortal human being (the projecting power of Delusion has superimposed this negative factor on our positive real nature) we seek fulfillment from the objects of the world. We are not aware that we are complete and limitless as we are.

Example: A prince is thinking that he is a beggar.

It is more difficult to remove such ignorance. He has to start from the very beginning on why he is thinking that he is a beggar in order to comprehend and realize his real nature.

Similarly, we need to figure out the origin of Delusion in order to realize our true nature of Ever Witnessing Joy.

Statement 30: Delusion is beginning less

Delusion is part of the creation.

ONE, which is the only reality, is under the Delusion that it is a mortal living being due to the creation of this universe. If the creation has a beginning then it could be said that the Delusion has a beginning.

Since, creation is beginning less, Delusion is also beginning less.

We need to understand the process of creation so that we can comprehend Delusion.

Revision:

Question: Why I do not realize my true nature is Ever Witnessing Joy?

Answer: Delusion

Question: How to remove the Delusion?

Answer: First, we need to understand the true nature of this Delusion.

Question: How to understand the Delusion?

Answer: To understand the true nature of Delusion, it is necessary that we understand the entire creation.

Example: When a virus affects a person, it is not possible to cure him unless we have complete knowledge of the virus. Scientists study about the virus not because they are interested in the virus. Their main concern is the welfare of the human being.

Similarly, we need to study the Delusion so that we are free from it. Delusion plays a specific part in the creation of the universe. Therefore, we need to understand the entire process of creation.

Lesson 11: Practical & Revision
Session: A14 – A15

Notes to the teacher:

It is essential for the students to understand the western view on Creation of the universe before proceeding to the next lesson.

Discuss Big Bang Theory and it is only a theory.

Discuss Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle, which says that the Universe as it appears is not real.

Discuss Bell’s Theorem, which proves the existence of God.


Unit 04
Introduction to Creation
Number of Sessions 8
(17 to 24)
Number of Lessons 7
(12 to 18)

On completion of this Unit, the student will be able to
(a) Know how the universe is created
(b) Understand the importance of knowing the nature of creation
(c) Identify the relationship between God, Living beings and Universe

Notes to the teacher: (Ref 1.15 to 1.28 of the original text)

Give a general overview of Creation through a drama enacted in the classroom. The story line is given in the Lesson 12.

It is important for the student to understand WHY they should learn about the creation. This is more important than knowing the specific steps in creation.

Efforts should be made to make the student understand the creation as detail in as possible. However the emphasize should not be on memorizing and reproducing the order of creation but the conceptual differences in the creation should be understood.

If the students are interested the Sanskrit names of God, Living Beings, and Universe in the three different stages (Causal, Subtle, Gross), it can be discussed. This part is not given in the lessons.

Unit Test:
Session A24
1. Why people in general are not keen to know the process of creation?
2. What is the role of three perceptions of ONE in creation?
3. Explain Causal, Subtle and Gross bodies of living beings.
4. List the 19 components of the Subtle body.
5. Explain death.
6. Why there is special craving for food and sex compared to other sense objects?
7. What is the difference between the living beings and nonliving inert objects?
8. What is the difference between God and the living beings?
9. When did the first creation happen?
10. What is the need for the God to create this universe?

Lesson 12: “Who is the criminal?” – Drama
Session: A17 – A18

We have seen that our real nature is Ever Witnessing Joy. We have also seen that the holy Scriptures say that the real nature of ONE is also Ever Witnessing Joy. In addition, the Scriptures declare that YOU are ONE.

Now the question is if we are Ever Witnessing Joy, why we do we suffer (atleast occasionally). The answer that we arrived at is Delusion. Delusion makes us think that we are a limited mortal being inspite of our knowledge that we are immortal infinite happiness.
In order to remove the Delusion (so that we realize our true nature fully….which is called enlightenment) we need to understand the origin and nature of the Delusion. Since Delusion is part of creation, we need to understand the process of creation.
Before describing the process of creation let us read this story.

Example:

Assume that you are talking to your friend who is involved in a crime. All evidences that are collected so far are against your friend. Now you get an opportunity to talk to your friend alone. Your friend describes the situation that had lead to the crime. You do not have any idea whether your friend is telling you the truth or not. Nor do you have the time and resources to verify the statements made by your friend independently.

The meeting place is the jail. Your friend is behind the bars.

Your friend does not have an impressive personality. He is not a close friend of yours, but just an acquaintance. However, for him, you are his best friend and he is very sincere to you. You are not particular about meeting him often but he is keen on being with you as long as possible and prefers to talk to you as frequently as possible.

What will be your attitude while listening to the various incidents preceding the crime that are being described by your friend in the following two situations?

Situation A:

You trust your friend.

Your friend has not committed the crime.

There is a bright chance that you can help your friend to prove his innocence.

What will be your attitude while listening?

You will be very attentive to what is being said.

You will not doubt the statements made by your friend.

You will not ask questions on any irrelevant details.

Suppose your friend makes few contradicting statements, you will then seek explanations so that you get the real picture.

Situation B:

You do not trust your friend.

You think your friend has committed the crime.

You are not bothered to prove his innocence or otherwise.

What will be your attitude while listening?

You will NOT be attentive to what is being said.

You will doubt the statements made by your friend.

You will ask questions on irrelevant details.

You might even ask for proof of some of the statements although you know very well that they can’t be proved.

When your friend makes any contradicting statements, you will NOT seek explanations but will CONCLUDE that he is guilty.

Now you have to read again the example described above with the following additional information.

1. You are the one who is being punished for the crime.
2. Your friend is just a co-accused and his involvement in the crime is because of his association with you!
3. Your friend is not in the jail. You are in the jail. (From inside the prison your friend will appear to be behind the bars!)
4. Although in your heart you know that you are innocent, some how (you have the habit of walking in the sleep) you are thinking that you may have really committed the crime. (One day when you woke up from your sleep-walking session, you find yourself with a warm gun in your hand and the victim on the floor in front of you!)
5. Your friend knows that you are innocent and is telling you much new information, which you did not know.
6. If you are able to understand the situation that had lead to the crime then you will be set free.

With this background you have to read the entire example again NOW.

If you have done that, you will find that even if you do not trust your friend you will dearly hope that he telling you the truth because the ultimate beneficiary is YOU.

However, in reality you do not pay attention and doubt your friend due to the following reasons.

1. You do not believe that you are in jail.
2. You are thinking that the jail is your home (since you are there for so long) and you have accepted that you are destined to live there forever.
3. When the friend visits you (and talk from behind the bar) you listen to his story uninterestingly.
4. What is more, you interrupt him and tell him how you enjoyed the Volley Ball match you played with your fellow inmates in the jail on the previous day.
5. The friend keeps visiting you occasionally with a fond hope that one day you will get bored of the jail, listen to the truth, prove your innocence and set yourself free!

This is hard to believe. Nevertheless, it is the fact.

The friend described so far is the Scriptures. You are a typical representative of the entire human kind. The jail life represents the life you are leading right now. The situation leading to the crime represents the story how the entire creation (of this universe) has happened. The evidences against you (and your friend) are the world around you.
In order to understand Delusion (That is the crime), firstly we should realize that all the evidences (what we see, what we hear etc) that we have collected so far are false, then we need to listen to the story of creation (Situation that has lead to the crime) which can be known only from Scriptures (Our friend). It is not possible to verify these statements. (Science will never be able to validate them).

Unless we have an attitude as described in Situation A, we will not be able to understand what is described.

Once we understand fully the story of creation, we will understand what Delusion means and we will then gain the freedom from the jail (Life that is oscillating between pain and pleasure, gain and loss, name and blame, poverty and prosperity) and can live joyfully ever after.

It is said that we cannot verify our friend’s (Scripture’s) statements. It is only partly true. We can verify them logically. Firstly, we can relate them to the evidences that we know (but not fully understood) and check if they are correct. Secondly, we can check if the entire narration is logical and coherent without any flaw. Finally, we can check the result…whether we are set free or not. Once we are set free that is the conclusive proof that whatever our friend said is the truth!

To remove Delusion, we need to understand the process of creation. To listen to the story of creation we need to be convinced of the following statements.

Statement 31: Living in the world with Delusion is misery

Statement 32: The universe, which is perceived around us, is false.

Statement 33: We cannot depend on our five senses to understand creation

Statement 34: We need to trust the version given in the Scriptures

Statement 35: We can validate the creation story with our logic and experience

Lesson 13: Preamble to Creation
Session: A19

The ONE whose nature is Ever Witnessing Joy has a power of manifestation called AEM. AEM is like a rope made up of three strands namely Aura, Energy and Matter.

Aura strand is born from the Knower/ Witness/ Observer/ Consciousness aspect of ONE.

Energy strand is born from the Ever existence/ Truth aspect of ONE.

Matter strand is born from the Joy/ Happiness aspect of ONE.

AEM is not independent of ONE like a song is not independent of the singer.

In addition, the existence of the power of AEM can be known only through the expression of the power.

Example: A singer has the power to sing. The expression of this power is called song. The only way to know that some one can sing is to listen to the song. (Looking at the mouth we cannot know whether she can sing or not.)

Similarly, we can know that ONE has the power of manifestation (AEM) only by seeing this universe, which is an expression of this power.

Aura, Energy and Matter are three strands of AEM and they do not exist independent of each other. All these three always are intertwined and need each other’s support to function. Nevertheless, the ratio in which they are mixed can vary.

This AEM is the seed of the matter-energy. (According to the scientists, matter and energy can be interchanged but cannot be created or destroyed. The sum total of all the matter/energy is contained in the AEM just as a big tree is contained in a small seed.)

This power of ONE is inherent in ONE and therefore like ONE, AEM does not have any beginning or end.

AEM, which is inherent in ONE in its un-manifested status is said to be in seed form. This AEM from the seed form of the creation starts to manifest first in subtle form and then into gross form. For example, first, the subtle body is created and then the gross body is created. The seed form is also known as causal form.

Lesson 14: Concept of Subtle and Causal
Session: A19

The gross body is familiar to us. The subtle body is explained with an example of a Sales Counter.

Example: The Sales Counter represents the gross form and the Sales person behind the Counter represents the subtle form. The physical eyes or ears are like the counters. They are just mechanical devises with no inherent power. The job of seeing or hearing is done by the subtle eyes or subtle ears, which are part of the subtle body. These subtle organs are responsible for the functioning of the gross organs.

The ability to draw pictures varies from person to person. If the physical hand is responsible then everyone should be able to draw equally well. This is not the case. The subtle hand, which travels from one birth to the next, has this ability, which is being improved in every birth.

Suppose a person cannot see or hear, while the physical parts of the body are perfect, doctors attribute the inability to the old age. As a person is nearing death the 19 subtle components will slowly start withdrawing from the counters. That is the reason for ‘failure’ of physical organs.

The mind, which is a part of the Subtle Body, reflects ONE just like the mirror reflects the face. It is not possible to see ONE or the face directly. One needs a medium to see these.

We are ONE. There is nothing but ONE. Therefore, we cannot see ourselves. Using our inherent power, we have created a subtle body (which includes the mind) that has the capability to reflect our true nature.

Therefore, we see life around.

Mind is not functioning during deep sleep and the physical body will look like a dead body since the reflecting medium is almost not there. On death, the subtle body leaves the physical body. The physical body cannot reflect the ONE anymore.

The Seed form (Causal form) of AEM first expresses itself in Subtle form and then into Gross form in a particular order as described in a later lesson. The causal body causes subtle body and the subtle body involves into the gross bodies to make them as living beings. Thus involution precedes evolution. The universe is thus created in specific steps starting from Causal form. The Causal body is the store house of all the accumulated results of the past actions of the living beings which causes variation among life forms.

Lesson 15: Story of Creation
Session: A20

Ignoring these three stages, an over view of the creation is given in this lesson.

ONE using its inherent power of AEM creates space using pressure waves. These pressure waves or sound waves convert parts of the energy into molecules of air by converting energy into matter. This air is made denser and hotter and resulted in Big Bang. Rest of the story of creation and evolution is same as proposed by scientists with one major correction.

Scientists believe that living beings evolved out of inert matter when the conditions in earth become suitable for them. However, the truth is involution of the living beings caused this evolution. Along with the Big Bang, which is the expression of Matter strand of AEM, the Energy strand expressed itself as living beings, got involved in the physical molecules, and started appearing in physical form as living creatures.

The seed form of AEM is first expressed in subtle form and then the gross universe as we see has evolved. This is explained by an example.

Example: The only source of light in the Disco Light (which is like a ball that keeps rotating) is the bulb inside. A mixture of three different types of material covers the bulb.

The bulb represents ONE.

The mixture represents AEM. This mixture is made of three different elements namely Aura, Energy and Matter.

Mix 1 (Predominantly Aura) – Plain Glass is called Illusion

Mix 2 (Predominantly Energy) – Small Dotted Glass is called Delusion

Mix 3(Predominantly Matter)–The non reflecting part is called Inert Matter

AEM shines due to the Witness aspect of ONE. In our Disco Light example it reflects the light coming from the bulb.

Aura dominant expression of AEM is called Illusion. The combination of Illusion and the reflection/projection is called God

God is one. God is all knowing. God controls the Illusion

Energy dominant expression of AEM is called Delusion. The combination of Delusion and the reflections/projections are called Living Beings.

Living Beings are many. They are ignorant. Delusion controls them. It has two properties:
1. Shielding (It partly shields the light emitted by the bulb)
2. Projecting (It projects images and objects that are not really there)

Matter dominant expression of AEM is called Inert Matter. The combination of Inert Matter and the non-reflection is called Universe.

Since Universe is matter dominant, it is like clay that can be molded in any shape. Since the Aura element is very less in it, it cannot have pain (or pleasure). Since the Energy element is also very less in it, it cannot do anything independently. The objects in the universe are created by God, for the enjoyment of the Living Beings according to their specifications.

The Disco Light is one object. It results in three things namely,

A bright light which illumines the room

Many small dots that keep rotating all the time all over the place

And the dark non-illumined space that support the other two

These three things do not exist without the Disco Light. Therefore when we see these three things we refer them as Disco Light without ever referring to the bulb, which is hung on the top.

Thus what we refer by the name Universe (Disco Light) actually is the ONE (glowing bulb) but we seem to mean

God (The light projected by the Plain glass)

Living Beings (Many small lights projected by dotted glasses)

Universe (Non-illumined space that support the other two)

All three of them, the bright light, small dotted lights and the non illumined places ARE NOT the source of light. The bright light and many small dotted lights resemble the light that is projected from the bulb. Bulb is the ONLY source of light.

Similarly, all three of them, God, Living Beings and the Universe are made up of inert matter. They are the result of AEM, the manifestation power of ONE. God and Living Beings appear to be alive because they have the capability to reflect the Ever Witnessing Joy nature of ONE.

The only source of light is the bulb and it gives out bright light uniformly. However, the quality of reflection depends on the reflecting mediums namely the plain glass and the many small dotted glasses.

The only source of consciousness is ONE. God is a pure reflecting medium and therefore He is omnipresent, omni prevalent, omnipotent and omniscient. Living beings are made up of inferior material (lesser quantity of Aura) and therefore they appear to be mortal, limited by time and space, ignorant and changing.

While God controls the medium of reflection (Illusion), human beings are under the control of the medium of reflection (Delusion).

There is an option for the dotted lights to make claim on their true identity. Since the only source of light is the bulb, it is right for the small light to say ‘I am the bulb’. Alternatively, it can remain ignorant thinking that it is a spec of light fleeting momentarily.

Similarly, the consciousness that is seen in the living beings belongs to ONE. There is no other consciousness other than ONE. However due to the power of Delusion (poor reflecting medium) we think that we are limited, changing, mortal beings.

Seeing the truth is liberation from the Delusion.

Lesson 16: Steps in a Creation
Session: A21

Step 1: Causal Form

Although we keep using the word ‘creation’ it is a misnomer because it implies that there was a time prior to creation. Time is part of creation. The proper word is ‘manifestation’. Prior to the manifestation of the power, there existed ONE with AEM, the power of manifestation in the Seed Form or Causal Form.

Causal Form that is ETERNALLY present and not created

Step 2: Subtle Form (Technically, this is the first step in creation, since Step 1 is not an action)

From the causal status, subtle form of the universe is manifested in this step as depicted in the chart and marked A to F.

A From the Seed Inert Matter, by adding one quality ‘Sound’ (pressure waves) space (and time) was created. And adding one more additional quality subsequent elements namely Air, Fire, Water, Earth are created.

From this seed form Subtle Elements emerge as follows
Inert Matter + Sound = Space [Can be heard]
Space + Touch = Air [Can be heard and felt]
Air + Form = Fire [Can be heard, felt and seen]
Fire + Taste = Water [Can be heard, felt, seen and tasted]
Water + Smell = Earth [Can be heard, felt, seen, tasted and smelt]

B From the Aura aspect of each of these five subtle elements corresponding subtle sense organs evolved. (5 Components)

C From the Energy aspect of each of the five subtle elements corresponding subtle organs of actions evolved. (5 Components)

D From the Aura aspect of ALL the five subtle elements, subtle Intelligence combined with Ego evolved. (2 Components)

E From the mixture of Aura aspect and Energy aspect of ALL the five subtle elements, subtle mind combined with memory evolved. (2 Components)

F From the Energy aspect of ALL the five subtle elements, five subtle life forces evolved. (5 Components)

Subtle Body comprising these 19 components (B+C+D+E+F), has the power to reflect ONE.

Step 3: Gross Form

G From the Matter aspect of each of the five subtle elements corresponding FIVE GROSS ELEMENTS are evolved with a proportionate mixture of all the five subtle elements as follows
Gross Space=50%of Subtle Space +12.5%Each of Subtle Air/Fire/Water/Earth
Gross Air=50%of Subtle Air +12.5%Each of Subtle Space/Fire/Water/Earth
Gross Fire=50%of Subtle Fire +12.5%Each of Subtle Air/Space/Water/Earth
Gross Water=50%of Subtle Water+12.5%Each of Subtle Air/Fire/Space/Earth
Gross Earth=50%of Subtle Earth+12.5%Each of Subtle Air/Fire/Water/Space
Step 4: Evolution from these five gross elements
From the gross Space/Air/Fire/Water/Earth, God has created the Universe as we see now as described in the Big Bang theory. The Subtle Bodies of the living beings (Which represents the Energy strand of AEM) got involved in the inert matter at the appropriate time of creation and as a result, life appeared on earth. Thus, involution precedes evolution.

Source of our gross organs
Source Space Air Fire Water Earth
Sense Organs Ear Skin Eye Tasting Tongue Nose
Organs of Action Speaking Tongue Hands Legs Organs of reproduction Organs of Digestion
Note: Only the water born Tasting Tongue and the Organs of reproduction are difficult to control. Craving for food and sex is very special compared to the rest because both these senses require physical contact with the sense objects unlike the other senses. In addition, all the five senses will normally be involved during eating and mating. Therefore, we miss food and touch more than say hearing a song or smelling a fragrance.

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