SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT ATMA----30

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SAI RAM Dear Brothers and Sisters,

(Continued from posting no.29)

 

Let me now share with you some more indicative definitions regarding Atma from the Scriptures. In the earlier submissions, Atma was indicated as " not this,not this " . Let us now look into some of the positive indications about Atma. Taken together , they provide the material for contemplation,meditation and realization of Self (Atma).

 

 

Atma , as already seen is eternal (Nitya). Frequent repetition of this and other terms will help a sadhak to maintain a constant reflection of these ideas till a firm impression of the Truth is established in his or her mind. Atma is said to be immaculate,perfect, spotless, stainless, unblemished,untainted etc.

( Suddha and Nirmala). Atma is the core of human personality. It enables the five material layers (Kosas) to perform their respective functions. But none of theses functions affect the Ama,which remains ever immaculate ,uncontaminated (

Nirlipta, Na lipyate etc.) by the functions of the material equipment. Atma is liberated and free( Vimuktah, Nityamuktah etc.). We are bound by the activities of our physical, body, mind and intellect. But when we are asleep, we are free from this bondage. But such a freedom from the limitations imposed by the material equipment during deep sleep is temporary. No sooner we wake up we fall back into our limited

existence. On realization of the Self, however, we get totally liberated from the thraldom of material entanglements. We then enjoy supreme everlasting freedom. Vedanta holds freedom is the essential nature of man. Whichever thing or being is conditioned is mortal; to be conditioned is to be bound by space,time and cause. To be unconditioned is to be free from all these bonds. Whatever, therefore, is free,in the sense of being unconditioned,is immortal. The Atma alone is unconditioned and free.

 

Atma is one(Ekam). Once we gain liberation from the entanglements of the matter vestures, we merge with Reality. The pluralistic phenomenon hitherto experienced vanishes and thereafter we will experience nothing but the One Reality. The Isa Upanishad calls Atma as Anejatekam. It means the Self is one. The Upanishads proclaim in the above and in many other passages that the ultimate reality in man is One, not two-----Ekameva Advitheeyam--one without a second. The Rig Veda says,

" Ekam Sat Vipraah Bahudaa vadanti " . It means that which exists is one, the sages speak of it by various names. Swamy Vivekananda considers this as the MAGNA CARTA of our religion. There is unity in diversity in our religion endless varieties of forms and features, the various names given to one God and the methods of worship. Atma is the reality behind all beings, big and small. A big wave and a small bubble of water have their basic oneness as ocean. Vedanta wants us to see the 'One' behind the many.

 

(to be continued)

With Loving SAI RAMs,

G.Balasubramanian