Questions to ponder over part 5

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The end result

 

" He who knows the immutable, the pure, the shadowless, the bodiless, the

colorless, attains to Brahman, O my friend. Such an one becomes all-knowing,

and he dwells in all beings. Of him it is written: 'He who knows that

immutable Self, wherein live the mind, the senses, the pranas, the

elements-verily such an one knows all things, and realizes the Self in all.' "

(Prashna Upanishad 4:10, 11)

 

This is most important, for it indicates that first we know the Self-the

individual Self, the jivatman-and then we are enabled to know the Supreme

Self, the Paramatman: Brahman. And the Self we will know is itself:

 

Immutable. Eternally changeless, incapable of being either diminished or

increased, for it is one with the Infinite.

 

Pure. Ever only itself, never really being influenced or changed by any

thing whatsoever. Untainted by any contact, for it is untouchable.

 

Shadowless. The Self is Pure Light within which there is no shadow of

darkness or differentiation. It is always exactly what it is

 

Bodiless. It is perfectly non-dual. It is neither inside or outside of any

thing. It cannot be contained. It is absolutely one, having nothing appended

to it or necessary to it.

 

Colorless. It has no " qualities " or " characteristics " but is always I AM.

The three gunas are not present in it, nor are any gradations of any kind.

It is indescribable. All we can really say about it is what it is not.

 

All of these terms indicate that the Self is the same as Brahman. And the

Self that knows its Self-Brahman, " wherein live the mind, the senses, the

pranas, the elements " -does in truth come to know all things and the Self in

all things.

 

Omniscience and omnipresence are experienced by that liberated spirit who

knows its oneness with The All.

 

 

 

(Concluded)

 

OM

 

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