Mind, Self, Perception and Revelation

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In advaita, clear distinction exists between

paramarthika (absolute) awareness and Vyavaharika

(relative) awareness. Shankara's statements such as

"Sarvam Brahma Mayam,Brahmaiva Satyam" come from

awareness at the Paramarthika level of awareness. At

the absolute level, the awareness is free from time,

space and perception. This is the experience of

Brahman or Self-Revealation of Brahman. Mind is

subdued taken over by the SELF.

 

The awareness at the Vyavaharika level is experienced

through the mind using the interactive space and time.

Consequently mind's perception is subject to change

with respect to space and time.

 

Mind perception and Self-revealation correspond to two

different level of awareness. The Sages and saints of

the Upanishads including Sage Vyasa made clear

distinction between 'revealations' and perceptions.

Accordingly, Sruti (Vedas) is Self-revelation and any

Smiriti (Includes Scriptures other than Vedas,

Puranas, epics, etc.,) is mind-perception.

 

Strictly speaking all that is transcribed becomes

Smiriti. Mind plays its role in any transcription even

if it is Vedas and consequently all that we read and

analyze come from our perception. This may also

explain why the ancient Hindus avoided transcription

of the Vedas and practiced the 'Oral tradition for

generations.'

 

The scriptures that fall under the group - Smiriti

were the perceptions of the noblest and the ablest of

the Vedic Scholars and transcriptions were conducted

with atmost care.

 

The question - how do we connect the chain - the

vyavaharika and Paramarthika level of awareness?

requires the role of faith. Gita emphasizes the role

of sadhana to cross the boundary between the relative

and absolute level. Unless we develop unquestionable

faith in the teachings of Gita, we can't perceive the

revealations!

 

regards,

 

Ram Chandran