Guest guest Posted May 9, 2007 Report Share Posted May 9, 2007 SAI RAM Dear Brothers and Sisters, (continued from Posting no.55) In case one imagines another sentient entity, which illuminates the Atma, the Atma becomes inert, as that which is illuminated is inert. To say Atma is inert is meaningless. Atma is therefore of the nature of independent Consciouness. Is it finite or infinite? The subject is independent of the object it illuminates. The eye is free from the qualities of the form that it sees. Our eyes do not become round on seeing a ball or elongate whilst seeing a stick. The objects of the world and thoughts of the mind are finite. The Atma that illuminates them is therefore infinite and unconditioned. Then what is It`s relation to all of us? Being the very subject, the Atma is naturally one with me, you and everybody. It is me myself, you yourself and so on. The Kathopanishad sums it up beautifully: " Is it or is It not? " is the question. " It is you! " , is the answer. To know the world of objects ,emotions and thoughts, various sophisticated methods and equipment are used. To know the Truth, the Atma, the Self of the seeker, which is the subject behind all objects, we have to do just the opposite. When all efforts and all instruments ---both external and internal(mind,intellect)---are withdrawn and all that can be negated stands negated, then the Self is realized. We are so habituated to using our intellect,trained and educated in various methods of research, that this unique method seems very difficult--nay, almost impossible. Hence even great scientists, philosophers and leaders are unable to make much progress in the spiritual field. On the other hand someone who may be illiterate or unsophisticated but has a subtle intellect realizes the Atma. The Self is said to be the witness of the mind and intellect. In Vedanta, a witness is one who is self-shining and illumines others without aid. The Atma is said to be the " witness " to shift the attention of our minds from the thoughts to the One who illumines them. In its own true nature, the Atma is not even witness as it is one without a second. With Loving SAI RAMs, G. Balasubramanian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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