Buddhi Is Like A Crystal

[Guest guest]

Jaya Guru Datta,

 

Here is today's saying:

 

“Hitherto we were discussing as to how Atma is the seer (drashta) which sees

(understands) all the intellects. Let us now see as to how the union of the

intellect and Atma takes place.

 

There are many similarities between the intellect (Buddhi) and Atma. Both are

subtler than the Indriyas. Both are pure. (Atma is pure because it doesn't

have the impurity called ignorance; buddhi is pure because it can reflect the

Atma). Neither of them have avayavas (parts).

 

There are some differences too.

 

Atma is pure and self-luminous. Buddhi (intellect) does not have this quality.

It is simply clear like a crystal. Therefore when it is with the Atma (which is

self-luminous), it also begins to shine.

 

When a piece of crystal is placed in front of a lamp, the crystal shines

brilliantly. For the crystal to glow like this, the lamp has not made any

extra effort. In the mere presence of the lamp, the crystal shines.

 

Similarly, when the intellect comes in contact within the range of the

luminosity of Atma, it also begins to shine. This phenomenon is mistaken by

some as 'union' of Atma and Buddhi. Actually such union is called 'Aadhyaasika

Samyoga'. This union is not like a physical union - like, for example, the

union between wood and lac. Lac and wood are objects with form and therefore

their union is possible. Such union can not take place between objects without

form."

 

Sri Swamiji,

Lessons in Vedanta - 8 Part I

 

Sri Guru Datta,

Swamiji Says