Hindu Article-Nature of the Self

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Nature of the Self

CHENNAI, NOV.4. The Self (Atman) is unaffected by both the good merit

and sin resulting from the actions of an individual according to the

scriptures. But, in common parlance a person is referred to as

a "good soul" or a "sinner" depending on his conduct in life. In

reality it is the body and the mind, which are involved in man's

actions and also enjoy the Karma that accrues as a result; the Self

is untainted by Karma. Likewise, the Self is untouched by joy and

sorrow. This can be corroborated by the fact that no one enjoys joy

or sorrow always. Moreover, one does not experience sorrow in sleep.

Whether one enjoys joy or sorrow in the waking and dream states, the

recollection about sleep is always peaceful.

In his discourse, Sri Goda Venketeswara Sastri said Mantras enabled a

person to get over the agitations of the mind but they will not

reveal the Self. When the Vedic Mantras and sacrifices are adopted in

daily practice they enable the performer to enjoy the joys of this

world and the heaven. What then is the spiritual benefit of these

practices? The mind becomes calm and one-pointed in the process and

this is the basic requirement for further spiritual growth. A

tranquil mind is necessary to study Vedanta, reflect on the

scriptural teachings and meditate on the truth.

It is thus evident that the mind is the enjoyer and not the Self,

which is the witness (I). The Self is of the nature of consciousness.

No one doubts his "I" identity, as it is self-evident. It is only to

get objective knowledge that the five senses and the mind are needed

but not for knowing one's identity. Self-awareness is always there

and no outside means is required to gain this knowledge. Besides, the

Self is blissful in nature.

Just as a person takes credit for all the joys he enjoys in life, so

also should he understand that he is responsible for his sorrows. He

may not have done anything to incur such tribulations in this life

but he must remember that they are the result of his actions done in

previous births. This human birth (body-mind-intellect) has been

given by God to enjoy the Karma of previous births, which a person

enjoys during the waking and dream states. There is brief cessation

of Karmic enjoyment during sleep because the senses and the mind

(consciousness) retract into the blissful space in the heart when a

person falls asleep. As there is no objective experience in sleep,

the peace enjoyed in this state is a reflection of the bliss of the

Self.

 

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