Let's expand our horizon w/Gitaji - how 2 b dettached: Brahman-Embodied Soul? (7 of 8 emails)

October 5, 2006

Divine Ones,

Pranam.

Let's talk about embodied soul before we focus on 'I' or 'ego'. It seems like there is no difference between embodied soul and I. Let's see because sometimes thoughts come to me that there is a very subtle difference, don't know for sure - needs more contemplation, so I would appreciate your comments... Thanks.

See my understanding below...

Love always,

at Thy Holy Feet

On 8/27/06, Manjula Patel <manjumaa wrote:

Loving Divine,

Pranam.

We have very good discussions going on with various questions asked in this group. Thanks to all for their participation and the Moderator for facilitation.

We all say and agree that we need to be detached but the key concern is 'HOW?', isn't it? To address various topics of detachment I have divided them into 8 emails so we can discuss them individually. I have also tried to provide Gita sloka or chapter or a term/word used that have addressed them but Gitaji has lot more to offer...!!! I am a strong believer that the RIGHT UNDERSTANDING is the ONLY way that can lead us to true and deeper level of detachment. So let's expand our horizon together with Gitaji and supportive examples where applicable. Let's pour out our understanding and experiences on how to be truly detached with love & compassion - the true application of Gitaji in our life.

Let's understand all about 'kshetrajna' (Chapter 13)... Also refer to slokas from Chapter 2, e.g., 23/24 - Nainam chindanti shastraani...

(Please note: provide related Gita Sloka 1st, support it with examples from other scriptures if needed)

Please discuss...

1) What is consciousness? Is it same as God or Brahman?

2) What is embodied soul? If at all, how is it different than God?

When we as pure soul start existing like a wave to an ocean (same water in wave & ocean with wave knowing the its always present connection with the ocean) or balloon in the air (same air inside & outside recognizing the no difference), we see ourselves as no different than the cosmic consciousness or consider us as the child of God.(BG 15:7). But due to our samskaars or unfulfilled desires, we start forgetting our connection with our source and that's when we are considered to be an embodied soul...! I belive at this point the birth of 'I' takes place & not prior... or is it when we have completly forgotten the source and take ownership of doership the birth of 'I' starts - don't know...!!! So if we go in reverse order from who we think we are today with non-attachment to our physical state (

i.e., 'I'), I have full faith that we can reach our pure state, i.e., self-realization!

(Hindi essence: jab ham hamaare astitvakaa udgam sthaan bhul jaate hen - hamaare purva samskaar yaa apurna icchaaon ki vajahse, tab ham jivaatmaa roop me band jaate hen. Agar ham hamaare udgam sthaan ki or hi hamaaraa dhyaan kendrit rakhen to avashya hi aatmashaakshatkaar ko paa sakenge!))

3) Should there be any attitude of detachment towards God? If yes/no, why & how?

Thanks in advance for your participation.

Love.

always at Thy Divine Feet