Guest guest Posted November 13, 1999 Report Share Posted November 13, 1999 (Translator - Swmai Chetanananda) The atman is neither male nor female nor neuter. It is not a matter of perception or inference. Why then do you ponder over whether the Atman is blissful or devoid of bliss? (comments) Neither male nor female - The Atman, the pure consciousness, is the real nature of all beings. It is sexless. The conception of sex pertains to the body, but the Atman is not the body. The Svetasvatara Upanishad says: " Thou art woman, Thou art man; Thou art youth, and maiden too. Thou as an old man totterest along on a staff; it is Thou alone who when born, assumest diverse forms. " (4.3) The Atman is blissful - According to the Vedanta philosophy, bliss is the essence of existence. Brahman is bliss and is the source of things. " For who, indeed, could live, who breathe, if there were not this bliss in space (that is, in the heart) " ? (Taittiriya Upanishad, 2.7) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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