Spiritual Instruction - Practice [ Abhyasa ] - 5

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8. What part of the body is the abode of the Self?

The heart on the right side of the chest is generally indicated.

This is because we usually point to the right side of the chest

when we refer to ourselves. Some say that the sahasrara

(the thousand-petalled lotus) is the abode of the Self. But if

that were true the head should not fall forward when we go

to sleep or faint.

 

9. What is the nature of the heart?

The sacred texts describing it say: Between the two nipples, below the chest and above the abdomen,

there are six organs of different colours*. One of them resembling

the bud of a water lily and situated two digits to the right is the heart.

It is inverted and within it is a tiny orifice which is the seat of dense

darkness (ignorance) full of desires. All the psychic nerves (nadis)

depend upon it. It is the abode of the vital forces, the mind and

the light (of consciousness).

 

But, although it is described thus, the meaning of the word heart (hrdayam)

is the Self (atman). As it is denoted by the terms existence, consciousness,

bliss, eternal and plenum (sat, chit, anandam, nityam, purnam) it has no

differences such as exterior and interior or up and down. That tranquil state

in which all thoughts come to an end is called the state of the Self. When it

is realized as it is, there is no scope for discussions about its location inside

the body or outside.

 

* These are not the same as the Chakras.