The 3 States Are of Buddhi, not Atma

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Jaya Guru Datta,

 

Here is today's saying:

 

“It was shown in lessons 7, 8, and 9 that we are getting confused about the

difference between Atma and Buddhi. Therefore we are unable to differentiate

them and comprehend Atma clearly. In order to understand the nature of Atma, we

should know more about the three states, viz., Jagrat - Swapna- Sushupti

(wakeful - dream - deep sleep states). Everyone says (or feels) - 'I slept', 'I

dreamt' or 'I woke up'. Because of this, one may erroneously deduce that these

three states are of the Atma.

 

If these states were really to be of Atma- i.e., if they were to be natural to

the Atma-they will remain inseparable from it. Burning is the natural tendency

of fire; it cannot be separated from fire). It will then imply that atma is

impure and that it has variations.

 

In reality, these three states are of the buddhi (intellect). If this can be

established, it will become clear that atma is pure and that it is independent

of everything else. It is therefore necessary to study in depth about the three

states, although a brief discussion was made earlier."

 

Sri Swamiji

Lessons in Vedanta - 10, part I

 

Sri Guru Datta,

Swamiji Says