Intellect and Atma

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Jaya Guru Datta,

 

Here is today's saying:

 

“Let us assume that Atma 'sees' the intellect with the help of some instrument.

In any activity, the extent of action is limited to efficiency of the instrument

employed for that particular work. In other words, there is limitation. It

therefore follows that (if at all the Atma is the performer) the Atma too has

limitations. How can It 'see' all the intellects? It may 'see' one intellect

after another, It may not 'see' some intellects at all; or it may 'see' one

intellect as another (by mistake). In any case, the seer 'sees' objects

through the intellect (an instrument) and with the help of light (another

instrument). The colour of the object varies as the colour of the light

changes. The perception of the same object varies depending on the status of

the intellect. The action of 'seeing' by the Atma should also be influenced by

the variation in the instruments.

 

Also, if one is using an instrument, one will be influenced by that instrument

to a certain extent. If Atma were to use any instrument, It should also be

influenced to a certain extent by that instrument. But then, does Atma get

influenced?

 

It would be wrong to say that: 1. Atma 'sees' only limited things (assigning

limitation), 2. One after another, 3. One as another (defective perception).

4. Atma gets influenced. We have learnt (while defining Atma) that it does

not undergo any change nor does it need the help of any instruments to

function. We have also learnt that Atma is neither of the nature of intellect

or light (both of which may undergo change).

 

If so, how is the association of intellect and Atma possible?"

 

Sri Swamiji

Lessons in Vedanta - 6 part III

 

 

 

Sri Guru Datta,

Swamiji Says

 

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